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DUE TO HURRICANE MILTON, THIS FAIR HAS BEEN CANCELLED! WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT NEXT YEAR'S FAIR IN OCTOBER 2025.

ORLANDO, FL (August 29, 2024) – On Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 7 PM to 9 PM, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras, in collaboration with Florida State University College of Music and Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, will host the Annual Florida Music College Fair at the Orlando Museum of Art located at 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803.

Students will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from over 40 of the nation's top music and performing arts institutions to jump start their college search. Representatives will be available to discuss Admissions, Auditions, Financial Aid, Student Life, and so much more.

All Central Florida music students (band, orchestra, and choir) are encouraged to attend this FREE event. FSYO Executive Director, Abigail Tran, notes, “We are excited to collaborate with FSU’s College of Music and the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami again to bring this college fair back to Central Florida. Students of all ages interested in continuing their music education in college are welcome to attend as it is never too early to begin your college search process. Figuring out admission and scholarship requirements will make the application process less confusing!”

Admission to the college fair is free, however, students are encouraged to register for the event by clicking on the below link. For more information please contact FSYO at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

REGISTER FOR THE FLORIDA MUSIC COLLEGE FAIR

Listed below are the colleges attending this years fair.

College Fair 2024

ORLANDO, FL – Central Florida's most anticipated event for aspiring musicians, the Florida Music College Fair, is back and bigger than ever! Hosted by Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras in collaboration with The Florida State University College of Music and the Frost School of Music at The University of Miami, this exciting event will take place on Thursday, October 10th at The Orlando Museum of Art. This event provides musicians with a unique opportunity to connect with top music schools and programs from across the country.

With more than 40 colleges and conservatories participating, students and their families will have the chance to explore a variety of music programs, from performance to music education, production, and more. The fair will feature representatives from prestigious institutions, including The Juilliard School, Eastman School of Music, and the Shepard School of Music at Rice University, offering attendees insight into admissions requirements, scholarship opportunities, and career pathways in the world of music.

The Florida Music College Fair is not just a chance to explore higher education options—it is a stepping stone for prospective students passionate about music. From classical to jazz, orchestral to digital, the fair represents a diverse musical landscape, ensuring there is something for everyone.

"We are excited to collaborate with FSU’s College of Music and the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami again to bring this college fair back to Central Florida. Students of all ages interested in continuing their music education in college are welcome to attend as it is never too early to begin your college search process. Figuring out admission and scholarship requirements will make the application process less confusing!” said Abigail Tran, Executive Director of Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras.

A Free Event for the Entire Community

The Florida Music College Fair is free and open to the public, welcoming high school students, parents, teachers, and music lovers from across Central Florida. Whether students are just beginning to think about their music careers, ready to submit college applications, or looking into graduate music programs, this event provides valuable guidance at every stage.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, Oct 10, 2024

Time: 7 pm - 9 pm

Location: Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

Cost: Free Admission, we ask that all attendees register here: https://forms.gle/sf1xsJ5ag4CTs5zY9

Special Features:

One-on-one conversations with college representatives

Information on scholarships and financial aid

Practical tips for audition best practices

For more information about the Florida Music College Fair or our other upcoming performances and initiatives under the direction of our new music directors, please visit fsyo.org or contact our team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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We are thrilled to announce that the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras’ Symphonic Orchestra has been named the 2024 Orlando Weekly Best of Orlando Award winner for Best Chamber Ensemble! This incredible honor is a testament to our young musicians' hard work, talent, and dedication, who have continually impressed audiences with their exceptional performances.

In addition to this prestigious win, we are also proud to celebrate the Alphonse Carlo Jazz Band, which placed 3rd in the Best Jazz Act category. This recognition highlights the versatility and excellence of our music programs, as well as the commitment of our students to their craft.

ORLANDO, FL – Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras, a beacon of music education and young musical talent, is thrilled to announce the addition of three ensemble directors to our distinguished Artistic Team. These new additions exemplify our commitment to enhancing the opportunities for young musicians to learn and perform while delivering unparalleled musical experiences to our audience.

Meet Our Ensemble Conductors:

Dr. Jeannine Mongeon will serve as the conductor of the Overture Strings ensemble. She earned music education degrees from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (BM), University of Rochester Eastman School of Music (MM), and the University of Miami (PhD). She has worked as a professional violinist and violist in symphonies across the United States. Currently, she performs regularly with the Florida Lakes Symphony. Dr. Mongeon has been an Orchestra Director and music educator since 1990 in various public and private schools, most recently at Montverde Academy (FL). As an educator, she has directed orchestras of all levels, taught courses in a plethora of musical disciplines, and often is the piano accompanist for her students. She has been the Music Director for several musical theater productions. Additionally, she has taught collegiate music education classes at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL.

Andrea Reynolds is honored to serve as conductor of Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras' Sinfonia Orchestra. Andrea Reynolds is currently the Orchestra Director at West Orange High School in Winter Garden, Florida. Prior to her appointment at West Orange, Mrs. Reynolds held positions at Horizon High School (Orange County) and Seminole High School (Seminole County). During the summer, she conducts FSYO’s Stringmania Summer Camp Mezzo Orchestra. Mrs. Reynolds holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Stetson University with an emphasis in instrumental music. Orchestras and Bands under Mrs. Reynolds’ direction have consistently earned “Superior” ratings at Florida Music Performance Assessments (MPA). She is an active member of NAfME, Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA), Florida Orchestra Association (FOA) and Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA). Mrs. Reynolds served as the FOA District 6 Chair from 2018-2020, and is an active clinician and adjudicator for FBA and FOA.

Jaysen Rosario will serve as the Percussion Ensemble director. Jaysen is a distinguished percussionist and dedicated educator based in Seminole County. He currently teaches percussion at Winter Springs High School and Hagerty High School and serves as a charter instructor for the front ensemble at Siege Percussion. Jaysen holds a bachelor's degree in Music Performance from the University of Central Florida and is dedicated to providing accessible percussion education to all.

“I am excited to more formally announce the new (and returning) faces of FSYO. Dr. Jeannine Mongeon has been a long time friend and supporter of FSYO, and I am looking forward to seeing her back as part of the Artistic Team as the Overture Strings Conductor. For our newest ensemble, Sinfonia Orchestra, Ms. Andrea Reynolds is joining the team as their conductor, and I know these students will thrive under her leadership. Mr. Jaysen Rosario is leading the Percussion Ensemble, and we are thrilled to be bringing him into the FSYO family as the Percussion Ensemble Director. These conductors, along with our returning conductors of Ms. Sarah Morrison, Mr. Matthew Davis, Mr. Marc Kolodinsky, and Mr. Kenneth Boyd, and our new Music Director, Mr. Charles Watford, make up the 68th Season Artistic Team, and I am looking forward to furthering FSYO's mission with their support and help.”

-Abigail Tran, Executive Director of FSYO

These appointments further mark a new chapter in Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras' illustrious history with the confirmation of our new Music Director and Symphonic Orchestra Conductor, Charles Watford. As we look to the future, we are excited to embark on this journey with Dr. Mongeon, Ms. Reynolds, and Mr. Rosario, whose talents will undoubtedly enrich our artistic endeavors and inspire our audiences.

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Statement from Executive Director, Abigail Tran

“I was frustrated and disheartened to find out about the governor's decision to completely cut the funding for the arts for the upcoming fiscal year. Roughly $2.86 million of the $32 million budget, approved by both the Florida House and Senate, was to provide crucial funding to our local community. 82 arts organizations in Central Florida were affected by this decision, of which FSYO was to receive over $25,000 in grant funding to nurture Central Florida's next generation of musicians

It is now on us, the community, to show the governor that the arts matter and are here to stay. Being involved with the arts not only provides individuals with an outlet to express their truest selves, but teaches transferable life skills such as teamwork, accountability, and discipline. The arts need your support now more than ever to ensure the sustainability of our vibrant arts community, and I urge you to join us in the continual efforts of making the arts a right, not a privilege.”

-Abigail Tran, FSYO Executive Director

Governor DeSantis has taken an unprecedented blow to Arts and Culture in Florida by vetoing all arts funding. We urge you now to make a concerted community effort to support local art. This act by the governor will cause many organizations and businesses to cut programs, cut employees, or even shut down completely.

Central Florida Arts Matter!

Donate to your local artists and performers, watch a show or concert, and visit your local museums and galleries. Take small steps that will have a profound effect on your community!

ORLANDO, FL – After an extensive search, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras’ (FSYO) Board of Directors is honored to appoint teacher and conductor, Mr. Charles Watford, as Music Director and Symphonic Orchestra Conductor, effective July 8, 2024.

“On behalf of the Music Director Search Committee and the entire organization, I am ecstatic to officially welcome Mr. Charles Watford to the FSYO team as Music Director and Symphonic Conductor! Charles brings over 30 years of teaching experience to FSYO, and during his interview, his passion for music and music education exuded from him. I am confident Charles will channel that passion towards expanding FSYO's breadth in the Central Florida arts scene, and I am looking forward to collaborating with him to deepen FSYO's impact."

-Abigail Tran, FSYO Executive Director

Mr. Watford is an experienced educator who has dedicated his life to the furthering of music education in the Central Florida area, serving as a Band Director for over 30 years across Orange, Seminole, and Lake Counties. Most recently, Mr. Watford served as the Head Band Director of the Dr. Phillips High School Band and led the Music (Band) program of the Orange County Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Program at Dr. Phillips. Hundreds of his students have gone on to perform in honor bands on the county, state, and national levels. They have also matriculated into the top music schools in the country including Juilliard, Eastman School of Music, Boston Conservatory, and Jacobs School of Music. Charles takes pride in his ability to grow and foster a love of music in his students, encouraging many to become music educators themselves.

Charles is an active member of many musical organizations throughout the country, holding a membership within the Florida Music Educators Association, Florida Bandmasters Association, Florida Orchestra Association, National Band Association, and Phi Beta Mu. Mr. Watford earned his Bachelor’s degrees in Music Performance and Music Education from Stetson University and his Masters in Music Education from Florida State University.

“I am very excited to join this incredible organization of students and conductors. This past finale concert was a testament to the outstanding level of musicianship by all of the groups. Congratulations on a wonderful season, and I look forward to working with you all in the future.”

-Mr. Charles Watford

FSYO is grateful for the guidance and leadership of departing Music Director, Dr. James Welsch, as he transitions to his new position as Music Director of the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association. His tenure with the organization was celebrated by orchestra members and audience alike.

FSYO would like to extend its appreciation and thanks to Interactor Simulations Systems (ISS) and Kenneth Ingraham for their expertise throughout the search process, especially during the preparation stages. Additionally, thank you to the Music Director Search Committee as they led the organization through this transitional period. Members of this committee include the following:

Eddie Fee Jr., Chair - Orlando Utilities Commission

Alan Gerber - Valencia College

Rebecca Hull - Siemens Corporation

Dr. Tremon Kizer - University of Central Florida

Samuel Thomas - Ernst & Young, LPP

Abigail Tran - Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras