MILWAUKEE — Amid all the noise in today’s world, a group in Milwaukee is trying to create more music and connection.

The Milwaukee Community Orchestra (MCO) started last summer, providing an outlet for Milwaukee’s passionate musicians.

What You Need To Know

  • The Milwaukee Community Orchestra is a new ensemble open for musicians ages 12 and up, with all skill levels

  • The orchestra is maxed out at 165 members. There is a waitlist to join

  • The group is preparing for its spring concert that will feature musical scores from Star Wars, Sound of Music and more

  • The concert is Saturday, May 3 at Homestead High School. Tickets are $10

The ensemble is rehearsing for its upcoming spring concert where they’ll perform musical scores from the first two Star Wars trilogies, melodies from the Sound of Music and other classical compositions from around the world.

Margery Deutsch is the music director of the MCO. She and Associate Conductor, Kari Kraenzler, founded the group after they were both let go from the UW-Milwaukee University Community Orchestra.

“It turned out to be a blessing because we’ve been able to do things we never dreamed of when we were attached to the university,” said Deutsch.

They never expected so many of their musicians to follow them in solidarity, like violist, Kellie Windsor.

“Music is just one of those things that’s always brought me happiness,” said Windsor.

They are happy to be making music together—again.

“We’re lucky enough that we’ve created this thing that just keeps snowballing into greater and greater and greater things,” said Kraenzler.“We’re lucky enough that we’ve created this thing that just keeps snowballing into greater and greater and greater things,” said Kraenzler.

In a matter of months, the MCO has amassed to 165 members. Deutsch said the interest has been explosive.

“We have so many people in the group that we have a waiting list,” said Deutsch.

Everyone ages 12 and up are welcome to join, with one caveat.

“You have to be able to read music fluently. You know, we actually end up sounding really good,” said Deutsch.

For Kellie, they bring 25 years of experience to the table.

“We’re all here because we’re musicians in some way, and we love playing. And at the end of the day, that’s the most important thing.”

MCO’s spring concert is Saturday, May 3 at Homestead High School. Tickets are priced at $10.

The orchestra is currently working to become its own nonprofit.

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