Art of Note 2026: A Magical Night So No Young Musician Gets Turned Away

What an incredible night. I recorded this recap right after we wrapped up the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras’ Art of Note 2026 at Monona Terrace in Madison, and my heart was still exploding with joy.

There were 450 guests in the room, and so many generous ones.

The Students Stole the Show

The students reminded everyone why we were there. A percussion team, a strings team and a harp team from WYSO performed for us. It was incredible to see these young musicians and what they are learning at WYSO.

A Promise Worth Funding

What makes WYSO special is a simple promise: they don’t turn anyone down. If a young person wants a musical education but can’t afford the lessons or classes, they can still go. Raising money for those students is the reason we gather at Art of Note.

And that’s exactly what the room did. Together, the guests raised over $240,000, beating the goal for the night, in support for students who want to play music but might not be able to afford it.

The Live Auction

It was an honor to share the stage with Norman Gilliland as we ran the live auction. The WYSO team put together six one-of-a-kind experiences:

  • Conduct the Philharmonia at its March concert, with coaching from WYSO Executive Director Michelle Kaebisch
  • Green Bay Packers tickets, with Packers hats to match
  • A dinner for six in Andrée Valley’s studio
  • A Christian Yelich signed bat, paired with Brewers tickets
  • Photography sessions with Simon Bunyard
  • A handmade oak music stand

One lot was pure fun. The Christian Yelich signed bat came with Brewers tickets for next year, plus items used in “Ueck,” the new Bob Uecker documentary. With the Brewers winning the World Series just last week, the room was going crazy, and that lot went for over $5,000!

The Paddle Raise

And then there was the paddle raise, when a room full of guests becomes a community. The paddle raise brought in over $60,000, beating its goal for the night, too. I snapped a couple of photos of everyone’s paddles in the air, and I hope you can feel the generosity in them.

Guests holding up bid paddles during the WYSO Art of Note 2026 paddle raise at Monona Terrace
Paddles up for WYSO at Art of Note 2026.

Why This One Stays With Me

This was my sixth year in a row at Art of Note, and WYSO has already booked me again for next year. Getting to keep helping this organization raise money for its students feels so good. It makes my heart happy.

I have so much joy right now for WYSO, the kids and their families. They get to have the support of everyone who was in that room. To the WYSO staff, volunteers, sponsors and every guest who raised a paddle: thank you so very much.

A full ballroom of guests raising paddles at WYSO Art of Note 2026, Monona Terrace, Madison
A ballroom full of generosity at Monona Terrace.

Want to learn more about WYSO or support their work? Visit wysomusic.org.

Planning a fundraiser and want a night like this for your mission? I’d love to hear about it. Reach out at voiceofgeoffrey.com and let’s talk about creating a meaningful experience for your guests.

Do good. Build relationships. Create meaningful experiences. DO ONE THING!