Marquette Symphony Orchestra

==Marquette Symphony Orchestra== The Marquette Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is a cornerstone of the cultural life in Marquette, Michigan, contributing to the area's reputation as a hub for art enthusiasts and playing a significant role in supporting the local tourist industry. Established in 1996, the MSO was the brainchild of Dr. Donald Grant, then-chair of the music department at Northern Michigan University, and Marquette violinist and music teacher Janis Shier Norton Peterson. Their conversation at a music conference sparked the question, "Why doesn’t Marquette have a symphony orchestra?" This inquiry led to the formation of an energetic group that would bring the idea to fruition. ===History=== In the mid-1990s, against the backdrop of notable events like the Atlanta summer Olympics and the release of the first Nintendo 64 gaming console, the concept of a symphony orchestra in Marquette began to take shape. The founders signed articles of incorporation by late 1996 and established the first board of directors, which included over two dozen civic benefactors. Edward Quinnell, Esq. was elected president, with Richard Klahn, a retired superintendent of the Marquette school system, serving as vice president. Community leader Yvonne Lee took on the role of treasurer, and Reatha Tweedie, Director of Arts and Culture for the City of Marquette, became the secretary. The founding board was composed of a diverse group of musicians, music enthusiasts, poets, media figures, consultants, and civic leaders, all united in their vision to create a symphony orchestra. The MSO adopted a mission statement that emphasized collaboration with the public, Marquette Public Schools' music educators, and Northern Michigan University's Music Department. Their goal was to provide and promote professional performances of orchestral music. In their inaugural season, they set forth objectives to raise sufficient funds, involve and expose youth to symphonic music, and project the orchestra as inclusive and accessible to everyone. ===Mission and Outreach=== The Marquette Symphony Orchestra's mission is to create, provide, and promote professional performances of orchestral music through collaboration with residents and music educators of the central Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The MSO offers a variety of concerts, including classical, pops, newly-commissioned works, old favorites, concerti, symphonies, and tone poems. These concerts attract attendees from up to a hundred miles away and are a testament to the orchestra's regional impact. The MSO also extends its reach through outreach concerts at the Besse Center in Escanaba. In the 2021-22 season, the MSO celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of dedication to music and community engagement. The orchestra employs dozens of area musicians annually, captivates hundreds of area youth, and provides high-quality music to thousands of patrons. ===Funding and Governance=== The MSO's operations are sustained through three primary sources: ticket sales, private donations, and foundation grants. The organization is thankful for the support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. The MSO is governed by a board of directors and an Artistic Advisory Committee, which includes board members and playing musicians who contribute valuable insights into programming and community engagement. The MSO's financial reports are not audited or reviewed by an independent accounting firm, but the organization maintains detailed records to ensure the proper use of grant and sponsorship funds. Grantors are given the right to audit these records during the grant period or the subsequent two years, and the MSO is committed to transparency and accountability in its financial practices. ==External Links== * [Official Website of the Marquette Symphony Orchestra] * [Michigan Arts And Culture Council Funder Report] ==References== <references/>