Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras Announces New, Highly Awarded Music Director

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

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 musicians and comprises seven ensembles - three symphony orchestras, one string orchestra, two jazz bands, and a percussion ensemble - as well as Stringmania Summer Camp.

FSYO programs are carefully structured to encourage growth with FSYO throughout their primary and secondary years. Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras’ full range of ensembles gives each member 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 members 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

ABOUT MR. CHARLES WATFORD: As an accomplished music educator of 31 years, Charles Watford has taught band, orchestra, jazz band, guitar, piano, and AP music theory. 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. Professional Associations include membership in the Florida Music Educators Association, Florida Bandmasters Association, Florida Orchestra Association, National Band Association, and Phi Beta Mu. Ensembles under his direction have performed both nationally, and internationally and have consistently received straight superior ratings at all Music Performance Assessments earning the Otto Kraushaar Award numerous years. Mr. Watford has a love for teaching music and inspiring others to do the same as students who have played in the ensembles under his direction are currently teaching or performing at public and private schools, colleges, and universities.

ABOUT INTERACTOR SIMULATIONS SYSTEMS: Interactor Simulation Systems (ISS) is an Industrial / Organizational Psychology and Simulation Design firm that specializes in interpersonal skills training. They are hired to transform how organizations select and train their people. Using cutting-edge simulation technologies and highly trained interactive performance specialists, ISS can help interview candidates, and design highly effective and engaging simulations to train your people and prepare them for their toughest challenges.