Made in Muskegon. 85 years strong.
Here's a part of our journey.
When Palmer Quackenbush raised his baton at 8:15 on the night of November 28, 1939, he started a musical legacy that has endured 85 seasons.
Violinist Joshua Bell joined the orchestra to perform the Beethoven Violin Concerto. Just nineteen years old, The Chronicle noted Bells’ performance was “a wonder, and an astonishment” We’re proud to say we knew him when...
The need for live music during wartime spurred the orchestra to offer three concerts during the 1942-43 season. Despite the loss of musicians due to military service, the musician roster grew to 55 through the recruitment of high school students and females.
Scott Speck was appointed music director. He is the ninth and longest tenured music director of the WMS, and rightly so. Under his direction the artistic quality of the ensemble has reached new heights, his warm, welcoming presence has built community.
The orchestra originally performed at Muskegon High School Auditorium. In 1979 the performances moved to the Frauenthal Theater.
WMS has roared back to life since the pandemic, inspired by its vision to be a catalyst for a music-infused West Michigan. During the 2023/24 Season, WMS played to the largest audiences in more than a decade, celebrated the 20th anniversary of Link UP education program serving more than 4,000 students and six counties, and expanded the Tune UP afterschool partnership with Muskegon Public Schools.
Music Director Murray Gross’s long tenure (1982-2001) helped shape the orchestra you know today. His leadership quickly earned recognition for a commitment to artistic growth and community leadership. During his tenure the orchestra expanded its concert offerings and education programs, celebrated its 50th anniversary, and distributed its first CD recordings.
Your WMS honors and recognizes our most loyal patrons – our subscribers.
You’ve seen the many faces of the orchestra through time, seen us through financial successes and challenges, artistic triumphs and disappointments. But always with unwavering commitment, encouragement and support. You are our greatest fans. Thank you!
Thank you to our loyal subscribers!
Partial list, representing those who responded to 85th anniversary subscriber survey.
40+ Years
Karla Bates
Ron & Ann Marie Brown
Timothy & Anne Erickson
Pat Johnson
John & Barbara Mullally
Joanna Norris
William & Erika Paulson
Rem & Ginny Sprague
Stephen & Gwynne Schoff
Judith Tierney
Jane Wright
30+ Years
Curtis Chambers
Susan Cloutier Crain
John & Jessie Martin
Charles Tindall & Susan Rogalla Tindall
Kay VanderWall
20+ Years
William Baldridge
Karla Brown
Rudolph Chmelar
Anne Dake
Amy Klop
Steve & Cindy Movesian
Joanne VanOordt
Susan Rehrer
Al Steinman
JoLee Wennersten
Brewster & Mary Ellen Willcox
10+ Years
Steve & Martha Bartlett
Jack Brown
Don & Kathy Dahlstrom
Patricia Dee
David Dietrich & Mary Jo Thies Dietrich
Gregory & Kathleen Edwards
Wally & Jane Ewing
Robert & Mary K Hogan
Marcia Howe
Laird Schaefer
Jocelyn Shaw & Doug Hannink
Joanie Smith
Peggy Tully
Roger & Becky Tuuk
5+ Years
Agnes De Boer
Sally Dunn & Douglas Doering
Carol & Ross Feltes
Lisa Henry
Jean Regester
Diana Wojton
