The Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Society is made up of the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra, the Kalamazoo Prep String Orchestra (PSO), and the Kalamazoo Training Orchestra (KTO).

The Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra was established as the Kalamazoo Little Symphony in 1939 by the symphony’s first conductor, Eugene Andrie. It is one of the oldest youth orchestra in the country. By 1941, the Kalamazoo Little Orchestra was renamed the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony. The 2014-2015 performance season is the KJSO’s 76th anniversary. During the history of the KJSO, they have had two conductors of over 20 years, Julius Stulberg (1941-1974) and Dr. Robert Ritsema (1978-2001). Andrew Koehler has been the music director since 2007.

The KJSO has received many awards, has performed at national and international music festivals and celebrations, and has took multiple successful tours overseas. Over years it has visited Canada, Europe, Australia. New Zealand, Brazil, and China. The KJSO has been recommended by the American Symphony Orchestra League as a model for youth orchestras.

The Kalamazoo Prep String Orchestra was established in 1980, under the direction of Audrey Lipsey. The PSO designed to grow the skills of musicians, promote interest in the KJSO, and hopefully nurture future participation.

The Kalamazoo Training Orchestra was created in 1992 for elementary students to help foster confidence and excitement for orchestra music. It is designed to benefit at-risk students providing them a support system and 1 hour a week of skills training. The KJSO has received many awards, has performed at national and international music festivals and celebrations, and has took multiple successful tours overseas. Over years it has visited Canada, Europe, Australia. New Zealand, Brazil, and China. The KJSO has been recommended by the American Symphony Orchestra League as a model for youth orchestras.