WAMSO - MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION

MISSION
WAMSO—Minnesota Orchestra Volunteer Association provides support for the Minnesota Orchestra and promotes music education.

CORE VALUES
• Music enhances life.
• Music education is essential to lifelong learning.
• The Minnesota Orchestra is a vital resource in our community.
• Volunteers provide an invaluable link between the Minnesota Orchestra and the community.

Founded in 1949, WAMSO originally stood for Women's Association of the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra. Today WAMSO members and volunteers include men and women from various backgrounds and experiences, from students to retirees.

Over the years, WAMSO has contributed more than $10 million to the Minnesota Orchestra. WAMSO also contributes over 500 volunteers who donate more than 10,000 hours each year.

Our education programs include:
Kinder Konzerts: This program introduces preschool children to Minnesota Orchestra musicians and their music and to Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis, reaching over 6,000 children from the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.

Kinder Konzerts on the Road: This program brings Kinder Konzerts to area schools reaching kindergarten through third grades. WAMSO volunteers present a Sound Factory, a hands-on pre-concert workshop for children in their classrooms, preparing students for the concert and giving them a chance to "play" different musical instruments.

Young Artist Competition: WAMSO's longest running education program, Young Artist Competition encourages exceptional young musical talent through a regional competition. Artists come from eleven Midwest states and two Canadian provinces to compete for scholarships, monetary awards, and an opportunity to perform with the Minnesota Orchestra.

Accent – Music Education for Adults: This program features outstanding musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra. Musicians discuss the specific music they will play in upcoming concerts and talk about their instruments in a convivial atmosphere.

WAMSO also hosts two annual fundraising events: Vintages of Note, a wine and auction event benefitting music education; and Settings of Note, in support of the Minnesota Orchestral Association.

WAMSO has a great group of volunteers, including Kinder Konzert Guides, Fanfare Evening Ushers, Coffee Concert Ushers, and a special events committees, just to name a few!