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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!

FMCF graphic

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..

Best of Orlando 1600 x 668 px

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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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

FSYO, FSU College of Music, & Frost School of Music Host Annual Florida Music College Fair

Florida Music College Fair Returns to Orlando to Inspire the Next Generation of Musicians

FSYO’s Symphonic Orchestra Wins Orlando Weekly - Best of Orlando Best Chamber Ensemble 2024

Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras Brings in the 68th Season with 3 New Conductors