Our Story

Our organization became an official 501c3 in December of 2000, under our legal name, "Southern Indiana Youth Symphony Inc." In 2012, we became "Musical Arts Youth Orchestra" to align with area youth orchestras. Just a couple of years later, under the leadership of Helen Ford, the organization voted to change its title to "Musical Arts Youth Organization" as we added rock band and jazz to our offerings. Following a think tank of community musicians and pedagogues, the organization's board voted to change our DBA title to what it is currently, "Bridges Musical Arts Youth Organization." Presently, we host two youth orchestras (2-3 performances a year), chamber music, jazz workshops, Zimbabwean Marimba, and music composition sessions. Additionally, we sponsor community chamber music and creative music making opportunities at the public library, free and open to the public.