ORLANDO, FL – April 4, 2025 - Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) is celebrating Music Director, Charles Watford’s, 55th birthday this week! From April 4th through April 11th, FSYO is asking the community to help us celebrate by making a $55 dollar gift to FSYO through the United Arts Campaign.
With a 31-year legacy of teaching at both the high school and collegiate levels, Charles Watford is one of the best. He began his career in 1994 as the Director of Bands at Lake Howell High School where he was recognized with the Otto J. Kraushaar Award on two occasions and awarded Teacher of the Year for the 1999-2000 academic year. From 2000 to 2005, he continued his teaching at Winter Springs High School, overseeing the band program and guitar classes. Under his leadership, the Winter Springs band performed at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, the Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington, D.C., and consistently received straight superiors at the Florida Bandmasters Association State MPA, earning the Otto J. Kraushaar Award.
In addition, Mr. Watford has conducted numerous All-County bands throughout Florida and led the High School All-State Honors Band in 2014. Many of his former students have gone on to become educators and professional musicians, reflecting his significant impact across Central Florida. We are honored to have him lead Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras in the role of Music Director.
For Mr. Watford, being part of Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras is more than just teaching or conducting. His passion is the heart of our organization. He shared:
“I am grateful to be in front of such talented musicians and to have them rise to the challenges I give them. I am thankful that my career brought me here and gave me this opportunity. I am looking forward to seeing what we can do.”
His dedication is seen in everything he does, even spending his birthday with FSYO students, leading them in rehearsal! His birthday wish is to continue his legacy of inspiring students at Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras.
Help us make his wish come true by making a designated gift to FSYO through the United Arts Collaborative Campaign for the Arts!
Give $55 for Charles’ 55th Birthday!
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 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. FSYO is also sponsored 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
BOOK AN ENSEMBLE
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER