Through the Nonprofit Spotlight series, Advancing Macomb highlights the work of a Macomb County-based nonprofit. This month, we feature the Macomb Symphony Orchestra.
For those seeking to be moved, inspired and connected through music, the Macomb Symphony Orchestra (MSO) offers a front-row seat to something truly special.
For over 50 years, the MSO has made significant contributions to the cultural landscape of southeast Michigan. Founded in 1974 at Macomb Community College by Professor Thomas Cook, the MSO began as a hybrid student and community orchestra, blending education and artistic expression. In 1989, it became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This designation enabled the ensemble to grow both as a musical force and a community resource, while remaining committed to its mission of lifelong learning and cultural engagement.
Today, the MSO plays a vital role in Macomb County and throughout the region, performing a full season of concerts and offering youth engagement opportunities that reach under-resourced schools. These concerts, held annually each spring, provide many younger students with their first exposure to live orchestral music. Older students are offered more complex programming to inspire them and demonstrate that music is a lifelong journey.
In 2021, Andrew Neer was appointed music director of the MSO. Since then, he has worked to revitalize the organization by refreshing its programming and modernizing the orchestra. His energy, passion and charisma are helping to shift the demographic of concertgoers, attracting more young patrons than ever before.
“Andrew is passionate about his craft and the community,” said Eldonna May, director of marketing, communications and engagement for the MSO. “He is also passionate about how the audience reacts to the music. He ensures every performance is stellar and wants the audience to leave inspired by the experience. With Andrew and the ensemble, it’s not just about playing notes. It’s about the connection with people attending our performances.”
One way the MSO extends its reach is through its free summer concert series, designed to make music more accessible and fun for the whole family. Back for another season, the “Meet the Orchestra Inside-Out” concerts will take place at Lake St. Clair Metropark (Metro Beach) on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:45 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic supper while enjoying live music along the scenic lakeshore. Each week highlights a different MSO ensemble:
- June 24 – Brass Quintet
- July 1 – Jazz Ensemble
- July 8 – Dixieland Band
- July 15 – String Quartet
- July 22 – Woodwind Quintet
- July 29 – Brass Quintet
The MSO will also perform a full orchestra concert on Saturday, June 21, at 8 p.m. during ShelbyFest 2025, held at the Shelby Township Municipal Center, located on Van Dyke Avenue, just south of 24 Mile Road. This special event celebrates both Independence Day and World Music Day, and will conclude with an exciting drone light show — perfect for families and music lovers alike.
Despite its recent successes, the MSO faces the same challenges as many nonprofits: securing sustainable funding, recovering from pandemic-era deficits and expanding its reach.
To help navigate these challenges, Eldonna has recently become involved with Advancing Macomb, connecting with other nonprofit professionals who face similar issues.
“Advancing Macomb has already helped us with networking and fundraising opportunities,” said Eldonna. “I’ve been able to connect with not only Advancing Macomb leadership but also other nonprofit leaders in the community.”
The MSO invites the community to be part of its next chapter. The orchestra is seeking to expand representation on its board of directors and recruit volunteers for the upcoming season to assist with tasks such as meeting and greeting patrons on concert nights and distributing programs and other materials at youth and park concerts.
To learn more about upcoming performances and how to get involved, visit www.macombsymphony.org.
