About Us

About MAYSO

The Mankato Youth Symphony Orchestras, Inc. was organized in 1964 and incorporated in 1966. Mr. James Berg was the organizer and director of the first orchestra. Parents of the orchestra members and other community members made up the organization, which operated under a Board of Directors and an Executive Committee.

The organization raised funds in the community to purchase uniforms for the orchestra members, provide music for the members, and send members to various music camps and workshops. The orchestra ceased to "officially" exist in 1974, due, in part, to the division of the high schools, and also the shortage of musicians to direct the orchestra. From 1974 to 1983 the orchestra meet over the summer to play together as a group and prepare for the coming school year with the local orchestra director. The orchestra "officially" reorganized in 1983 and has been presenting concert seasons ever since.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Mankato Area Youth Symphony Orchestra is to educate young musicians in orchestral performance utilizing a wide variety of symphonic music and educational formats.

Purpose Statement

Our purpose is to prepare the young musician for participation in the world of symphonic music either as a musician or a patron of the arts.

AUDITIONS

An audition is your chance to show off your playing ability. Think of it as an opportunity to display what you have learned on your instrument, not whether you are good enough to get in. MAYSO auditions are an opportunity for our Directors to meet new and returning students and evaluate their playing ability to ensure that they are placed in an ensemble that will be challenging and fun.

While we strongly encourage students to audition in person, we realize this may not be an option for everyone. Students may request to submit a video audition as an alternative to a live audition. Please email Operations Director Mark Wamma (operationsdirector@mayso.net) to make a request.

OUR ENSEMBLES

Fall and Winter Session Ensembles (September - March)

North Star Strings (NSS) is our introductory strings only orchestra. The goal of this ensemble is to introduce students to ensemble playing and help develop note reading. Students in this orchestra should have a minimum of 1 year of private lessons, should be able to read music, and are typically in grades 3-8. All students who apply are accepted into this ensemble. NSS is directed by Mark Wamma.

Youth Philharmonic* (YP) is our intermediate ensemble open to string, wind, and percussion students. YP students can expect to see more challenging key signatures (up to 4 flats or sharps) and challenging rhythms. String players can expect to shift into higher positions. These students will typically have between 3-6 years of experience on their instrument, have prior ensemble experience, and are typcially in grades 6-9. YP is directed by Mark Wamma.  *YP is not being offered for the 2025-2026 season.

Youth Symphony Orchestra (YSO) is our most advanced ensemble offered to wind, percussion, and string musicians. YSO students will typically have 4 or more years of experience on their instrument, have prior ensemble experience, and are typically in grades 9-12. Repertoire for YSO will be selected from advanced high school or introductory collegiate level works. YSO's interim conductor is Philip Claussen while we search for a permanent conductor. 

<<< Please reach out to the directors if you have questions about which group is appropriate for your child. >>>

Pops Session Ensembles (April - June)

Pops Orchestra is open to string, wind, and percussion student musicians of all playing abilities. It is generally recommended that students in this orchestra have 2 or more years of experience on their instrument and are comfortable reading music. Rehearsals are 2 hours on Sundays.

Pops Orchestra Lite is geared toward younger and beginning string students. It affords them the opportunity to play with the Pops Orchestra on parts that are fit to their note reading and playing ability. They will rehearse for 1 hour with the Pops Orchestra and also receive a 30 minute sectional to help them learn their music. This group is recommended for first time orchestra players or students who have 2 or less years of experience note read and playing their instrument.

REHEARSALS

Where are rehearsals?

MAYSO rehearses on the campus of Bethany Lutheran College in the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center.

PERFORMANCES

TUITION

Tuition rates are:

Youth Symphony Orchestra

• • $360 (Fall & Winter session)

  • $180 (one session)

Youth Philharmonic

• $260 (Fall & Winter session)

• $130 (one session)

North Star Strings

• $160 (Fall & Winter session)

• $80 (one session)

Play a secondary instrument in NSS

• $60 (Fall & Winter session)

• $30 (one semester)

Payments by cash or check (payable to MAYSO) may be submitted at rehearsals.