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Orlando, FL - May 6, 2025 - As the 68th season is coming to a close, FSYO looks forward to presenting the final performances of the season. Highlighting all of our ensembles over two weekends of performances, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to see our students shine!

Kicking off the weekend on May 9th at 7:00 PM, the Percussion Ensemble Showcase will be performing in the Little Amphitheater at Mead Botanical Garden. A beautiful outdoor concert that will showcase our four percussion ensemble members as they present a diverse selection of chamber and solo works. This will not be your only chance to see these performers as FSYO Percussion Ensemble members also participate in our various orchestra ensembles that will perform the following weekend. This overlap offers our students valuable experience, both in percussion-specific repertoire and in full symphony orchestra settings, fostering comprehensive training.

We invite you to support our percussionists as they showcase their talents during this dedicated performance. Tickets can be purchased online for $20 or in person on the day of the event for $25.

Following this performance, FSYO will host our Jazz Finale on May 10th at 3:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church of Orlando. Featuring the Joseph Wise and Alphonse Carlo Jazz Bands, this event will highlight works by renowned composers such as John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, and others. FSYO Jazz Ensembles provide our students with opportunities to deepen their understanding of jazz repertoire and develop their improvisation skills. This performance will showcase the progress students have made throughout the year, demonstrated through their improv performances.

We invite you to enjoy the magic of live jazz music and spend the evening with friends and family. Tickets can be purchased online for $25 or in person on the day of the event for $30.

To conclude the season, FSYO will present the Classical Finale on May 18th at 3:00 PM in the Linda Chapin Theater at the Orange County Convention Center. This event will feature performances by all of our orchestral ensembles: Overture Strings, Prelude Orchestra, Sinfonia Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, and Symphonic Orchestra. Each of these programs is designed to enhance students' experience within an orchestral setting, providing them with comprehensive exposure to symphonic repertoire as they advance to the Sinfonia Orchestra and beyond.

Throughout the season, these ensembles have performed increasingly challenging repertoire, demonstrating their growth and dedication and we invite you to join us for this cumulative performance. Tickets are available online for $25, or in person on the day of the event for $30.

ORLANDO, FL – April 17, 2025 - April serves as a significant month for philanthropic activities among arts organizations in Central Florida. The 30th of April marks the conclusion of the United Arts Collaborative Campaign, during which contributions can qualify for a matching funds pool totaling up to $1,250,000. In light of recent reductions in state arts funding, which are projected to persist, 82 arts organizations in the region find themselves seeking more support from the community.

The cuts to arts funding have resulted in a loss of nearly $25,000 in grant funding that Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) was scheduled to receive for the 2024-2025 season. Throughout the season, FSYO has actively sought to address the impact of funding changes through various initiatives, one of which includes establishing partnerships with several local organizations such as Orlando Public Houses and Kendra Scott. FSYO is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with local businesses that align with our mission, support community engagement, and help raise funds for our young musicians.

Throughout the month of April, FSYO is featured as the Good Bite and Good Burger at the Orlando Public Houses. The Orlando Public Houses serve the Central Florida community by providing a casual environment for families and friends to gather, enjoy their time together, and eat great food. To help give back to their community, Ollie’s and Vanbarry’s have created specialized menu items specifically for FSYO, with some musical names to match. Ollie’s at College Park is serving up the Marinara Medley while you can head over to Vanbarry’s for The Mozzart. Each purchase of either the Good Bite or the Good Burger will directly benefit FSYO!

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At the end of this month, Kendra Scott will host a giveback event in partnership with FSYO. The Kendra Scott Foundation exists to empower women and youth in the areas of health and wellness, education, and entrepreneurship. From April 26th to April 27th at the Winter Park location, customers can use the discount code online to contribute 20% of their purchase to benefit FSYO and the 2025 Japan Summer Tour. We invite the community to visit the store in person on April 27th from 2:00 - 4:00pm to shop and engage with an FSYO staff member to learn more about our programming. During this time only, shoppers in store can mention FSYO at check out to contribute 20% of their purchase. This event is just in time for Mother's Day and provides the perfect opportunity to pick up a gift for mom!

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Another great way to give to FSYO is by booking an ensemble for your next event! From duos to quartets, our students rehearse together weekly in small groups and are provided with a library of music to ensure a diverse musical selection for events. Booking FSYO for an event allows our students to receive valuable performance experience as well as the opportunity to earn funds that will go towards their upcoming Japan Summer Tour.

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As we wrap up the month, we invite you to join us in making a meaningful impact through these exciting opportunities to connect, collaborate, and give back!

ORLANDO, FL – April 4, 2025 - Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) is celebrating Music Director, Charles Watford’s, 55th birthday this week! From April 4th through April 11th, FSYO is asking the community to help us celebrate by making a $55 dollar gift to FSYO through the United Arts Campaign.

With a 31-year legacy of teaching at both the high school and collegiate levels, Charles Watford is one of the best. He began his career in 1994 as the Director of Bands at Lake Howell High School where he was recognized with the Otto J. Kraushaar Award on two occasions and awarded Teacher of the Year for the 1999-2000 academic year. From 2000 to 2005, he continued his teaching at Winter Springs High School, overseeing the band program and guitar classes. Under his leadership, the Winter Springs band performed at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, the Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington, D.C., and consistently received straight superiors at the Florida Bandmasters Association State MPA, earning the Otto J. Kraushaar Award.

In addition, Mr. Watford has conducted numerous All-County bands throughout Florida and led 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. We are honored to have him lead Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras in the role of Music Director.

For Mr. Watford, being part of Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras is more than just teaching or conducting. His passion is the heart of our organization. He shared:

“I am grateful to be in front of such talented musicians and to have them rise to the challenges I give them. I am thankful that my career brought me here and gave me this opportunity. I am looking forward to seeing what we can do.”

His dedication is seen in everything he does, even spending his birthday with FSYO students, leading them in rehearsal! His birthday wish is to continue his legacy of inspiring students at Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras.

Help us make his wish come true by making a designated gift to FSYO through the United Arts Collaborative Campaign for the Arts!

Give $55 for Charles’ 55th Birthday!

ORLANDO, FL - April 3, 2025 - Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) is excited to announce a new scholarship opportunity in partnership with the Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment.

Following an initial contribution in 2024, Alan Oyler and his daughter, Adrienne Arceri, shared the inspiring story and musical journey of their mother and grandmother. This increased engagement with FSYO culminated in a partnership that resulted in the establishment of the Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment Scholarship.

Ursula Sonnenschein was born in Germany in 1928 and demonstrated a remarkable talent for music from a young age. However, due to the Second World War, her musical education faced interruptions. She was able to resume her studies later in life after marrying Melvin Oyler and relocating to the United States. Upon her retirement, Ursula began offering piano lessons to children and adults in her community. In honor of her dedication to music and education, the Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment was established with the Central Florida Foundation. This endowment is committed to supporting music programs that benefit underprivileged children and young adults, continuing Ursula’s legacy of uplifting the next generation through music.

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In partnership with FSYO, the Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment has created an annual scholarship program that provides qualified students who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to music the opportunity to participate in FSYO, even when they may otherwise face challenges in doing so. Recipients of this scholarship will receive funding that covers 100% of all costs related to FSYO's regular season membership.

Students who wish to be considered must audition and be accepted into an FSYO ensemble, as well as complete the scholarship application.

To learn more about the scholarship requirements, check out the webpage HERE.

To view the audition requirements and register for an audition, please click HERE.

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ORLANDO, FL - January 3, 2025 - On Monday, June 23, 2025, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras’ (FSYO) members, parents, and staff will embark on an exhilarating tour to explore famous landmarks and perform breathtaking concerts across Japan. Immersed in new cultures, our young musicians will gain an experience of a lifetime during their two-week journey. Not only will they have the opportunity to meet youth from other countries, but they will also have the benefit of playing and learning alongside each other in collaborative performances.

When asked how this tour will impact both FSYO members and Japanese audiences Mr. Charles Watford, FSYO Music Director, remarked:

“This tour is a unique opportunity for both our members and our Japanese hosts to share a great musical experience through side-by-side performances of music from both cultures. I am looking forward to the collaboration that we are fortunate to experience in Japan and to see our own accomplished musicians from Central Florida play such a diverse and exciting selection of music.”

Both the Tour Orchestra and Tour Jazz Band will have the chance to take part in transformative performances. One highlight of the classical performances is a side-by-side orchestral performance on June 27, 2025 at Salamanca Symphony Hall with the Gifu University Orchestra, sponsored by the city government. Additionally, the Tour Jazz Band will proudly represent America at the World Expo 2025 on July 2, 2025 in Osaka. These great opportunities offer a glimpse into the involvement FSYO will have on the performance scene in our short time in Japan, as well as the collaborative and cross-cultural education the tour provides to its participants.

In order to uphold FSYO’s commitment to make this tour possible for any member regardless of socioeconomic background, we set a goal to raise $40,000 to provide scholarships to support those who would be unable to benefit from this experience otherwise. Thanks to a $10,000 grant kindly gifted to FSYO by The Cross Foundation, Inc. for tour scholarships, $30,000 remains to achieve our goal. To aid with our efforts, long-time advocates and friends of FSYO, Val and Paul Collins, generously offered to match donations dollar for dollar up to $15,000! That means any contribution given through the end of January is now twice as impactful to FSYO and the scholarship recipients thanks to the Collins’.

“We know the extraordinary effort that goes into playing for FSYO. We want to help make sure that all these kids have the opportunity to go on one of FSYO’s life-changing tours."

-Val and Paul Collins

FSYO strives to make this tour possible for as many members as possible in order to allow them to experience performing for new audiences and communities, interact with peers of different cultures and backgrounds, and create timeless memories.

FSYO’s Tour Orchestra and Tour Jazz Band are honored to perform for audiences in Gifu, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.

ORLANDO, FL – OCTOBER 4th, 2024 – Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) is thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of concerts this October, showcasing a wide range of musical styles and exceptional young talent. From jazz to classical, the month promises to be a celebration of music and performance across Central Florida’s vibrant music scene.

Join us for an unforgettable series of concerts, featuring some of the finest young musicians in the region and a bit of seasonal flair. Mark your calendars and be a part of this musical journey!

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FSYO PRESENTS FINAL PERFORMANCES OF THE 68TH SEASON

APRIL IS A MONTH OF GIVING - JOIN FSYO AS WE TEAM UP WITH LOCAL PARTNERS ALL MONTH LONG

FSYO CELEBRATES MUSIC DIRECTOR CHARLES WATFORD’S 55TH BIRTHDAY WITH $55 DOLLAR DONATION CAMPAIGN

EMPOWERING YOUNG MUSICIANS: FSYO AND URSULA OYLER SUNSHINE ENDOWMENT INTRODUCE NEW SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

FSYO ANNOUNCES 2025 JAPAN TOUR WITH PERFORMANCES IN GIFU, OSAKA, KYOTO, AND HIROSHIMA

Celebrate the Sounds of October: Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras Presents a Month of Musical Excellence