The LYSO Story

• The Harmony of Music
   In 1967 Frank J. Italiano brought a group of young musicians together, this was the beginning. Two years later, in 1969, the La Crosse Youth Symphony Society became incorporated. The La Crosse Youth Symphony has grown and changed over the years, but it still has the same purpose today as it did 43 years ago: to give the youth of the area a way to gain valuable musical experience, to obtain different insights into the techniques of their particular instrument from a faculty of professional musicians and teachers, and finally, to give our youth the enjoyment of performing in an orchestra and an appreciation of the arts - whether as a performer, a future teacher or an avid audience participant.
• In the fall of 1983, the Youth Symphony added the Philharmonic Orchestra. There have been other groups added over the years, such as the Preparatory Stings, the Discovery Orchestra and the Premier Orchestra. Today LYSO has two groups, the Philharmonic String Orchestra and the Italiano Orchestra.
• The LYSO would like to thank all the people who have made the past 40 years possible. These include the many students who have participated over the years and the parents who volunteered their time to help our organization grow. Thanks to all the faculty members and conductors who have taught those students, and to the Board Members who have given so much. Lastly, thank you to all of our contributors over the years, without your support we would not be able to continue to give our youth such a great opportunity.
• Frank J. Italiano Endowment
  
  In May 1989, the Board of Directors of the La Crosse Youth Symphony Orchestras established the Frank J. Italiano Endowment, to assure the continuation of the Youth Symphony program and provide music scholarships to LYSO members. It is used for a music scholarship to an outstanding graduating senior who will continue playing in an orchestra at the college level. Contributions to the Endowment are always welcome.
• Ruth B Williams Musical Merit Award Endowment
• This award was established, in December, 2006 in the endeavor to encourage and perpetuate artistic excellence and promote musical enjoyment for future generations through education and concert performance. This award is given to a graduating senior who is pursuing either a career as an individual instrument concert performer or instrumental music educator of grades six through 12. Contributions to the Endowment are always welcome.
• 
  Youth Symphony Orchestra Conductors
               Now known as the "Italiano Orchestra"
  
   
  Frank J. Italiano  -  1967 - 1990
  Mark Taylor  -  1990-1991
  Kevin Ryan  -  1991-1992
  Douglas Diamond  -  1992-1994
  David Phipps  -  1994-1998
  Dawson Strutt  -  1998-2007
  Enaldo Oliveira  -  2007-2008
  Randall Mastin - 2009 - Present 
• 
  Philharmonic Orchestra Conductors
                    Now known as the "Philharmonic String Orchestra"
   
  Jerry Lehmeier  -  1983-1984
  Dr. Joseph Cordeiro  -  1984 
  Richard Pinnell  -  1985-1990
  Marianne Spors Buchanan  -  1990-1991
  Dawson Strutt  -  1991-1994
  Elizabeth Becker  -  1994-1998
  Sharolyn Birdsong  -  1998-1999
  Randall Mastin  -  1999-2003
  Dr. Edward Higgins  -  2003-2005
  Mark Lakmann  -  2005-2006
  Francis de la Rosa  -  2006-2007
  Randall Mastin  -  2007-2008
  Linda Lebakken - 2009 - Present
  
  
  
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