Conducted by Mark Pomplun, the Italiano Orchestra is the advanced full orchestra designed for maturing musicians. The Italiano Orchestra consists of students from grades 8 through 12. Student musicians enjoy ambitious repertoire combined with the social enrichment of collaborating with other serious and dedicated musicians.
MEET the conductor
Mr. Pomplun graduated from Lawrence University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. Since 2008, he has been a band director for the La Crosse School District teaching at Lincoln and Logan Middle Schools.
In 2013, he completed his Master of Music Education degree from Boston University. Mark has played trombone with the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, Viterbo Christmas, and La Crosse City Band.
In 2014, Mr. Pomplun became a low brass coach for the La Crosse Youth Symphony Orchestras. He then became the Philharmonic Orchestra director in 2019. In 2023, Mr. Pomplun became the director of the Italiano Orchestra as well as the Artistic Director for the La Crosse Youth Symphony Orchestras.
When Mark is not with LYSO or teaching band, he enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and dog. He takes yearly summer trips to the northwoods to go fishing with his son, Luke. Mark also enjoys golfing, walking the dog, and detailing cars.
La Crosse Area Youth Symphony Orchestras 