About Us
Welcome to MYSO!
The Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) is one of the educational programs of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and has proudly supported the growth and development of young musicians for more than 75 years. Celebrating our 75th season in 2023, MYSO continues a long tradition of providing exceptional orchestral experiences, music education, and performance opportunities for students throughout Mississippi.
MYSO brings together talented young musicians from central Mississippi and surrounding communities who share a passion for music, creativity, and collaboration. Our members represent a variety of public, private, and homeschool communities, creating a welcoming and inspiring environment where students learn, perform, and grow together.
Open to youth musicians through their senior year of high school, MYSO provides a challenging and supportive environment where students can strengthen their musical skills, grow as performers, and build meaningful connections with fellow musicians. Through dedication, teamwork, and the guidance of experienced music professionals, MYSO inspires the next generation of artists and leaders.
Our History
For more than 75 years, MYSO has been dedicated to enriching the lives of young musicians through education, collaboration, and the joy of orchestral performance. Since its founding in 1948, MYSO has provided a place where students can strengthen their musical talents, develop confidence, build lasting friendships, and experience the rewards of performing together.
Theodore Caskey Russell, MYSO’s founder and first conductor, created the youth orchestra with a vision of giving young musicians the opportunity to learn, grow, and share their passion for music. His dedication established a tradition of excellence that continues to inspire generations of performers.
Over the decades, MYSO has flourished under the guidance of many talented conductors, educators, and musicians. The continued commitment of our directors, families, volunteers, supporters, and students has helped shape the organization into the vibrant musical community it is today.
As we celebrate our history and look ahead to the future, MYSO remains committed to fostering creativity, discipline, teamwork, and a lifelong love of music in every young musician who joins our orchestra.
Our Mission
The mission of the Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra is to inspire, educate, and empower young musicians through exceptional orchestral training and performance experiences. We are dedicated to fostering artistic excellence, discipline, creativity, and collaboration while cultivating a lifelong appreciation for music. Through mentorship, community engagement, and the pursuit of musical achievement, we strive to enrich the cultural landscape of Mississippi and develop the next generation of leaders, artists, and advocates for the arts.