The LYSO History
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 40 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 Orchestra
and the Youth Symphony 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
(Maestro Italiano Dec. 21, 1915 - August 12, 2006)
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 Youth Symphony 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.
Youth Symphony Orchestra Conductors
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 - Present
Philharmonic Orchestra Conductors
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 - Present