Senior Symphony
Myso’s flagship orchestra
The Senior Symphony performs standard orchestral repertoire of the highest caliber. The orchestra has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls to enthusiastic audience response.
The Senior Symphony has achieved an enviable international reputation for excellence. Tours have included concerts in China, Austria, Hungary, Spain, Italy, Scotland, Canada, Argentina, Uruguay, Ireland, and most recently, in Belgium and The Netherlands in 2023. In July 2025, the orchestra will embark on a 10-day cultural and performance tour of Poland and the Czech Republic.
At a Glance
- 100 members
- Rehearsals generally on Monday evenings
- Most students in grades 10-12
- More than 50 years of domestic and international tours
- Music Director: Mr. Carter Simmons
Upcoming Events
The Senior Symphony Staff
Carter Simmons
Artistic & Music Director | Music Director, Senior Symphony & Chamber Orchestra
Carter Simmons
Artistic and Music Director Carter Simmons has provided leadership for the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) for more than 30 years. He conducts the organization’s Senior Symphony and Chamber Orchestra and leads MYSO’s impressive artist management team and faculty who serve thousands of students each season.
As a conductor he has collaborated on projects leading the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and the Wisconsin Philharmonic among others. In 2017, Simmons was appointed Music Director of Milwaukee’s Festival City Symphony, a professional orchestra which provides free concerts for its audiences. Simmons has led performances throughout the United States, in China, and across Europe most recently in the legendary Royal Concertgebouw. A former President of Milwaukee’s Civic Music Association, Simmons currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Youth Orchestra Division of the League of American Orchestras.
Born outside Washington, D.C., his training included participation at the Interlochen Center for the Arts and the Eastern Music Festival, and lessons at the Tanglewood Music Center. Simmons is grateful to his teachers Dr. John R. Locke, Robert Gutter, Larry Rachleff, and Professor Thomas L. Dvorak, and he feels honored to have the opportunity to lead these wonderful MYSO musicians.