As director of the UMR band and orchestra program, Dr. Donald Miller’s goal is to improve the musical experience of UMR students. Now Miller is expanding that goal by developing a new youth orchestra in conjunction with the West County Family YMCA in Chesterfield, Mo.

With only one existing youth orchestra in St. Louis and one in St. Charles, Mo., Miller realized there was need for additional outlets for musical expression for St. Louis youth outside the classroom.

"This is a great opportunity for music students," Miller says. "There are fantastic music programs in the St. Louis area schools, but there aren’t enough openings in the existing youth orchestras for all the kids who are interested and qualified to be in this type of select ensemble."

The YMCA Youth Orchestra, which is co-sponsored by UMR’s philosophy and liberal arts department and the West County Family YMCA, also receives funding support from St. Louis area Target stores.

For more information about the orchestra, contact Kathy Nix at the Chesterfield YMCA at (636) 532-6515 ext. 231.