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. “That was the initial impetus for forming the symphony.”
Back then, the orchestra was entirely volunteer-based, with local musicians offering their talents purely for the love of music. Though resources were limited and compensation was almost nonexistent, the enthusiasm of these pioneers laid the foundation for what would become a professional organization.
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Courtesy West Michigan SymphonyWMS Conductor Scott Speck.
Fast forward 85 years, the West Michigan Symphony is now a professional ensemble where musicians are contracted and paid for each concert and rehearsal.
“It’s an amazing network of people,” says Buelow, who recently celebrated his seventh anniversary with the symphony. During his career, he spent decades managing orchestras. Before coming to Muskegon, he served as the executive director of Symphony Tacoma in Washington and Traverse City’s orchestra.
“When I saw the position open here, I was intrigued,” he says. “Muskegon has one of the best performance venues in Michigan, the Frauenthal Theater. Plus, I’d met our conductor, Scott Speck, when he guest-conducted in Tacoma. I knew I had to apply.”
Philosophy of accessibility
The Frauenthal Theater, the symphony’s home, is a major asset to the organization and the community. The downtown Muskegon theater offers world-class acoustics and an elegant setting.
“It’s an amazing venue that’s a big draw for musicians and audiences alike,” Buelow says.
Under Buelow’s leadership and Speck’s artistic direction, the symphony has embraced a philosophy that classical music is for everyone.
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Courtesy West Michigan SymphonyWest Michigan Symphony CEO Andy Buelow (left) and Conductor Scott Speck.
“Scott is my kindred spirit,” says Buelow. “We both believe in demystifying classical music and making concerts as accessible and welcoming as possible.”
Unlike some orchestras where conductors never address the audience, Speck takes a different approach. He greets attendees, explains the music, and shares insights about what to listen for, creating a more engaging and inclusive experience.
That commitment to music accessibility extends beyond the concert hall. In 2022, WMS launched Tune Up, an after-school music program inspired by Gustavo Dudamel’s El Sistema initiative.
Dudamel, who rose to fame as the music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, was a product of El Sistema, a Venezuelan program that brings music education to underserved communities.
“I’d always wanted to start something like this,” Buelow says. “When I arrived in Muskegon, I saw that traditional youth orchestras weren’t reaching the most at-risk students due to financial and logistical barriers.”
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Courtesy West Michigan SymphonyConductor Scott Speck.
The symphony’s “Play Your Part” campaign, which raised $3 million for the organization’s endowment, also raised $650,000 to launch Tune Up in partnership with Muskegon Public Schools and the district’s 21st Century Community Learning Center Impact After School Program.
Tune Up provides free music lessons, including instruments, to the district’s middle school and elementary students.
“It’s completely free,” says Buelow. “If a young person wants to learn violin or viola, they can do it, and we’ll provide everything they need.”
Since its inception, Tune Up has grown from one teaching artist to three.
Broadening its audience
The symphony’s commitment to community also includes making its concerts financially accessible. Through initiatives like the $5 student music pass, young people can attend any WMS performance at an affordable price.
For adults, tickets at The Block — a 115-seat listening room above Unruly Brewing – are priced to encourage attendance. The venue hosts WMS’s intimate performances featuring jazz quartets, string ensembles, and other small groups.
The past 85 years have not been without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic presented one of the symphony’s most severe disruptions.
“For over a year, we couldn’t perform for live audiences,” recalls Buelow. “But we adapted by producing virtual concerts, which were well-received. When we finally returned to live performances, there was an electric energy in the room. People realized how much they’d missed live music.”
That renewed passion for music has shaped the symphony’s programming. This season, WMS is offering a mix of classical and contemporary performances. The season opened with a Beatles tribute, and coming up March 28 is “American Diva with Shayna Steele,” featuring the Broadway actress singing music made famous by Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and Mariah Carey, among others. There are also programs for classical traditionalists highlighting Beethoven, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky.
The symphony’s 85th anniversary season will culminate in a special concert commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The program will feature Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” and his Symphony No. 3, which incorporates the fanfare.
“It’s the greatest American symphony ever written,” Buelow says.
The concert will also include a bluegrass-inspired piece performed by guest violinist Tessa Lark, showcasing the symphony’s commitment to blending genres.
“Muskegon is a wonderful community,” Buelow says. “The arts organizations here, including the orchestra and the art museum, play a huge role in making this a special place to live. My wife and I couldn’t be happier to call it home.”