WYSO Center for Music

Free community concert! Music Makers hosts guitarist and singer-songwriter Tony Memmel at the WYSO Center on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 3 PM. All ages welcome, no ticket required.

Navy Band musicians will perform a short recital for the Youth Orchestra, followed by instrument-specific sectionals with WYSO woodwind, brass, and string players. These hands-on coaching sessions offer students the rare opportunity to learn directly from professional military musicians, whose careers blend artistic excellence with service to our country.

The season begins! Our orchestras return to the WYSO Center for their very first rehearsals of the year. While this is not a public event, it marks an exciting milestone in our calendar as over 500 young musicians begin their musical journey together—meeting their conductors, exploring repertoire, and setting the tone for the year ahead.

The Music Makers community gathers to kick off the year with food, fun, and orientation for students and families. This casual outdoor event welcomes new and returning participants with opportunities to meet teaching artists, learn about the season ahead, and connect with fellow families over a shared meal.

Join us for a special evening of music, community, and behind-the-scenes insight at the WYSO Music Makers Summer Session, featuring the celebrated Willy Street Chamber Players and guest flutist Sonora Slocum.

Join us for the first-ever Music Makers Percussion Showcase, a joyful celebration of musical progress and community connection—free and open to the public. What began in 2021 as a small hand drumming pilot program has grown into a vibrant initiative serving over 40 students across five percussion classes. This culminating concert features performances by all three Music Makers Hand Drumming classes, a Mallet Percussion Ensemble, and a full Percussion Ensemble, including three students from the original 2021 cohort.

Join Us for Notes & Narratives on March 22nd! Step into the world of Gustav Mahler’s "Das Lied von der Erde" at the WYSO Center for Music. This elegant evening features a captivating pre-concert talk with WYSO Music Director Kyle Knox, followed by a stunning performance of Mahler’s symphony with WYSO musicians, members of the Madison Symphony Orchestra, and two renowned vocalists Chaz'men Williams-Ali and Mary Mackenzie.

Concerto Competition Honors Recital, Saturday, February 8 at 7:00pm at the WYSO Center for Music, featuring honorable mentions from the Youth & Philharmonia Concerto Competitions.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 1st, and join us for a delicious celebration of WYSO’s diverse community at the annual Taste of WYSO Potluck! We invite all members and families to bring a dish that represents their background as we celebrate the diversity of our membership through food. The event will run from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and throughout the morning, each orchestra will have time to step out of rehearsal to enjoy a variety of dishes and connect with their fellow WYSO members. Let’s make this event a flavorful success!