On June 2, the Flint Youth Symphony Orchestra (FYSO) will celebrate 80 impressive years of music-making and artistic growth. And all of it is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: the possibilities are endless when young people work together to create something of their own.

In 1946, high school oboe student Mary Ellen Lindley had a vision. Alongside three of her peers, as well as Keith Kummer (who would become the first conductor of FYSO later that year) she helped launch an orchestra that was “organized by youth…for youth.” The 46-piece ensemble performed their first concert at Flint Central High School on June 2, 1946, supported by the Flint Quota Club. It then quickly became a place where young musicians could learn, perform and belong.

Over the decades, FYSO grew alongside the community it serves. New conductors expanded the program, introduced auditions, and created more performance opportunities. By the late 1950s, the ensemble had grown to 85 musicians, and by the 1970s and 80s, students were traveling internationally, representing Flint on stages across Europe and beyond. These experiences built confidence and connected young artists to the wider world.

The group has seen more than 20 conductors over time, including notable Flint Symphony Orchestra figures such as William C. Byrd, Leo Najar, and David Mairs. Though none were more committed than Davin Pierson Torre, who retired from the FYSO podium last May after an astounding 36 years.

Under her leadership, FYSO reached new heights. The orchestra performed at Carnegie Hall, toured internationally, and built lasting partnerships with youth ensembles around the globe, including sister-orchestras in Japan, France, England, Germany and Ireland. At the same time, the group has always remained acutely connected to its Flint home, collaborating with local schools and welcoming new generations of musicians each year.

Now led by Norm Wika, FYSO continues to thrive, maintaining collaboration both at home and abroad. The ensemble completed a tour of France and England in April, and will host young musicians from Limonest, France — one of the group’s most enduring partnerships — in July.

The FYSO story is not just about concerts or milestones. Those area happy consequence of its true and lasting purpose to enrich students as they discover their potential, embracing the parents who support them, and building a community that believes in the power of the arts.

Congratulations, FYSO!

FYSO Conductors Over Time

1945 – 1947                      Keith Kummer

1947 – 1949                      Robert Fisher

1949 – 1951                      Raymond Gerkowski

1951 – 1952                      Robert Meszko

1952 – 1953                      Merlyn Kellogg

1953 – 1954                      Stewart W. Rawson

1954 – 1955                      Marjorie Keeler

1955 – 1956                      Vera D. Reeve

1956 – 1966                      Fredrick W. Peryer

1966 – 1968                      A. Raymond Roth

1968 – 1971                      Raymond Gerkowski

1971 – 1972                      Louis P. Krch

1972 – 1973                      William C. Byrd

1973 – 1974                      Tom Glasscock

1974 – 1975                      Johannes Tall

1975 – 1980                      Leo M. Najar

1980 – 1982                      Leif Bjaland

1982 – 1986                      Steven Radcliffe

1986 – 1988                      David Mairs

1988 – 2025                      Davin Pierson Torre

2025 – present                  Norm Wika