About Us

Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has served Central Florida for over sixty-seven years. In the early 1950's, Rollins College music professor Alphonse Carlo recognized a need for a youth orchestra program in the Orlando area and accordingly organized free Saturday classes for string students in the community. Mr. Carlo's ultimate dream of forming a youth orchestra came to fruition when the popularity of his ensemble reached its stride in 1957 and the first public FSYO concert was stage in November, 1959. For the first 20 years of its existence, FSYO was supported by both Rollins College and the Florida Symphony Orchestra.

Today, FSYO serves over three-hundred students and is comprised of eight ensembles: three symphonic orchestras, two string orchestras, a percussion ensmeble, and two jazz bands. Additionally, FSYO organize a supplementary string program during the summer months: Stringmania Summer Camp. FSYO's program is carefully structured to encourage a student's growth throughout their primary and secondary years. Our full range of ensembles gives each student a place to excel with peers at a similar level, and an opportunity to collaborate with seasoned music professionals on local, national, and international levels. Beyond the regular season, students in FSYO's Touring Orchestra participate in life-changing experiences through annually alternating international & national tours.

The Overture Strings Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Jeannine Mongeon, introduces advancing string players to the orchestra experience, encouraging responsibility and practice along the way, and helping instill a love for orchestral play.
The Prelude Orchestra, under the direction of Ms. Sarah Morrison, is an intermediate level string orchestra where students regularly rotate seating positions, encouraging exploration, leadership, and musicality while playing as part of a whole.
The Sinfonia Orchestra, conducted by Ms. Andrea Reynolds, is a full orchestra that introduces students to the intricacies of playing in a larger ensemble while performing repertoire that focuses on furthering technique, musicianship, and leadership.
The Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Mr. Matthew Davis is an advanced, full orchestra where students play standard classic literature and perform in a number of concert experiences.
The Symphonic Orchestra, under Music Director Mr. Charles Watford, is a pre-professional, conservatory level orchestra in which students are challenged with exceptionally difficult literature, and perform at a number of extra concerts and engagements throughout the year.
FSYO's Alphonse Carlo Jazz Band, conducted by Jazz Director Mr. Kenneth Boyd, is a 17-20 piece ensemble that focuses on the study of big band jazz music. Students learn the theory behind jazz composition and improvisation and have the opportunity to do sectional work with some of the area's top jazz musicians.
FSYO's Joseph Wise Jazz Band, conducted by Mr. Marc Kolodinsky, is a 17-20 piece ensemble that focuses on the study of big band jazz music. Students learn the theory behind jazz composition and improvisation and have the opportunity to do sectional work with some of the area's top jazz musicians.
Stringmania is a two-week musically enriching summer program for any string players age 7-15 (not just current FSYO students) who are playing at a Suzuki Book 2 level or higher. Participants are provided with a challenging and fun musical experience that includes: orchestra & chamber ensemble experiences, chamber group coaching, private lessons, instruction in fiddling and improvisation and more. The camp concludes with a showcase performance open to the community.
Sing-Song, String-Along (SSSA) is a free program nurturing the musical, social, and cognitive development of children, ages 5 to 8 years, from low-income families through the study of the violin. The program is grounded in the tenets of the Suzuki Method, which views playing an instrument as the means to many other goals and believes what is learned through music will benefit children in whatever career they choose.

Membership in Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras' eight, core ensemble programs is by invitation only, following competitive entrance auditions. Ensuring equality and the opportunity for growth, membership renewal is not automatically guaranteed, as all members must re-audition each year.

For any questions, concerns or feedback, please feel free to contact the FSYO Office by phoning 407.999.7800, or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..