More than 1,000 return for first kids’ concert by CWSO

By Patrick Lynn

The Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra held its first in-person educational concert since pre-COVID on March 15.

Just over 1,300 fourth-grade students from schools in Portage, Wood, Marathon, and Shawano counties attended the Dorothy Vetter Memorial Education concerts last month.

“For many of these students, it is the first time that they have heard a live symphony orchestra. The broader goal of the Vetter Concerts is to encourage and inspire students to participate in instrumental music programs at their schools,” said Tessa Taylor, CWSO’s executive director.

Students were given a change to play along with the orchestra. The program also showcases and explains the instruments and sections of the orchestra.

Dr. Andy Moran, Music Director of the CWSO, has participate in the program for many years, including while he was Resident Conductor for the El Paso Symphony, Taylor said.

The 2023 education concerts were sponsored in part by the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin (Dream Big Fund and Murco Foundation), Wisconsin Arts Board, Women’s Fund of Portage County, Heid Music and the Heid Music Family Foundation, Incourage Community Foundation, Frame Memorial Presbyterian Church, Sentry Insurance and Festival Foods.

The CWSO serves as a center of artistic excellence through leadership and partnerships, nourishes spirits, and develops intellectual and creative capital. The organization’s mission is “To enrich, engage and educate through the power and performance of live music.”

The regional orchestra is celebrating 74 years at the heart of the vibrant arts and cultural life of Central Wisconsin. For more information, visit cwso.org.