Few things make me happier than Sundays. While many are using the day to unwind, we are preparing to host nearly 300 students from 9 counties for weekly rehearsal. You may think that these students would dread giving up a weekend day to practice, but it is just the opposite. The students arrive with smiles on their faces and excitement in their eyes, ready to do what they love, PLAY CLASSICAL MUSIC! And for many of our students, this is possible because of YOU!
Did you know that an average of 30% of FSYO students participate in our programs on a scholarship? That means that 1 in every 15 students needs YOUR help to receive these life-changing experiences, and life-changing they are. As our organization grows, the number of students participating in need of a scholarship grows as well. In addition to regular tuition fees, our students need assistance participating in the exciting new experiences that we are creating for them (such as tours to Europe and performing at Carnegie Hall!). FSYO has a commitment that it will not turn away any qualifying student because of an inability to pay tuition.
This is where you come in. But don't take our word for it, hear it directly from some of the students you support:
Jessica, an FSYO alumna currently studying Flute Performance, had this to say about her experience: “FSYO has been a wonderful learning experience for me. Participating in FSYO for five years helped shape me as a musician and grow my love of music. Currently, I am a music major attending the Cleveland Institute of Music, with an aspiration of becoming a professional orchestral musician.” Jessica has gone on to win the Miami Summer Music Festival Concerto Competition performing in the New World Center, was a finalist in the 2015 Florida Flute Associations (FFA) Young Artist Competition, and was a winner of the advanced masterclass competition for FFA. Jessica is a founding member of Catharsis, an up-and-coming woodwind quintet founded at the Cleveland Institute of Music in 2016. Recently, Jessica beat out 30 other flutists and won a permanent chair with the Canton Symphony Orchestra in Ohio.
Alyssa, an FSYO violinist, had this to say about her experience: "FSYO has surrounded me with a community of people who take interest in music the same way I do. It's helped me experience once in a lifetime opportunities such as traveling to perform for different audiences around the world. Being in FSYO has helped me solidify my career choice in becoming a performance musician." Alyssa currently serves as the Concertmistress for FSYO's Symphonic Orchestra, performed as a soloist with the Maitland Symphony Orchestra as the winner of the CFCArts YAO Concert Competition in 2016, served as the Concertmistress for the Winter Park Chamber Music Academy, and is the 2018-2019 winner of FSYO's Concerto Competition.
This is why I am writing to you today. YOU can help us ensure every qualified student receives the best possible music education by sending a contribution to FSYO today.
Here's what YOUR tax-deductible donation can provide:
· $50 will provide one month of rehearsals for an Overture Strings member
· $100 will provide one month of rehearsals for a Prelude Orchestra member
· $500 will provide almost a full year of rehearsals for a Jazz Orchestra member
· $650 will provide a of year of rehearsals for a Philharmonia Orchestra member
· $770 will provide a full year of rehearsals for a Symphonic Orchestra member
FSYO exists to encourage children and young adults, through the practice and performance of orchestral music, to become passionate leaders, thinkers, and contributors in their local community and beyond. FSYO inspires Florida's next generation of incredible music talent by giving students from all walks of life a place to practice and perform. In turn, this gives the Greater Central Florida area a reason to grow culturally. It has been proven time and time again that students, who are exposed to the arts, flourish in all areas of education.
YOU help to make so much good happen at FSYO – from rehearsals to collaborations, to tours. I hope you will continue your commitment to music education in Central Florida by making a generous gift to FSYO today. Each and every student in our program means the world to us, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support.
With Gratitude,
Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras
Heide Evans Waldron
Executive Director
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