ORLANDO, FL - Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) is excited to add a new ensemble to their program offerings: Percussion Ensemble. This brand new ensemble will be led by the passionate and dynamic Mr. Paul Yorke, and the ensemble will be composed of percussion students from across Central Florida between the ages of 10 and 20.
“Whether you are a classical or jazz musician, FSYO meets you where you are and places you in an ensemble that challenges you to grow as a musician and a leader. As FSYO grows and expands its reach to include a place for every growing musician, one of the most significant needs has been what we can do to improve the programming we offer to percussionists in our region.”
-Dr. James O. Welsch, Music Director
Members of this ensemble will explore a diverse range of mallet and non-mallet instruments including marimba, vibraphone, timpani, and a host of drums from around the world while performing repertoire that focuses on developing technique and musicianship. The repertoire is unique to a percussion ensemble and includes works by living composers, commissioned works, world percussion music, and transcriptions of masterpieces.
Percussion Ensemble students will also serve as percussionists in the classical orchestras and will receive the broadest percussion education possible. These percussionists will have the opportunity to perform a multitude of musical styles, learn music from across the broadest spectrum of musical history, and create something new in their community.
FSYO is excited to be providing a new experience for Central Florida’s young percussionists. With this additional program, percussionists will receive just as much performance time as any other instrument, and they will no longer need to quietly wait in the back of the ensemble. It is time for percussionists to make some noise and be heard!
For more information about the Percussion Ensemble, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
ABOUT PAUL YORKE: Paul Yorke is the Percussion Ensemble Director with Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras and a freelance percussionist and educator in Central Florida. As a performer, Mr. Yorke has appeared with ensembles including The Bach Festival Society Orchestra, Orlando Ballet, the Orlando Contemporary Chamber Orchestra, and the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra. Prior to his orchestral studies, Mr. Yorke has guest instructed for Stryke Percussion World and performed as a member with Infinity Percussion World where he was awarded “Most Valuable Member.” He recently served as a guest artist for the UCF Summer Percussion Institute, and he has taught at a variety of high schools. Alongside his work with percussion ensembles he continues to teach private lessons.
Yorke received a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Central Florida studying under Thad Anderson, Kirk Gay, and Jeff Moore. During his time at UCF, he recorded with the New Music Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, and Steel Pan Ensemble. He also served as Principal Percussionist with the UCF Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. In addition to his studies, he completed 2 terms as Vice President for the Collegiate Percussive Arts Society. Performance highlights include a tour with the UCF Wind Ensemble and chamber performances alongside Anders Astrand, Andy Harnsberger, and Brian Zator. He is also an alumnus of the Yarnwire Institute.
Yorke is especially passionate about collaborating with new composers. He enjoys pairing traditional ideas with modernists’ elements. He is very excited for the future of FSYO Percussion Ensemble and is looking forward to enriching our orchestral community.
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