About the Blog

About the Blog

In July 2016, this blog was started to highlight the lives of the alumni of the Mankato Area Youth Symphony Orchestra (MAYSO), whose name changed to Mankato Area Youth Ensembles (MAYE) in 2017). In addition to alumni, this blog has since then featured MAYE seniors, Competition winners, and more. This blog has featured people whose lives were impacted not only by music, but also specifically MAYE. So, for the prospective students looking to get involved in music (or parents wanting to get their children involved somehow), I hope you pick MAYE, and I hope that this blog helps with that decision. Below is some information about MAYE and all its ensembles.

Mankato Area Youth Symphony Ensembles began nearly 50 years ago to enhance the opportunities for young musicians through performance of symphonic music centered in Mankato, MN. MAYE exists to advance the skills of youth in music. Over 50 years ago we started with one ensemble, the Mankato Area Youth Ensemble. Since then we have expanded to four groups serving strings and winds/brass groups.

The Youth Symphony Orchestra (YSO) is a regional symphony orchestra that plays high-level orchestra music. The Philharmonic (YP) is a mid-level orchestra and gives students the opportunity to play with just strings and brass & winds as well. This group is used to prepare students for YSO.  NorthStar Strings (NSS) is a starter-level orchestra and gives students the opportunity to apply note reading to an orchestra setting. This group is used to prepare students for YP. The Youth Wind Ensemble (MAYWE) program is designed to provide an additional offering for brass, winds, and percussion players ages 14 and up.