The Fargo Moorhead Area Youth Symphonies (FMAYS) is nurturing the next generation of musicians through its dedicated music education programs. Since its inception in 1967, FMAYS has provided young musicians in North Dakota and Minnesota the opportunity to advance their skills beyond traditional classroom settings. As students return to school, many are also preparing to engage in orchestra, thanks to FMAYS’s commitment to fostering musical talent.
Executive Director Laura Kellogg, who took the helm in 2021, highlights the organization’s long history and recent growth. “FMAYS is dedicated to youth music education,” she stated, noting that the organization began with a single orchestra and has expanded to accommodate a diverse range of students. FMAYS currently operates three orchestras: Concert Strings for grades 6-8, Attacca Strings for grades 9-12, and the Symphony Orchestra, also for grades 9-12.
Each orchestra is designed to cater to specific age groups, allowing students to enhance their musical abilities through rigorous training, rehearsals, and professional development. The orchestras conduct weekly rehearsals during the school year and host six concerts, including a notable performance with the Fargo Moorhead Symphony Orchestra.
Brad Lambrecht, director of the FMAYS Symphony Orchestra, emphasizes the value of playing in a full orchestra, which includes winds, brass, percussion, and strings. “I fill out a lot of letters of recommendation for FMAYS students who go on to study music in college,” he shared. Several FMAYS graduates now perform with the Fargo Moorhead Symphony Orchestra, illustrating the impact of comprehensive music training.
The transition from high school to college music programs can be daunting, but FMAYS offers a supportive environment. Lambrecht encourages students to explore both classical masterpieces and contemporary compositions, ensuring a well-rounded musical experience. “We challenge the kids to do great things,” he said.
Attacca Strings Director Lindsay Schwartz Miller emphasizes the personal growth that comes from music education. “Music education provides students with an outlet for creative and artistic expression at a very high level,” she noted. The benefits of music extend beyond the classroom; research shows that it can enhance cognitive functions and promote emotional well-being. Miller believes that music making is essential for students, providing them with joy and connection in their lives.
Accessibility remains a fundamental priority for FMAYS. Kellogg and Lambrecht report that community support plays a crucial role in helping young musicians thrive. In 2022, FMAYS alumna and clarinetist Joanna Lin established the Resonate Scholarship Fund, aimed at supporting students from rural areas in North Dakota and Minnesota. “These scholarships help student musicians from rural towns and support them in their continued musical education,” Kellogg explained. For families facing long commutes, these scholarships make participation feasible, opening doors for students without access to school orchestras.
Partnerships with local schools are vital to FMAYS’s success. Students are generally required to be enrolled in their school band or orchestra, reinforcing collaboration between FMAYS and educational institutions. Miller highlights the supportive role of secondary music teachers, who advocate for the organization and assist students in preparing for auditions.
During auditions, students perform scales, excerpts, and a solo piece, receiving immediate feedback from local professionals, including members of the Fargo Moorhead Symphony Orchestra and university faculty. “It’s a great opportunity for students to start auditioning in a safe space,” Lambrecht noted.
FMAYS hosts six concerts each year, with a highly anticipated performance alongside the Fargo Moorhead Symphony Orchestra. “Students get to sit next to FMSO musicians, hear what they sound like up close, and rehearse under the baton of Chris Zimmerman,” Kellogg said. This experience serves as an essential learning opportunity, showcasing the standards of professional musicianship.
This year, students will perform a variety of pieces, including selections from Jurassic Park and works by classical masters. Lambrecht expressed excitement about incorporating contemporary works into the repertoire. “We like to play several pieces by living composers, which keeps the orchestra vibrant and relevant,” he stated. “We’re honoring traditions while still bringing up the new generations of symphonic music.”
FMAYS continues to serve as a pillar of music education in the Fargo-Moorhead region, enhancing not only musical proficiency but also enriching the lives of students through the joy of music. For those interested in supporting the arts, further information can be found through The Arts Partnership, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating cultural initiatives in the area.
