Jackson Symphony Orchestra

==Jackson Symphony Orchestra== The '''Jackson Symphony Orchestra''' (JSO) is a distinguished musical institution with a storied history that has contributed significantly to the cultural fabric of Jackson, Michigan. Founded in 1949 under the leadership of Conductor Pedro Paz, the JSO has evolved from its modest beginnings to become a robust regional orchestra, known for its classical and contemporary musical performances. ===History=== The orchestra's inaugural concert took place in 1951 at the Jackson High School auditorium, drawing an impressive audience of 1,200 attendees, despite inclement weather preventing 600 ticket holders from attending. Over the years, the JSO has seen several changes in its principal performance venues, moving from Jackson High School to Jackson Community College in 1980, where it established itself as a significant cultural entity in the region. Throughout its history, the JSO has been dedicated to offering a diverse range of musical experiences. This includes five subscription concerts, two pops concerts, four chamber concerts, Jazz Night performances, and numerous in-school children’s concerts annually. In 1982, the orchestra introduced its first Summer Pops concert, a tradition that has continued for over four decades, held in various locations across Jackson such as the Cascades, Ella Sharp Park, and Horace Blackman Park. In 1985, the JSO moved into a new dedicated rehearsal and office space at the Commercial Exchange, and in 1991, it established the JSO Community Music School (CMS) with the dual goals of providing quality music instruction to the community and offering employment opportunities for orchestra members. The CMS has since grown to enroll over 300 students per semester, with a faculty of 20 instructors. A significant milestone in JSO's history was the successful conclusion of a $1.4 million capital/endowment campaign in 1994, which secured a downtown location for the orchestra's activities. This facility, generously provided by Comerica Bank through a favorable lease agreement, became a hub for lessons, rehearsals, concerts, classes, and community gatherings, attracting over 500 individuals weekly. The orchestra celebrated its 50-year anniversary in 1999-2000 with ambitious community engagement initiatives, including the "Babies in Tune" program, after-school string programs for at-risk children, a home school orchestra, a chamber series, a string academy, summer strings and piano camps, the "JSO Goes to School" program, and the JSO String Team. In 2007, Maestro Osmond celebrated 30 years as Music Director, and the JSO intensified its community outreach with new programs. The orchestra launched the Music on Tap series in 2013-2014, featuring nationally and internationally touring musicians from various genres. Following Stephen Osmond's retirement, Matthew Aubin was appointed as Music Director in 2016-2017. The JSO marked its 70th anniversary in 2018-2019 with significant renovations to Weatherwax Hall, thanks to a donation from Faith Small. The hall now accommodates JSO performances and larger Music on Tap audiences. More recently, Maestro Aubin initiated the Equal Billing Project, which highlights composers marginalized during their lifetimes. The project's debut featured the work of Fernande Decruck, with the JSO's recording released on Claves Records. As of 2023-2024, the JSO is celebrating a decade of the Music on Tap series and its second annual Equal Billing Project. The orchestra has also introduced its first Sensory-Friendly Chamber Concert, catering to audience members with sensory sensitivities. The Jackson Symphony Orchestra continues to be a beacon of musical excellence and community engagement, enriching the lives of residents and visitors in Jackson with its diverse and innovative programming.