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The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra wants you to stand up and say, "I'm with the orchestra" this holiday season! FSYO has joined #GivingTuesday, a first of its kind effort that will harness the collective power of a unique blend of partners—charities, families, businesses and individuals—to transform how people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season. Taking place December 2, 2014 – the Tuesday after Thanksgiving – #GivingTuesday will harness the power of social media to create a national moment around the holidays dedicated to giving, similar to how Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become days that are, today, synonymous with holiday shopping.

Currently in its 58th concert season, the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra strives to inspire Florida's top young musicians but what's more inspiring than the support of their community? The money saved from Black Friday shopping can be put to good use, as you make your tax deductible donation to help FSYO students strive for musical excellence. FSYO's students and staff have all joined in and now it's the community's turn to become part of the orchestra! Donate on December 2nd and then join us by posting/tweeting our message:

@FSYO #ImWithTheOrchestra http://bit.ly/donatetofsyo

On October 12, 2014, the Overture Strings, Prelude, Philharmonia and Symphonic orchestras of the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra presented their season opener concert. Rookie and returning students braved the big theater at the Bob Carr to a crowd of almost 800. We would like to thank all of our members for their hard work so far this season and congratulate them on a fantastic concert.

Season Opener

This concert also premeired our new FYSO merchandise, which is available for purchase online at https://squareup.com/market/fsyo, as well as at our performances.

merch

Congratulations to our newest conductor, Dr. Mauricio Cespedes, for a wonderful job in his first concert leading the Prelude orchestra.

Mauricio Open

Special thanks to Orange TV for filming our concert and Yum Yum Cupcakes for our delicious reception! We also would like to extend an extra thank you to our sponsors, OUC, the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, Darden Restaurant Foundation, Universal Orlando Foundation, The Central Florida Foundation and United Arts of Central Florida.

For Immediate Release

Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra Presents The Rex Brothers Live on November 16th

ORLANDO, FL – The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra is excited to bring back FSYO Alumni Charles and Christopher Rex for a very special performance experience. Fifty years ago, Charles Rex (New York Philharmonic – Past Associate Concertmaster, Violin) and Christopher Rex (Atlanta Symphony – Principal Cello) made their Central Florida solo debut, performing the Brahms Double as members of the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra. This year, in honor of this anniversary, they are returning to their roots to perform the piece that gave them their start.

On how it feels to be returning for this occasion, Charles Rex said, "It is a real thrill to be reliving a time from fifty years ago when Chris and I first played the Brahms Double Concerto with the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra... I am delighted to know that the FSYO continues to this day, doing its valuable work of providing musical training for talented young musicians."

The day will begin with a rehearsal of the Brahms piece with the FSYO's Symphonic Orchestra; after which, the Rex Brothers will host a special coaching session for the students on the other concert pieces. Having an opportunity to work with the students, in addition to playing with them, was important to the brothers. When asked why, Charles Rex replied, "the orchestra provided excellent training for my later education in playing in ensembles, but most of all, friendships were formed that have lasted a lifetime... I further know that, as with me, this orchestra will provide its current members with musical and social experiences that they will never forget."

Following the coaching session, FSYO's Symphonic Orchestra will take the stage to accompany the Rex Brothers as they grace Central Florida with their talents and connect with this generation of young musicians. Audience members can join this exciting event by purchasing tickets - $10 for Students/Seniors, $15 for Adults - through the FSYO website (www.fsyo.org). The concert begins at 5 p.m. Sunday, November 16, at Edgewater High School – 3100 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL 32804 in the Performing Arts Center.

ABOUT THE REX BROTHERS: Violinist Charles Rex was born into a musical family in Winter Park, Florida. He started his violin studies at age four under Alphonse Carlo, professor of violin at Rollins. Following his solo debut with the Florida Symphony at age 13, he won the Hinda Honigmann Scholarship Award to the Brevard Music Center in North Carolina and toured as soloist with the BMC Orchestra throughout North and South Carolina. Mr. Rex was awarded a full scholarship to Florida State University (FSU). Immediately after graduating cum laude from FSU with bachelor and master of music degrees in performance, Mr. Rex joined The Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy where he played for eight years before accepting the position of Associate Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta, a post he held for 19 years.

Principal Cello, Christopher Rex joined the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) as Principal in 1979, the same year in which he became the first cellist ever to win the string prize in the biennial Young Artists Competition of the National Federation of Music Clubs. Since then he has appeared as recitalist and chamber musician across the nation.

Mr. Rex's solo performances with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra include Strauss's Don Quixote and concertos by Shostakovich, Victor Herbert, Dvořák, and Elgar. He is a founding member of the Georgian Chamber Players, and is the founder and General and Artistic Director of the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival in Florida. He is also Artistic Director of the Madison Chamber Music Festival in Georgia and is on the Board of Directors of Chamber Music America.

ABOUT FSYO: The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra aims to educate and inspire Florida's top young musicians through programs committed to strengthening musical talents and developing appreciation of the arts through classical music. The FSYO, in its 58th Concert Season, comprises three full orchestras and one string training orchestra made up of more than 250 students from eight Central Florida counties.

Programs are sponsored in part by the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs; the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; Darden Restaurant Foundation; Universal Orlando Foundation; The Central Florida Foundation and United Arts of Central Florida. The FSYO is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, please visit www.fsyo.org.

Important Dates for Holiday Deliveries:

November 11th : for delivery by Thanksgiving

December 5th : for delivery by Christmas

The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra aims to educate and inspire Central Florida's top young musicians. All programs reflect a commitment to provide young musicians with the opportunity to strengthen their musical talents and develop an appreciation of the arts through classical music.

We are excited to be partnering with FUN PASTA FUNDRAISING! Shop now and order some creative, delicious pasta goodies. It's simple, and you'll love the selection - great for any special occasion or just for yourself!

With each sale, our group earns 40% which helps us reach our fundraising goal. Plus you get free shipping over $75! Thanks for your help!

Your order will be shipped from Nashville, TN within 3-5 days.

Support FSYO and order online here!

For Immediate Release

FSYO Performs The Annual Concerto Competition Finalists' Recital on November 9

ORLANDO, FL – On November 9, the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra will hold its 2014-2015 Annual Concerto Competition Finalists showcase recital. Musicians take on the role of soloist, competing to win the privilege of performing their concerto, backed by the FSYO's Symphonic Orchestra, in a regular season concert. The opportunity to work on and present their craft, independently of the ensemble, has proven invaluable to the young artists' growth. When asked for a summary of his experience, one of last year's winners and alumnus Tyler Pacheco commented:

"I think it is everyone's dream to play as a soloist with an orchestra, there is nothing like it."

"The concerto competition has true meaning to me, and has been a part of my transformation as a musician."

Previous season winners have continued on to study at prestigious institutions such as Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, The Boston Conservatory, and many others across the country.

Finalists, in alphabetical order:

Dillon Acey, Clarinet: Concerto No. 1 in F minor, Op 73 - C.M.V. Weber

Jessica Chancey, Flute: Fantaisie Pastorale Hongroise, Op 26 - Franz Doppler

Emily Erdman, Violin: Chaconne in G minor - Tomaso Vitali

Vanessa Huber Weber, Violin: Violin Concerto No. 4 in D Major, K.218, W.A. Mozart

Hannah Lindvall, Violin: Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Major, K.219, W.A. Mozart

Matthew Mignardi, Trumpet: Concerto, Alexander Arutunian

Amber Yang, Piano: Piano Concerto in A minor, Op 54, R. Schumann

The recital begins at 6:30 pm, Sunday, November 9, 2014, at Edgewater High School – 3100 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL, in the auditorium. Admission is free!

ABOUT: The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra aims to educate and inspire Florida's top young musicians through programs committed to strengthening musical talents and developing appreciation of the arts through classical music. The FSYO, in its 58th Concert Season, comprises three full orchestras and one string training orchestra made up of 237 students from around Central Florida.

For Immediate Release

FSYO Announces the Resignation of Music Director Andrew Lane

Orlando, FL— The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra Board of Directors announces, after extensive discussions, that it has begun the search for a new Music Director for its 59th season, following the resignation of Andrew Lane (1) in August 2014. Lane, who served the FSYO as Music Director since 1998, started in 1994 as conductor of the Philharmonia Orchestra. In 1998, he was promoted to Music Director and conductor of the Symphonic (senior-level) Orchestra – with a two-year leave between the 2005 and 2007 seasons (2). Lane will continue to lead the program through FSYO's 58th season ending in May 2015.

Under Lane's direction, the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra has expanded the breadth of its musical repertoire and tested the skills of its ever-expanding student base. Other notable accomplishments of FSYO, under the musical direction of Maestro Lane, include: an Australian tour in 2008, including a performance at the Sydney Opera House; a performance with celebrity violinist Nadja Solerno-Sonnenberg at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Theater; and the addition of the full orchestra, Prelude, creating 3 full orchestras and 1 beginning strings ensemble.

Most recently, Lane helped to complete construction of The Grove at Mead Gardens and endowed the Andrew Lane Scholarship to support the continued education of aspiring students in our community.

The board is deeply grateful to Maestro Lane for his significant contributions and service throughout his notable career with the organization. We believe his passion for music and relentless focus on student engagement have established FSYO as a leader in the Central Florida Arts Community. President of FSYO Board of Directors, Stephen Schenck states:

"Mr. Lane has been the heart and soul of FSYO for nearly two decades. His impact on the community is measured by the thousands of students who have been a part of the FSYO family, and individually in each student who received his lessons of professionalism, striving to perform to your best abilities and hard work towards achievement, that came in each rehearsal. He has always brought joy to these young students."

The board will remain actively engaged with the administration of the organization during this transition and has already taken steps in the new Music Director search. FSYO's daily operations, including its rehearsals and concert commitments will continue as scheduled without interruption.

Andrew Lane believes music is an essential part of a young person's education. Through the principles of "teach, challenge, and encourage," FSYO musicians are inspired to take their talents to new heights that ensure music will always be an important part of their lives. Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra musicians are the future of classical music.

(1) http://www.fsyo.org/index.php/about-us/historic-info

(2) http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2005-04-22/entertainment/0504210495_1_youth-orchestra-symphonic-orchestra-andrew-lane

About: The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra aims to educate and inspire Central Florida's top young musicians through programs committed to strengthening musical talents and developing appreciation of the arts through classical music. The FSYO, in its 58th Concert Season, comprises three full orchestras, one string training orchestra and various chamber groups, made up of more than 250 students from eight Central Florida counties, including Orange, Osceola, Lee, Seminole, Brevard, Lake, Highlands and Volusia. Programs are sponsored in part by the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs; the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; Darden Restaurant Foundation; The Central Florida Foundation; Universal Orlando Foundation; and United Arts of Central Florida. We thank these groups for their generous support.

The FSYO is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, please visit our website at fsyo.org and our blog at fsyo.org/index.php/blog.