Fox Cities News

The Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra, in collaboration with students from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, has embarked on a project named Score! Our Town, Our Music. The initiative aims to collect and share stories of how music has influenced the lives of orchestra members and why a community-based orchestra is significant.

Dylan Chmura-Moore, the new maestro and director of orchestras at UW Oshkosh, expressed the shared purpose between the student storytellers and the orchestra, stating, "to see people and all that makes them special." He emphasized the importance of recognizing the passion and diversity within the community.

Aubrie Selsmeyer, a UWO student involved in the project, highlighted the unique experience of working on Score!, stating, "Working on the Score! project was unlike anything I’ve done in college so far. It was hands-on work that put me in front of real people doing what we all need a lot more of, simple human connection."

Nathaniel Fores, an OSO musician, shared his personal journey with music, revealing, "With the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra, I have a reason to play and people to play for." Fores rediscovered his passion for playing the violin through his involvement with the orchestra.

Dylan Chmura-Moore emphasized the significance of the project in allowing musicians to share their stories and be seen, stating, "now the musicians in the orchestra can share all that they are, all that we are, and be seen." He highlighted the importance of fostering connections within the community through music.

The culmination of the Score! Our Town, Our Music project will be marked by a photo/story exhibit in the lobby of the UWO Music Hall before the season finale concert on Saturday, April 20. The exhibit aims to celebrate the stories and contributions of the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra members.