Orlando, FL - The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras Board of Directors announces the current Music Director, Dr. James O. Welsch, will be stepping away from the position at the conclusion of this 67th season to embark on a new chapter. Welsch has been the Music Director of the organization since 2021, and he has played an integral role in the resurgence of FSYO post pandemic. Under his direction, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras expanded its ensemble offerings and deepened the impact of a member’s experiences. About his departure, Dr. Welsch expresses:
“It is a bittersweet feeling that I announce my departure from Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras as its Music Director and Symphonic Orchestra Conductor. It has been an extreme honor, and one of my life’s greatest joys, to have returned to an organization that gave me so much as a young musician. Coming back, I aimed to help affect positive change and develop a vision focused on the cultivation of an environment that provides a safe space for talented young musicians to explore music and humanity through shared experience.”
Other notable accomplishments of FSYO, under the musical direction of Dr. Welsch, include: a Italy tour in 2023, including the premiere of FSYO’s Touring Jazz Band on an international scene, the creation of FSYO’s Invitational where nationally acclaimed guest artists work with FSYO members and the local school systems, the development of the Student Engagement Council that provides a leadership opportunity for members to support their colleagues, and countless other collaborations. Dr. Welsch shares his goodbye in the letter attached below.
The board and staff of FSYO are deeply grateful to Dr. Welsch for his significant contributions and service throughout his career with the organization. We believe his passion for music and education of the next generation have solidified the necessity of FSYO in the Central Florida arts community. Executive Director, Abigail Tran shares:
“James is a driven, hard working individual who captivates the attention and energies of the students in front of him. He goes the extra mile for any and every student, even if it comes as a detriment to himself, and he holds a genuine care for his surroundings, his colleagues, but most importantly, his students. At the end of the day, his greatest accomplishment comes when he is able to witness and be part of their success. FSYO has been changed for the better because of his time with the organization, and I have full faith his presence in the music realm will only continue the upward growth of music education. I feel privileged to have worked alongside him for the past two years, and I know his absence will be felt.”
The board will remain actively engaged with the administrative staff of the organization during this transition, and the 2024 Music Director Search Committee has already taken steps in beginning the search for the next Music Director. FSYO’s daily operations, including its rehearsals and concert commitments will continue as scheduled without interruption, and Dr. Welsch will still lead the planned tour to Chicago this Summer.
Farewell Letter from Dr. James O. Welsch
ABOUT FSYO: Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras empowers young musicians to achieve excellence and inspire their communities through a shared love of music. In its 67th Concert Season, FSYO serves over 280 students and comprises seven ensembles - three symphony orchestras, one string-training orchestra, two jazz bands, and a percussion ensemble - as well as Stringmania Summer Camp.
FSYO programs are carefully structured to encourage student growth with FSYO throughout their primary and secondary years. Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras’ full range of ensembles gives each student a place to excel with peers at a similar level and an opportunity to collaborate with seasoned music professionals on local, national, and international levels. During summers, the Tour Orchestra and Tour Jazz Band students participate in life-changing experiences of organized tours, alternating between international and national travel.
Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras is sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts. FSYO is also funded in part by United Arts of Central Florida, your local agency for the arts and by the Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program. Thank you to our 2023-2024 Scholarship sponsor, Kiwanis Club of Orlando Foundation, and our 2023-2024 Venue Sponsor, Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation. FSYO thanks these groups for their generous support!
For more information, please visit www.fsyo.org | facebook.com/THEFSYO | @f_s_y_o (instagram) | youtube.com/fsyo
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