Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra

History

The Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra is a not-for-profit, community orchestra founded in 1999 by interested local musicians who felt the need for a venue in which to develop their skills and perform classical music. The orchestra’s members are those community residents who have attained such a high level of musical prowess that they are capable of playing the traditional orchestra repertoire, and who wish to belong to a community orchestra because of the special qualities and the nature of that type of organization.

During the years since its inception, the YSO has taken steps toward orderly and reliable growth. It has established a Board of Directors comprised of mostly orchestra members. In its first year, it incorporated as a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. The orchestra has established a partnership with Lincoln School District for use of rehearsal space and at Washtenaw Community College for performances.

Adam C. Riccinto is the founding Music Director of the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra and a professional conductor and music educator. Before his appointment to the YSO, he was Music Director of the Tecumseh Pops Orchestra, and has appeared with the Adrian Symphony Orchestra and the Chelsea Symphony of Manhattan. He has studied with renowned conducting teachers Kenneth Kiesler and Victor Yampolsky, and holds a degree in music education from Eastern Michigan University, where he was assistant conductor of the EMU choirs and the Collegium Musicum. Mr. Riccinto also teaches strings at Fortis Academy in Ypsilanti, and in the summer of 2007 was invited to attend the prestigious Waterville Valley conducting workshop in New Hampshire. He is the founder and Music Director of the Len Riccinto Singers, and is a professional jazz pianist and accompanist. Mr. Riccinto also serves as Artistic Director of the YSO and assists the Board in planning the events and development of the orchestra.

The Board consists of nine members, including such varied professions as an attorney, an IT manager, a college professor, and an events planner. The orchestra membership is comprised of approximately 60 musicians, residing in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Tecumseh, Belleville, Plymouth, Dexter, Brighton and other nearby communities. In addition, the YSO is grateful for the loyal support of its numerous volunteers, many being drawn from the orchestra itself.

Starting in the 2002-2003 season, the YSO began designating one of its season’s concerts to children. The youth of the community are the key to the continuation of the appreciation of classical music, and the YSO is dedicated to giving children the opportunity to experience and develop the love of orchestral music. The YSO has organized a student competition, giving developing students the opportunity to showcase their talent in the children’s concert.

Beginning with the 2006-07 season, the YSO Board has been forming partnerships with area schools, businesses and community organizations, including:

Sphinx Organization

Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission

Ypsilanti Chamber of Commerce

Lincoln Consolidated Schools

Ypsilanti Depot Town Association

Plymouth-Canton Schools

Ypsilanti Historical Society

The YSO Board has noted an average audience increase of nearly 300% since these collaborations began, attributed to the YSO’s increased exposure to and support from the community.

In 2007, the YSO revised its mission statement to appeal to a more diverse membership, choice of guest artists and music performed, with the goal of bringing the experience of orchestral music not only to traditional symphony-goers, but also to the minority audience that has not previously been exposed to this genre. Since that time, the YSO has partnered with the Sphinx Organization to feature their young minority competition winners as guest artists on YSO regular season concerts.

Since May 2008, the YSO has presented a free outdoor concert at Riverside Park in Ypsilanti, over the Memorial Day weekend. The concerts have been sponsored by Target Corporation, the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Ypsilanti residents contributing to the 25x3 campaign. Local Depot Town vendors have provided food and volunteer help for this very popular event. The YSO plans to continue this tradition with the help of its sponsors.