Milwaukee Youth Symphony to Present RHYTHMIC REVOLUTION, 2/8

Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra presents "Rhythmic Revolution," Saturday, February 8, 3:00 p.m., at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut St., Milwaukee. It will feature a performance by the Bronzeville Jazz Quartet, the organization's premier jazz combo--a part of MYSO's Jazz Studies program--and two steel pan bands,Calypso and Soca. Due to the popularity of MYSO's Calypso steel pan ensemble, a second level of steel pan instruction, Soca, was added to MYSO's extensive list of programs in fall 2013.

Founded by Cliff Gribble in 2004, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra Jazz Studies offers top quality jazz training and experiences to young people in Greater Milwaukee. This program offers classroom instruction and combo playing opportunities for all levels of young jazz musicians and is staffed by top-quality jazz educators and musicians. One of MYSO's several Community Partnerships Programs, now in their tenth year, MYSO Jazz Studies focuses on providing varied musical opportunities to City of Milwaukee students by offering an alternative to MYSO's more traditional classical offerings. Jazz Studies has had considerable success, including invitations to a number of top international jazz festivals, as well as numerous high-profile local performance invitations.

Calypso and Soca, comprised of students from City of Milwaukee schools, was created in 2007 in partnership with Milwaukee Public Schools. Calypso has performed throughout Milwaukee, with highlight performances including African World Festival in 2008, at United Performing Arts Fund events, the Lakefront Festival of the Arts and multiple appearances at Summerfest and the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebrations at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens (60+). Tickets will be available at the door. Discounted tickets may be purchased in advance through a MYSO ticket flex pass. Call 414-267-2906 for tickets and more information.

Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) is one of the most successful and respected youth orchestra programs in the nation, regularly recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for its artistic excellence. With nearly 1,000 young musicians ages 8-18 from as many as 14 counties, 60 communities and 200 schools throughout southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois participating in MYSO's many music training programs, it has become one of the largest organizations of its kind in the United States.

Instrumental in changing lives, MYSO's programs foster critical thinking skills, creativity and collaboration through more than 25 ensemble options, ranging from symphony and string orchestras, to jazz and steel pan bands, all providing high quality musical experiences to students at various skill levels.