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Orlando, FL - March 4, 2026 As it celebrates its 69th Season, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) is preparing for one of its most meaningful and community-driven traditions: its annual Play-a-thon event. Presented by Orlando Utilities Commission, FSYO’s Play-a-thon is more than just a fundraiser. It is a high-spirited, team-based celebration of music education, outreach, and youth leadership that brings together FSYO’s entire organization from student musicians and conductors to Board Members and Administrative Staff.

Unlike traditional fundraisers, Play-a-thon is team-based where each ensemble or department collaboratively fundraises, building camaraderie while fostering a spirit of friendly competition. Fundraising began on January 25th with each member fundraising for their respective teams with fun conductor led incentives leading them to reach their goals!

This fundraising period culminates in a free outdoor concert on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Lake Eola’s Walt Disney Amphitheater, where seven of FSYO’s ensembles will perform for the public. In addition to the music presented by each ensemble, the event will also feature local food trucks, a silent auction with exciting community-donated prizes, and a dunk tank fundraiser making it a festive and interactive experience for families and supporters of all ages. This community-wide celebration is not only a musical showcase, but also a key part of FSYO’s annual giving efforts. Contributions made during the six-week campaign are amplified through a match from United Arts of Central Florida’s Collaborative Campaign, making every donation go further in supporting music education.

This event is sponsored in part by the City of Orlando and the Orlando Community Redevelopment Agency. Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras is funded in part by the Orange County Government through the Arts and Cultural Affairs Program.

Play a thon Square Event Details
Presented by OUC: FSYO’s 69th Season Play-a-thon
Date: March 8, 2026
Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm
Location: Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park - 195 N Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Admission: This event is free and open to the public!

Follow along on the progress of the event HERE and check out the Silent Auction HERE.

Orlando, FL - February 13, 2026 Spring is a busy season for Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) as it enters the second half of its 69th Season with a full slate of concerts and community events across Central Florida.

One highlight takes place on Saturday, February 21, where an FSYO Jazz Combo will perform at WUCF’s Be My Neighbor Day at Loch Haven Park. This free, family-friendly event celebrates kindness, community, and the values of PBS Kids icons like Daniel Tiger and Mister Rogers. This marks FSYO’s first year participating, offering live music from its members and giving families a chance to engage directly with FSYO through on-site activities and information.

This partnership highlights FSYO’s commitment to “empowering its members to achieve musical excellence and inspire their communities through a shared love of music.”

Be My Neighbor Day
Saturday, February 21, 2026
10:00am - 1:00pm
Loch Haven Park - 1001 E. Princeton St. Orlando, FL 32803

On the same day, FSYO’s Symphonic Orchestra will present a full concert showcasing works by Michael Daugherty, Alberto Ginastera, and Sergei Rachmaninoff. The program features FSYO’s premier ensemble and includes a solo appearance by one of FSYO’s 2025 Concerto Competition winners, Hugh Kackley, performing the first movement of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor. The concert will highlight both the artistic standards of FSYO’s Symphonic Orchestra and the dedication of the young musicians who bring the program to life.

Sounds of Symphonic
February 21, 2026
3:00pm
Edgewater High School - 3100 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804

Tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/soundsofsymphonic
Special pricing available for Children, Students, Seniors (65+), and Military patrons. As always, Academic and Music Educators receive complimentary admission to this concert by visiting the ticketing table on the day of the event.

That same weekend, an exciting opportunity is available for students interested in joining FSYO for the 2026-2027 season. On February 22nd, prospective students are invited to attend an open rehearsal to meet conductors and view the ensembles in rehearsal to gain an idea of which ensemble may be the best fit. Interested students are invited to fill out this form to register for the FSYO Open Rehearsal and gain more information. Any questions can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

FSYO Open Rehearsal
February 22, 2026
11:30 - 4:30pm
Lyman High School - 865 S Ronald Reagan Blvd, Longwood, FL 32750

Open Rehearsal Registration

Rounding out the month of February, FSYO’s Jazz Ensembles take the stage for their annual Spring Swing concert on Saturday, February 28th. Featuring performances by the Joseph Wise Jazz Band and the Alphonse Carlo Jazz Band, this lively afternoon of jazz highlights works by Ray Bryant, Joseph Kosma, Duke Ellington, and more. The concert will also feature a special guest performer, the Bridgewater Middle School Jazz Band, who will present their own set. Audiences are invited to join FSYO for an energetic afternoon of jazz.

FSYO’s 69th Season Spring Swing
February 28, 2026
3:00pm
Valencia College East Campus - 701 N Econlockhatchee

Tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/springswing69
Special pricing available for Children, Students, Seniors (65+), and Military patrons. As always, Academic and Music Educators receive complimentary admission to this concert by visiting the ticketing table on the day of the event.

Kicking off the month of March, FSYO presents its annual Spring Classics Concert. This concert will feature almost every FSYO orchestra including, Overture Strings, Prelude Orchestra, Sinfonia Orchestra, and Philharmonia Orchestra. This is a wonderful opportunity to see what FSYO members have been working on and how much they have grown from the beginning of the season!

FSYO’s 69th Season Spring Classics
March 1, 2026
3:00pm
Lyman High School - 865 S Ronald REagan Blvd, Longwood, FL 32750

Tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/springclassics69
Special pricing available for Children, Students, Seniors (65+), and Military patrons. As always, Academic and Music Educators receive complimentary admission to this concert by visiting the ticketing table on the day of the event.

Rounding out our Spring Concert lineup is FSYO’s annual Play-a-thon event! Presented by The Orlando Utilties Commision, Play-a-thon is more than just a fundraiser! It is a team-based celebration of music, outreach, and youth leadership that brings together FSYO’s entire organization, from student musicians and conductors to board members and administrative staff.

Unlike traditional fundraisers, Play-a-thon is team-based, each ensemble and department fundraises collaboratively, building camaraderie while fostering a spirit of friendly competition. The in person event will feature food trucks and a silent auction with exciting community-donated prizes, making it a festive and interactive experience for families and supporters of all ages.

The fundraising period culminates in an outdoor concert on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Lake Eola’s Walt Disney Amphitheater, where all eight FSYO ensembles will perform a free concert for the public.

Presented by the Orlando Utilities Commission: FSYO’s 69th Season Play-a-thon
March 1, 2026
11:00am
Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park - 195 N Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

There’s something for everyone as we enter these two months of spring concerts and events! We hope you’ll join us at one of our upcoming performances, and we’d love to share more about FSYO with you!

Orlando, FL - February 4, 2026 Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) is gearing up for a milestone 70th Season! Audition materials and applications are now open for young musicians ages nine to twenty years old who are looking to expand their music education. FSYO provides the highest quality educational experience for members by exposing them to qualified music educators who share their expertise, and the repertoire provided to members brings challenges that teach them new skills.

Entering its Platinum Season, FSYO offers eight different ensembles for young musicians to audition for! With two string orchestras, three full symphony orchestras, two jazz bands, and one percussion ensemble, there is an ensemble for everyone to find the right fit. As Orlando’s official youth orchestra, FSYO is committed to providing members with a complete educational experience during rehearsals, in live performance opportunities, and through educational domestic and international tours. Many FSYO alumni continue onto college to pursue music at prestigious institutions such as The Juilliard School of Music, Eastman School of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, New England Conservatory, among others.

Current FSYO members and alumni have shared what FSYO has meant for them and their musical journeys.

“FSYO has been an ensemble experience like no other. It has given me the chance to work with the best conductors and has challenged me musically. I have made lasting friendships and have gained valuable experience in music performance.”

- Symphonic Orchestra Member, 68th Season

“FSYO has provided me just this one year with so much knowledge and expertise. I have improved so much, not just as a musician, but as a person too. Seeing my peers go on and do great things because of FSYO’s amazing opportunities is incredible, and I really would love to see more bright stars in the future."

-Alphonse Carlo Jazz Band Member, 68th Season

FSYO auditions are for standard orchestral and jazz instruments with auditions required for both new and returning members. Each ensemble has a limited number of seats available, and an audition does not guarantee placement into an FSYO ensemble. Acceptance and placement is completely merit-based and those who audition are subjected to meet specific criteria to be considered. Auditions require preparation of a provided excerpt for the ensemble for which they are auditioning, a one-minute solo of their choice, and scales and arpeggios as listed. All auditions are approximately 3 to 5 minutes long with percussion auditions lasting approximately 10 minutes.

FSYO has a strong commitment to the community and accessibility and will never refuse a student the opportunity to participate because of an inability to pay the Membership Tuition. FSYO fundraises to provide Tuition Scholarships for musicians whose families demonstrate need. Scholarships are not available for the Audition Payment, Concert Tickets, or cost of Uniform. You can learn more about scholarship opportunities by visiting the FSYO Scholarship page.

Applications for FSYO’s Platinum Season are due by March 29, 2026. Additional information can be found at www.fsyo.org/auditions and any questions can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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/

FSYO Seasons Greetings PR 2

Orlando, FL - November 21, 2025 - This December, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) is expanding the traditional holiday concert into an immersive, outdoor festival experience at Mead Botanical Garden. Season’s Greetings from the Garden offers a refreshed approach to holiday programming, transforming the entire garden into a multi-stage event that highlights all eight of FSYO’s ensembles.

"We began our partnership with Mead Botanical Garden in 2010 to help build The Grove, and now 15 years later, Season's Greetings is FSYO's highest attended event/concert each season.” -Abigail Tran, FSYO Executive Director

Throughout the afternoon, guests can move between the Grove Stage and the Little Amphitheater to catch a wide range of performances. This year’s program includes familiar seasonal selections such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Feliz Navidad, and music from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to set up their ideal viewing spot anywhere in the garden.

In addition to FSYO’s ensembles, the event will feature a special collaboration and performance by the Central Florida Youth Chorus. FSYO is thrilled to partner with another youth-centered music organization, showcasing the strength and artistry of young musicians this holiday season. And during Sleigh Ride, be sure to watch the podium as this year includes a surprise conductor moment courtesy of the New York City Tour Scholarship Silent Auction.

Food will be available on-site from a variety of local vendors, offering guests several options to enjoy throughout the day. This includes treats from Kelly’s Ice Cream, flavorful dishes from Island Life Cuisine and Asia Kitchen, and local products from Hive5 Handcrafted Honey.

Guests can also visit the Student Engagement Council table, where FSYO members will be sharing more about their work within the organization. Items will be available for purchase, with proceeds directly supporting student-led initiatives and programming.

"The great thing about this concert is that there is something for everyone. All of our ensembles will be performing including Orchestra, Jazz, and a Guest Choir. There will be all types of music including holiday tunes as well as some light jazz and classical music. It is a great opportunity to hear and see our ensembles in the beautiful Mead Gardens." -Charles Watford, FSYO Music Director

Season’s Greetings from the Garden brings together music, community, and the unique outdoor setting of Mead Botanical Garden for a relaxed and enjoyable holiday event. It’s an opportunity to experience FSYO’s full breadth of talent while spending the afternoon in one of Central Florida’s most scenic locations.

Come celebrate the season with us!

FSYO Seasons Greetings PR

Concert Details

Season’s Greetings from the Garden

Date: December 14, 2025

Time: 2:00pm

Location: Mead Botanical Garden - 1300 S Denning Dr, Winter Park, FL 32789

Admission: General Admission is $20. Day of pricing increases to $25. Special pricing available for Children, Students, Seniors (65+), and Military patrons. As always, Academic and Music Educators receive complimentary admission to this concert.

Purchase Tickets Here

Parking: Free parking is available onsite with overflow parking nearby and a free shuttle to transport patrons to and from the venue.