Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestras students represent 42 schools across 23 communities.
As only five of those school districts have their own formal orchestra programs, the KJSO ensembles fill a vital gap in our community’s music education and performance opportunities.
Over the past 15 years 99% of our graduating seniors have gone on to college.
Our alumni can be found pursuing successful careers in all walks of life. Some of our most prominent musical alumni have gone on to positions in the Symphony Orchestras of Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Seattle, San Francisco, and Liege (Belgium), to name but a few. Closer to home, KJSO alumni form substantial portions of the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek Symphony Orchestras, the Kalamazoo Philharmonia, and the Kalamazoo Concert Band.
We strive to make music education and orchestral opportunities accessible.
Unlike almost every peer institution, the KJSO ensembles do not charge tuition. Instead, minimal fees are assessed (a general registration fee, and a season-opening camp fee), and there is a modest annual fundraising expectation per family, which can be met in several different ways. We also support our eligible students with scholarships toward private lessons and summer music camp attendance.