
The West Michigan Symphony and Music Director Scott Speck.
In Monday’s (1/20) Lakeshore West Michigan, Shandra Martinez writes, “In the late 1930s, Muskegon leaders who saw a need for a source of beauty and inspiration decided to form an orchestra, and the West Michigan Symphony performed its first concert on Nov. 28, 1939. ‘They felt the community needed uplifting and more music,’ says Andy Buelow, CEO of WMS…. The orchestra was entirely volunteer-based … The enthusiasm of these pioneers laid the foundation for what would become a professional organization. Fast forward 85 years, the West Michigan Symphony is now a professional ensemble where musicians are contracted and paid … Before coming to Muskegon, [Beulow] served as the executive director of Symphony Tacoma in Washington and Traverse City’s orchestra…. Under Buelow’s leadership and [Music Director Scott] Speck’s artistic direction, the symphony has embraced a philosophy that classical music is for everyone…. [At concerts] Speck greets attendees, explains the music, and shares insights about what to listen for, creating a more engaging and inclusive experience…. In 2022, WMS launched Tune Up, an after-school music program [that] provides free music lessons, including instruments, to the district’s middle school and elementary students…. The symphony’s commitment to community also includes making its concerts financially accessible.”