• Parents/Members
  • Store
  • Touring
  • Work for FSYO
  • News
  • Blog
  • Contact FSYO
  • Parents/Members
  • Store
  • Touring
  • Work for FSYO
  • News
  • Blog
  • Contact FSYO

BOOK FSYO    GET TICKETS    DONATE HERE

  • Home
  • Programs
      • Back
      • Symphonic Orchestra
      • Overture Strings Orchestra
      • Prelude Orchestra
      • Alphonse Carlo Jazz Band
      • Joseph Wise Jazz Band
      • Percussion Ensemble
      • Concerto Competition
      • Philharmonia Orchestra
  • Auditions
  • Scholarships
  • Concerts & Events
      • Back
      • Platinum Season
      • Venues
      • Explore the Area
  • Support
      • Back
      • Ways to Give
      • Sponsorships
      • Volunteer
      • Instrument Donation
  • About Us
      • Back
      • FSYO Mission
      • Board
      • FSYO Team
      • Alumni
      • Financials
      • Strategic Plan
  • History
      • Back
      • Mead Botanical Garden Amphitheater
      • Ms. Mary Drake Legge
  • Florida Music College Fair

Alumni: Then & Now - Angela Wilkes - 9.11.26

Orlando, FL - September 11, 2026

Throughout its 70 year history, FSYO has served thousands of students with many continuing to keep music in their lives as they moved into the next phases of their life after high school. As part of the Platinum Season, we are excited to look back and hear from FSYO Alumni on their experiences with the organization and what their life looks like now with the lessons they learned along the way! 

This month we are highlighting Angela Wilkes (formerly Angela Cross when she was in FSYO)! 

Angela is a violinist who was part of what was then Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra from 1981-1984. She had the opportunity to work under several notable conductors in FSYO's history, including Charles Gottschalk, Alfred Savia, and Dr. Joseph Wise. One of her favorite memories with FSYO was when a group of musicians came together to do a brief concert at the airport to greet Mr. Gottschalk as he returned home from a trip away. 

Today, Angela is currently a managing editor of The International Economy, a magazine covering international economic and monetary policy. She graduated from Datrmouth College where she played in the orchestra and band. While violin is no longer her primary focus, Angela still finds time to practice and perform! She joined a local community orchestra ten years ago starting at the back of the second violin section. Over the years as the ensemble as grown, Angela now finds herself sitting in the concertmaster seat. 

"I look back at the terrific players who served as FSYO concertmasters in the early 1980's with enormous respect since I now have real appreciation for how hard that job can be."

Angela's time performing throughout her life has given her many opportunities, one being a performance with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra through a program called Rusty Musicians which allowed amateur musicians to join the professionals onstage for a rehearsal and performance. This performance led to an FSYO reunion as Ellen Pendleton, who was concertmaster of FSYO and Angela's high school orchestra in the 80's, was in the BSO at that time and was able to arrange for the two to share their stand for the performance! 

Thank you Angela for sharing your story with us! 

BSO Rusty EllenPendleton AngelaWilkes 2010 A. WilkesEllen Pendleton and Angela Wilkes perform together as part of BSO's Rusty Musicians program

 

A Wilkes Arlington Concert OrchestraAngela Wilkes as Concertmaster of the Arlington Concert Orchestra

 

If you are an FSYO Alumni and would like to share your story with us, please fill out the Alumni: Then & Now Form! 

Read more …

Member Highlight - Arjun Patel - 9.4.26

Orlando, FL - September 4, 2026

As part of FSYO's Platinum Season celebrating 70 years of musical excellence, we are taking the time each month to highlight current FSYO members on their accomplishments both in and outside of FSYO. 

This month, we are highlighting FSYO Symphonic Pianist, Arjun Patel. 

2026 May Carnegie Stage Door Jaye PatelThis past May, Arjun was awarded the Gold Medal at the 26th International Young Gifted Musicians Festival "Passion of Music 2026." The international music competition is held annually by The American Association for Development of the Gifted and Talented (AADGT). AADGT is a non-profit that helps young artists transform musical passion into excellence. As a recipient of the Gold Medal, Arjun was invited to perform his piece at the winners concert at Carnegie Hall. 

"It was a privilege to be hanging out backstage with other artists knowing that we all diligently practiced to get there. When I watched the other performers play, it was inspiring and humbling at the same time."

-Arjun Patel, FSYO Symphonic Pianist

 

 

rsz 005 012 copy Jaye Patel

Read more …

FSYO Celebrates Graduating Seniors - Class of 2026

Orlando, FL - May 5, 2026 Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras is proud to present the graduating Class of 2026! We are incredibly proud of our seniors for their hard work, growth, and dedication throughout their time with FSYO. Join us in celebrating them and discover what’s ahead for each of these talented musicians below!

Seniors Last Name A - C




Seniors Last Name D - K

 



Seniors Last Name L - R

 

Seniors Last Name S - Z

 

Read more …

Your Gift, Multiplied: Support FSYO Through the United Arts Collaborative Campaign

Collab Campaign Banner

Orlando, FL - December 4, 2025 - As we enter the holiday season, we also enter a time of giving and an important moment for the arts in Central Florida. December 1st marks the launch of the United Arts Collaborative Campaign for the Arts, where Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) joins 45 fellow arts organizations in a fundraising effort running through April 30, 2026. Through this campaign, participating organizations gain access to a matching pool of up to $1.25 million, multiplying the impact of every gift.

Tuition and ticket sales cover only half of FSYO’s annual budget. Individual donations, sponsorships, and grants bridge the gap and make it possible for FSYO to continue offering meaningful music education programs to young musicians across our community. When you give through the United Arts Collaborative Campaign, you directly help ensure that every young musician has access to a high-quality music education.

Each year, FSYO serves more than 300 students through eight ensembles, providing a wide range of musical experiences and opportunities. We are deeply committed to accessibility and will never turn away a student due to financial circumstances. FSYO fundraises year-round to provide Financial Aid for families who demonstrate need, ensuring that talent and passion, not financial capacity, determine a young musician’s path.

Adrienne Arceri of the Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment shared, “Working with FSYO’s scholarship program has shown me how committed the organization is to making high-quality music education accessible to all. Many students have told us how FSYO helped them grow as musicians, build lasting friendships, and discover new possibilities for their futures.”

Your support opens the door for FSYO musicians to pursue their dreams whether that means participating in advanced programs, attending festivals, or traveling across the globe for performances and educational tours. Your generosity helps provide more than $45,000 in scholarship opportunities each year and sustains a vibrant musical community for hundreds of young artists.

“FSYO empowers young musicians to achieve excellence and inspire their communities through a shared love of music.” In our 2025-2026 Season, we are poised in purpose, polished in performance, and ready to soar. With your help, we hope to equip tomorrow’s leaders to soar because an investment in music education is an investment in the future. Please join us and Let Music Soar with a gift today.

All contributions made through the United Arts Campaign before April 30, 2026 are eligible for the matching funds pool of up to $1.25 million. Make your gift today at: https://unitedartscfl.org/fsyo/ 

 

Read more …

2024-2025: Our Forte in Figures

Learn more about your impact!

24 25 Impact Fact Sheet 1

24 25 Impact Fact Sheet 2

Read more …

MEET THE TEAM BEHIND FSYO’s EXCITING 69th SEASON

Orlando, FL - August 11, 2025 - Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras has a small but mighty team overseeing all of the operations and students involved in its eight ensembles. Familiar faces and some new faces make up the team gearing up for FSYO’s 69th Season. Learn more about the people who make the entire season happen and come say hello at our next concert!

Abigail Tran - Executive Director

Abby1 web

Executive Director, Abigail (Abby) Tran, has a long standing relationship with FSYO dating back to the 2000’s.  She began her journey with FSYO as a member of Overture Strings and continued through FSYO’s ensembles  until she graduated from high school. Upon finishing college at Stetson University, Abby returned to FSYO and  served in many roles including Operations Coordinator, Board Member, Development & Marketing Manager,  Interim Executive Director, and finally Executive Director. 

From a young age, music has remained an integral part of Abby’s life and she understands how powerful music  can be to inspire and change lives. As Executive Director she is working to revitalize the organization while  cultivating an environment of donor centric philanthropy to ensure the new generation of FSYO students and  families will reap the benefits of FSYO. 

 

 

 

What is your musical background and how did you get involved with FSYO? 

I started violin at three years old, and I transitioned to viola when I was in 3rd grade. In middle school, I also picked up the flute for three years, but I did not continue in high school since marching season is the same time of year as golf season. I was in the orchestra program at Dr. Phillips HS all four years, and later went to Stetson University on a viola scholarship. Today, I take gigs when I am able throughout the Central Florida area, and I also have a beginning viola student.

I was first introduced to FSYO in third grade when I joined the new Overture Strings ensemble, and over the next 10 seasons, I moved through each ensemble and created friendships that lasted a lifetime. (One of my first friends from FSYO was a Bridesmaid in my wedding three years ago, and we are currently planning a trip together for 2026.)

After graduating from Stetson, I joined the Administrative Team as an Operations Coordinator, and my eyes were opened to a third side of the music realm. Growing up, I was only ever told you perform or you teach if you want to stay involved with music, but after joining the Administrative Team of FSYO, I found my niche.

What has been the most rewarding part of working at FSYO so far?

Being on the FSYO Administrative Team has been a full circle moment, and I feel honored to be giving back to an organization that provided me so much. My favorite part of working at FSYO is witnessing the relationships that form not just between the students but the families as well and hearing how those relationships continue beyond FSYO. It is refreshing to see the members put aside their differences, come together, and bring ink on a page to life with the current state of the world. Also knowing we are training the next generation to be considerate, insightful, and giving citizens of their community gives me continued hope for the future.

What are you most excited about for FSYO’s 69th season?

During the 69th Season, I am looking forward to continuing the steady growth of the organization as a whole and deepening our impact in the community through even more intentionality. We are bolstering our current programming through increased numbers, expanding awareness of FSYO throughout Central Florida, and strengthening the financial stability to ensure the organization's longevity. This season is focused around preparation as we gear up to enter our seventh decade of existence.

 

Charles Watford - Music Director & Symphonic Orchestra Conductor

Charles Watford resized

Music Director and Symphonic Orchestra Conductor, Charles Watford, joined FSYO in the 68th season. With over 31 years of experience teaching at both high school and college levels, Mr. Watford has served as Director of Bands at Lake Howell High School, Winter Springs High School, and Dr. Phillips High School. He has received the Otto J. Kraushaar Award for consistent superior ratings at the Florida Bandmasters Association State MPA’s, as well as the Oliver Hobbs Outstanding Band Director Award, making him a Florida Bandmasters Association Legacy Member.

Over the years, Mr. Watford has conducted many All-County bands throughout Florida as well as conducting the High School All-State Honors Band in 2014. Many of his former students have gone on to become educators and professional musicians, reflecting his significant impact across Central Florida.

 

 

What is your musical background and how did you get involved with FSYO? 

I have been a music teacher for 32 years teaching high school for 31 of those years. I have taught all types of music courses including orchestra, but my main role was director of bands at three area high schools. I have been a coach and substitute conductor for FSYO since the late 90's. I have had numerous former students go through the program with FSYO.

What has been the most rewarding part of working at FSYO so far?

I really enjoyed the rehearsals and working with the very talented musicians in all the groups last year. I am very proud of the work that the artistic staff and students were able to accomplish and I cannot wait to see what this year brings.

What are you most excited about for FSYO’s 69th season?

I am looking forward to the literature and seeing how good we can make the symphonic orchestra this year. Every year is a new group and I cannot wait to see what this year's group is able to achieve musically.

 

Logan Faulkner - Marketing Coordinator

faulkner logan 1

Marketing Coordinator, Logan Faulkner, has a long history in music and the arts. She began her flute studies at the age of nine and has since been an active participant in various bands, orchestras, flute choirs, and chamber ensembles. After receiving a Bachelor of Music in flute performance from FSU, Logan turned to the administrative side of the arts and began expanding her skills in arts administration. While working full time as the Summer Intensive Coordinator with the Orlando Ballet, Logan completed her Master’s Degree in Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky in August 2024. 

Logan brings with her many years of experience working with students of all ages who are pursuing their passion in the arts. She loves working with students to help them achieve their goals and as FSYO’s marketing coordinator is looking forward to highlighting FSYO members and their accomplishments. 

 

 

 

What is your musical background and how did you get involved with FSYO? 

I began playing the flute in the fourth grade and continued with my musical education all the way through college! I grew up in Polk County so was unable to participate in FSYO growing up, but I did play under FSYO’s Philharmonia Conductor, Matt Davis, in high school at Harrison School for the Arts. I recently joined FSYO in March 2025 as I was looking to return to the musical world and work with an organization that highlighted music education. FSYO was a great fit and I am excited for the season to come! 

What has been the most rewarding part of working at FSYO so far?

Working with all of the talented student musicians and seeing their growth in such a short amount of time! I look forward to seeing what they can do in an entire season!

What are you most excited about for FSYO’s 69th season?

I’m looking forward to getting to know our members and working more closely with them on different projects! I would love for our members to be more involved in our marketing process and how we can best highlight them throughout the season. 

 

Cameron Frye - Development Coordinator

Cameron03 web

Development Coordinator, Cameron Frye, grew up in a family where classical music was very prominent. She began her musical studies at age five and continued on as a voice major throughout high school and college. Cameron has a passion for the arts and working with students which first led her to FSYO as the Operations Coordinator. After working closely with the students and families of FSYO, Cameron leaned into her experience and became FSYO’s Development Coordinator to expand FSYO’s reach even further. In her current position, Cameron has led fundraising initiatives and contributed to increased community engagement and organizational growth.

 

 

 

 

What is your musical background and how did you get involved with FSYO? 

I come from a family of musicians so the love for music was instilled in me from the time I was born, and I was put in piano lessons at age 6. I trained as a classical pianist and vocalist for all of my early years, and pursued a degree in music as a vocalist with a double major in Psychology from FSU. After graduating, I decided to pursue arts administration, which led me to FSYO, first as Operations Coordinator and now as Development Coordinator!

What has been the most rewarding part of working at FSYO so far?

Seeing the connections that our students build through their shared love of music. 

What are you most excited about for FSYO’s 69th season?

Continuing to grow the holiday festival at Mead Gardens - it keeps getting bigger and better every year!

 

Ray Moscarella - Operations Manager

Ray1 web

Operations Manager, Ray Moscarella, is a native of Florida who earned his AA in Music from Miami Dade College and his BA in Jazz Performance for Trombone from Florida International University. Ray has several years of experience performing in a variety of styles including jazz, classical, salsa, and Broadway. Ray first joined FSYO as an Operations Coordinator in 2023 and has since grown in the position transitioning to the role of Operations Manager in the 69th season. Ray is looking forward to continuing to support FSYO’s members and the organization’s mission!

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is your musical background and how did you get involved with FSYO? 

My musical background comes from growing up in a Hispanic household in South Florida, where music was always a part of daily life. From salsa and jazz to ska and rock, the variety of sounds constantly playing around me inspired my early love for music. I started playing trumpet in middle school and later switched to trombone in high school, which is when I really began to explore jazz more seriously. That passion led me to study Jazz Performance at Florida International University, and I spent several years gigging around South Florida as a working musician. In 2021, my wife and I relocated to Orlando, and in 2023 I discovered the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras and joined the team as an Operations Coordinator. It’s been incredibly rewarding to bring my experience and passion for music into this role and support the next generation of young musicians.  

What has been the most rewarding part of working at FSYO so far?

Getting to work with the students, families, and community that we serve is a humbling experience every day. I truly believe in our mission to empower young musicians to achieve excellence and I get to see them inspire our community through a shared love of music every single week. What we do is truly special and cannot be replicated anywhere else.

What are you most excited about for FSYO’s 69th season?

I’m so eager to jump into my third season with FSYO, especially as I step into my new role as Operations Manager! It’s an exciting new chapter for me personally, and I’m looking forward to continuing to support our students and staff in an even greater capacity. One of the things I’m most excited about is welcoming all the new members into the FSYO family. There's always such great energy at the start of the season, and I can’t wait to see how the ensembles grow and thrive together throughout the year.  

 

Roy Liu - Operations Coordinator

Roy

Roy Liu joins FSYO’s administrative team in its 69th Season as an Operations Coordinator. A recent graduate from Stetson University, Roy comes to the organization with a Bachelor of Music degree with an outside field in education. Roy performed as part of Stetson’s bands, orchestras, and choirs and also held leadership positions with the Florida Alpha Colony of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and the Stetson Club Pickleball. He comes with a myriad of experience in performing, teaching, and organization that he plans to apply to his new role with FSYO. 

 

 

 

 

 

What is your musical background and how did you get involved with FSYO? 

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Music with an outside field in Education from Stetson University, where I studied trombone. Throughout college, I was heavily involved in performing and teaching, and I developed a strong interest in arts administration. I first heard about FSYO through college friends who were involved with the organization, and I learned even more about it through Abby, who also went to Stetson. Her husband was actually the person who recruited me to Stetson in the first place. so joining FSYO now feels like everything has come full circle. I’m excited to be here and continue growing in this field.  

What has been the most rewarding part of working at FSYO so far?

The most rewarding part has been getting to know the students and seeing their passion for music in action. From watching them grow during Stringmania to seeing their courage and excitement at Open Auditions, it’s been incredibly inspiring. Being part of these moments reminds me why I chose a path in music education and arts administration.

What are you most excited about for FSYO’s 69th season?

I’m most excited to grow in the field of Arts Administration and to watch these incredible young musicians grow alongside me. This role is my first step into the professional world after college, and I’m especially looking forward to helping plan our concerts and events while learning what it takes to run a successful arts organization. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with such talented students and be part of such a passionate and supportive community.

 

Khai Tran - Bookkeeper

Khai Tran

Khai Tran joins FSYO in its 69th Season as its new Bookkeeper! Khai is a retired pharmacist who is passionate about giving back to the community by mentoring others on personal finance and helping families build strong financial foundations. Khai joins FSYO as a proud FSYO alumni parent and is enjoying giving back to the organization that had such a large impact on his daughter. With a strong appreciation for the arts, Khai is looking forward to assisting FSYO families as they join the program!

 

 

 

 

 

What is your musical background and how did you get involved with FSYO? 

I played a mean fiddle in middle school but that is the extent of my musical background. My daughter, Mia, played bassoon with FSYO for 3 years and that is how my family got involved.

What has been the most rewarding part of working at FSYO so far?

Knowing that I can play a small role in an organization that meant so much to my daughter.

What are you most excited about for FSYO’s 69th season?

The concerts!

 

Read more …

  1. Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment Inaugural Scholarship Recipients
  2. Annual Florida Music College Fair Hosted by FSYO, FSU College of Music, and Frost School of Music
  3. FSYO RETURNS HOME AFTER UNFORGETTABLE TOUR THROUGH JAPAN
  4. FSYO’S INSPIRING JOURNEY TO JAPAN BEGINS ON STAGE IN ORLANDO
  5. FSYO CELEBRATES GRADUATING SENIORS - CLASS OF 2025

Page 1 of 34

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10

BOOK THE BANDBOOK AN ENSEMBLE

DONATE DONATE   

PURCHASE TICKETSPURCHASE TICKETS

SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTERSUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras | (407) 999-7800 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras is funded in part by United Arts of Central Florida, your local agency for the arts. FSYO projects are funded in part by Orange County, Florida through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program. 

  • Learn More

  • Learn More

  • Learn More

  • Learn More

  • Learn More

  • Learn More

  • Learn More

  • Learn More

  • Learn More

  • Learn More

  • Learn More

Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras and the Edyth Bush Institute.

lao logo ebi logo