Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras Announces Michelle Kaebisch as Executive Director
Madison, Wis. – The Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Michelle A. Kaebisch as its new Executive Director, following a national search. Ms. Kaebisch, a longtime advocate for music education and community engagement, has been with WYSO since 2013 as the Conductor of the Philharmonia Orchestra. She succeeds outgoing Executive Director, Bridget Fraser, who is stepping away after 15 years in the role.
Ms. Kaebisch brings 30 years of experience as an educator, non-profit administrator, and professional musician. She is currently a music educator at Oregon High School, where she teaches over 120 students across four orchestras and music composition classes.
A tenured violinist with the Madison Symphony Orchestra from 1993 to 2015, Ms. Kaebisch also served as the Director of Education and Community Engagement for the Madison Symphony Orchestra, where she co-authored Heartstrings: A Guide to Music Therapy-Informed Community Engagement for Symphony Orchestras (2011) in-collaboration with Society for the Arts and Healthcare and Johnson & Johnson, and oversaw 14 education programs that reached more than 23,000 individuals annually.
Ms. Kaebisch’s accomplishments include designing and implementing the Advanced String Orchestra program at WYSO, leading its performances at events such as the Art of Note Gala. She has also contributed significantly to professional development in music education as a clinician and guest conductor for events across the Midwest, such as the Kenosha Unified School District Orchestra Festival and the Beyond the Notes Festival.
“The Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome Michelle in the new role of Executive Director,” said Mary S. Gerbig, President of the WYSO Board of Directors. “She brings strong leadership skills and experience, a wealth of youth orchestra experience, as well as a strong network of relationships in the nonprofit and education communities. Michelle has the leadership skills and vision to assist WYSO in building community through its world class music education programs. We welcome Michelle and look forward to our work together.”
Kyle Knox, WYSO Music Director and Youth Orchestra Conductor, shared: “With the opening of our world-class facility, WYSO has entered an exciting new phase in our development. We need an executive director who can simultaneously honor our past while building toward a bright future. Given both the diversity of her skill set and the scope of her network, I cannot think of a person whose professional background better prepares them for this task than Michelle Kaebisch. I look forward to many fruitful years of working alongside her.”
Reflecting on her new role, Ms. Kaebisch said: “I am honored and excited to serve our Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras families in this new role. As a former youth orchestra member and longtime WYSO conductor, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of music education firsthand. It is a privilege to lead WYSO into its next chapter, helping young musicians experience the joy and sense of community that come from making music together.”
Ms. Kaebisch’s leadership comes as WYSO continues its growth trajectory, including the recent opening of the WYSO Center for Music in Madison. Her vision and dedication will enhance WYSO’s mission to enrich lives through transformational musical experiences for young musicians and the community.
For more information about WYSO and its programs, please visit www.wysomusic.org.
Media Contact:
Jake Penner
Marketing & Communications Manager
608.733.6283 ext. 118
jake@wysomusic.org
About Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras:
Established in 1966, the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO) is one of the nation’s premier youth orchestra programs, serving young musicians from across southern Wisconsin. WYSO offers a comprehensive range of ensembles and educational opportunities, including five orchestras, chamber music programs, and the Music Makers program, dedicated to providing access to music education for underserved communities. With a commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, WYSO enriches the lives of its members and audiences through the transformative power of music.