ORLANDO, FL - April 3, 2025 - Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) is excited to announce a new scholarship opportunity in partnership with the Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment.
Following an initial contribution in 2024, Alan Oyler and his daughter, Adrienne Arceri, shared the inspiring story and musical journey of their mother and grandmother. This increased engagement with FSYO culminated in a partnership that resulted in the establishment of the Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment Scholarship.
Ursula Sonnenschein was born in Germany in 1928 and demonstrated a remarkable talent for music from a young age. However, due to the Second World War, her musical education faced interruptions. She was able to resume her studies later in life after marrying Melvin Oyler and relocating to the United States. Upon her retirement, Ursula began offering piano lessons to children and adults in her community. In honor of her dedication to music and education, the Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment was established with the Central Florida Foundation. This endowment is committed to supporting music programs that benefit underprivileged children and young adults, continuing Ursula’s legacy of uplifting the next generation through music.
In partnership with FSYO, the Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment has created an annual scholarship program that provides qualified students who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to music the opportunity to participate in FSYO, even when they may otherwise face challenges in doing so. Recipients of this scholarship will receive funding that covers 100% of all costs related to FSYO's regular season membership.
Students who wish to be considered must audition and be accepted into an FSYO ensemble, as well as complete the scholarship application.
To learn more about the scholarship requirements, check out the webpage HERE.
To view the audition requirements and register for an audition, please click HERE.
About FSYO: Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras empowers young musicians to achieve excellence and inspire their communities through a shared love of music. In its 68th Concert Season, FSYO serves over 300 students and comprises eight ensembles - three symphony orchestras, two string orchestras, two jazz bands, and a percussion ensemble.
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, students participate in life-changing experiences of organized tours, alternating between international and national travel.
Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras is 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 the Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation for sponsoring FSYO’s 68th Season Venues, and to GrayRobinson P.A. for being an Ensemble Supporting Sponsor of the 68th Season. FSYO is also sponsored in part by the City of Orlando through the Mayor's Matching Grant.
For more information, please visit www.fsyo.org | facebook.com/THEFSYO | @f_s_y_o (Instagram) | youtube.com/fsyo
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