[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 58 (Friday, May 12, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E823-E824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN CELEBRATION OF THE MILWAUKEE YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA'S 50TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2006

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in Celebration of 
the 50th Anniversary of the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, MYSO. 
MYSO was started in 1956, with assistance from the Junior League 
Children's Arts Program, the Milwaukee Art Center and later the Rotary 
Club. It has since grown into a valued community institution and the 
largest youth orchestra program in the Nation.
  MYSO provides valuable education and character development for all of 
its young participants. Through participation in MYSO programs, young 
musicians develop discipline and creative problem-solving skills, and 
learn to work as part of a team. MYSO provides young artists with 
exposure to professional musicians and master teachers. Since its 
inception, the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra has become one of the 
most respected youth orchestras in the United States, serving almost 
800 young musicians in a range of programs that include several large 
orchestras in additional to smaller and more specialized ensemble 
groups. MYSO alumni have gone on to distinguished careers as 
professional musicians, and have become accomplished and dedicated 
supporters of arts in the community.
  MYSO has also made a significant commitment to bringing arts into the 
community. As

[[Page E824]]

budget cuts trim funding for arts and music education in the Milwaukee 
Public Schools, MYSO has created new programs that ensure everyone has 
the opportunity to learn about and appreciate music. Programs like 
Progressions and MYSO Jazz Studies bring instrumental instruction and 
ensemble performance to students who might otherwise never have the 
opportunity to play an instrument or learn to read music. Together with 
several other youth arts organizations, MYSO collaborated to develop 
the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, creating a dedicated space for youth 
arts that fosters excellence and honors the creative talents of 
Milwaukee-area youth. This project has contributed to the 
revitalization of a key central city neighborhood.
  For all of these good works, I am honored to commend the Milwaukee 
Youth Symphony Orchestra. I thank them for 50 years of exemplary 
leadership and teaching, and look forward to their continued efforts to 
provide Milwaukee's youth with outstanding arts education.

                          ____________________