MISSION & HISTORY
Gail Key, founder of the YSO
Musician and educator Gail Key founded the Wichita Falls Youth Symphony Orchestra (YSO) in 1992 with a 3-part musical mission: education, performance opportunities, and long-term impact. Ms. Key’s vision still guides the YSO organization which has grown into a premiere performing arts program and music academy serving Wichita Falls and the surrounding area.
- 1994, 1st concert performed in the Fall at WFHS
- 2004, became an independent 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.
- 2005, Coaching Program began maintaining 6-9 coaches per season
- 2006, Apprentice Program in collaboration with the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra
- 2007, Start of the Ensemble Program as an ambassador to the community
- 2010, First Summer Strings Camp
- 2010, Rehearsals moved to MSU, the new Instrumental Hall
- 2012, Philharmonic formed as a preparatory string orchestra
- 2016, Began Gail Key Academy of Music at Southern Hills
- 2023, First GKAM “Making Music Mondays” summer program
Continuing the mission set forth 33 years ago, the Youth Symphony Orchestra continues to educate and inspire people of all ages and abilities through the support of our community and partners of music education everywhere.
