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Volunteer Programs
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The Minnesota Orchestra is supported by a dedicated
community-wide arm of volunteerism. WAMSO—Minnesota
Orchestra Volunteer Association reaches over 10,000 children
and adults each year through its music education programs.
YPSCA, the Young People's Symphony Concert
Association, has supported the Orchestra's longest-running
education program, Young People's Concerts, since 1911.
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WAMSO—Minnesota
Orchestra Volunteer Association
WAMSO provides support for the Minnesota Orchestra
and promotes music education. Founded in 1949,
WAMSO coordinates the work of over 500 volunteers
who manage programs in music education and fundraising,
as well as services for the Minnesota Orchestra.
Over the course of its history, WAMSO has contributed
over $10 million to the Orchestra.
WAMSO's Core Values
* Music enhances life.
* Music education is essential to lifelong learning.
* The Minnesota Orchestra is a vital resource in our community.
* Volunteers provide an invaluable link between the Minnesota Orchestra and the community.
WAMSO—Minnesota Orchestra Volunteer Association is
a nonprofit corporation of volunteers that qualifies
as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3)
of the Internal Revenue Code.
For more information, visit the WAMSO
Web site!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
PROGRAMS
Kinder Konzerts
WAMSO's award-winning Kinder Konzerts is celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2007-2008. This program reaches over 6,000 pre-schoolers each year and has generated commissions for twelve musical works. Trained volunteers guide youngsters through a creative, hands-on experience and onstage concert by Orchestra musicians. The 2007-2008 Kinder Konzerts will feature a new musical story composed by Stephen Paulus.
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Kinder Konzerts on the Road
WAMSO inaugurated the Kinder Konzerts on the Road program in 2005-2006. In cooperation with the Minnesota Orchestra, WAMSO brings Kinder Konzerts to area schools reaching kindergarten through third grades. Kinder Konzerts on the Road features a musical composition by Minnesota composer Steve Heitzeg based on the book The Tin Forest by Helen Ward . Kinder Konzerts on the Road provides children with personal experiences with musicians, orchestral music and instruments. It provides teachers a model and material for interdisciplinary links between music, literacy and science.
Target Family Concert Previews
At the Minnesota Orchestra's Target Free Family Concerts on Sunday afternoons, local music educators, WAMSO volunteers and MacPhail Center for Music students lead children and their families in a concert preview and hands-on activities in the Orchestra Hall lobby that enhance their enjoyment of the concert. Click here for upcoming Target Free Family Concerts.
Young Artist Competition
WAMSO's longest running educational program, created in 1956, discovers and encourages exceptional young musical talent through this regional competition. Scholarships and monetary awards, as well as an opportunity to perform with the Minnesota Orchestra, are awarded to competition winners. The 2008 Competition is scheduled on January 20, 2008, at Orchestra Hall. Flutist Conor Nelson was the 2007 Young Artist Competition Grand Prize winner and will perform with the Minnesota Orchestra in the near future. Click here for application information for the 2008 competition.
Listening Houses
This adult education program features guest speakers and a chance to meet Orchestra staff and musicians. Recent guests have included Minnesota Orchestra Principal Trumpet Manny Laureano and Karen Koepp, Showcase editor. Enjoy dinner and conversation with fellow music lovers. Reservations are required. Call 612-371-5654.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Fundraising: Projects to raise funds for WAMSO education programs and the Minnesota Orchestra include "Settings of Notes,” the Symphony Ball and “Vintages of Note." Call WAMSO at 612-371-5654 for ticket information or to volunteer.
Concert Ushers: Over a hundred volunteers serve as ushers and hostesses for the Coffee Concert series, and for evening classical concerts.
Bus Captains: Bus Captains for the Coffee Concerts are needed for Southdale, Ridgedale and Rosedale shopping centers.
Macy’s Day of Music: Volunteers are needed for Macy’s Day of Music in July.
Kinder Konzerts Guides: Introduce pre-school children to Orchestra Hall and classical music. Friday mornings at Orchestra Hall.
JOIN US!
For information on volunteer opportunities or to join WAMSO, call the WAMSO office at 612-371-5654 , or e-mail wamso@mnorch.org.
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YPSCA — Music Education
for Young People
On November 24, 1911, the eight-year-old Minneapolis Symphony
Orchestra (now Minnesota Orchestra) performed its first Young
People's Concert. That same year the Young People's Symphony
Concert Association (YPSCA) was formed to assist, augment
and promote these Young People's Concerts. Students now have
the unique opportunity to hear the Minnesota Orchestra in
one of the longest running series of Young People's Concerts
in the United States. Following is a guide to YPSCA's volunteer
projects — and the many ways in which you can join this
volunteer effort.
YPSCA's
philosophy
To instill in young people an appreciation of music and to encourage
their continuing interest in the Minnesota Orchestra.
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Ushering
YPSCA members and potential members serve as volunteer ushers at all Young People's Concerts. As a volunteer usher, you can help fill the Hall with 2,450 students at these daytime concerts — and then enjoy the Minnesota Orchestra performance yourself.
School Outreach
YPSCA collaborates with the Orchestra's Education Department to select schools with little or no budget for music to help provide these schools with tickets and bus service to Young People's Concerts. Using Orchestra-produced curriculum materials, YPSCA, Thursday Musical volunteers and performers visit these schools to help prepare students for their Young People's Concert experiences.
School Music Auditions
Since 1955, YPSCA has held annual judged competitions for Upper Midwest piano and orchestral instrument students through high school. Winners receive cash prizes and scholarships. The first prize includes the opportunity to perform with the Minnesota Orchestra at a future Young People's Concert.
Become a Musical Mentor
For $150 you can send a classroom of young listeners to Orchestra Hall for the concert experience of a lifetime. Before their trip, the students will be visited by YPSCA and Thursday Musical volunteers and performers to help prepare them for their adventure. We’ll send you notes from "your" class sharing reactions to the concert they hear. To become a Musical Mentor, please contact Cynthia Tambornino at (952) 942-5634.
Join us!
To participate in any of these projects, please become a member of YPSCA. The only membership requirements are a love of music and a desire to help young people learn to enjoy great music. How much time you spend on YPSCA projects is your choice. Annual dues are $40 and contributions are always welcome. For more information, please contact Jim Bartsch, Director of Education for the Minnesota Orchestra, at (612) 371-5650.
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