The Classical Manolin Society of America, or CMSA was founded in 1986 to promote knowledge and interest in the the mandolin, its family (mandolin, mandola, mandocello, mando-bass) and guitar. The Society actively sponsors mandolin education and instruction for children and adults in the United States and currently has a membership of over 400, world-wide. CMSA has an annual Convention at a site that alternates around the United States and Canada. Among other functions, the CMSA Convention hosts the En Masse Orchestra, which for its brief existence every year is the largest mandolin orchestra in the United States, numbering over 150 musicians.