History of YMOB
From left to right: FAME co-founders Collette Wichert and Ann Lane Vousough, and conductor Lucy Rouse
How it all began…
In the fall of 2019, Doug Jameson was appointed Conductor of the FAME Youth Orchestra. As a result of the COVID shutdown in March 2020, the FAME orchestra was unable to hold its spring performance. Sadly, after 35 years, Collette and Tom Wichert, who, together with Anne Lane Vousough, founded the FAME Orchestra in 1985, decided it was time to retire.
As Conductor of FAME, Director of Strings at the Park School of Baltimore since 2003, and FAME cello coach for over 20 years, Doug Jameson recognized that now, more than ever, middle and high school students need a supportive and non-competitive place to play string orchestra and chamber music at a high level. Since 2008 many school string programs have ended or been cut from the school day, leaving young musicians even less opportunity to be a part of a musical community.
The founders of FAME created something vital and unique to the music scene in Baltimore, and YMOB has much gratitude for their vision, work ethic, and ability to inspire young people. Heartfelt thanks go to the Wicherts and Anne Lane for their dedication to enhancing the lives of student musicians by providing them with dynamic musical experiences and community in the pursuit of artistic excellence.