FSYO Now Accepting Applications for its Platinum Season

Orlando, FL - February 4, 2026 Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) is gearing up for a milestone 70th Season! Audition materials and applications are now open for young musicians ages nine to twenty years old who are looking to expand their music education. FSYO provides the highest quality educational experience for members by exposing them to qualified music educators who share their expertise, and the repertoire provided to members brings challenges that teach them new skills.

Entering its Platinum Season, FSYO offers eight different ensembles for young musicians to audition for! With two string orchestras, three full symphony orchestras, two jazz bands, and one percussion ensemble, there is an ensemble for everyone to find the right fit. As Orlando’s official youth orchestra, FSYO is committed to providing members with a complete educational experience during rehearsals, in live performance opportunities, and through educational domestic and international tours. Many FSYO alumni continue onto college to pursue music at prestigious institutions such as The Juilliard School of Music, Eastman School of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, New England Conservatory, among others.

Current FSYO members and alumni have shared what FSYO has meant for them and their musical journeys.

“FSYO has been an ensemble experience like no other. It has given me the chance to work with the best conductors and has challenged me musically. I have made lasting friendships and have gained valuable experience in music performance.”

- Symphonic Orchestra Member, 68th Season

“FSYO has provided me just this one year with so much knowledge and expertise. I have improved so much, not just as a musician, but as a person too. Seeing my peers go on and do great things because of FSYO’s amazing opportunities is incredible, and I really would love to see more bright stars in the future."

-Alphonse Carlo Jazz Band Member, 68th Season

FSYO auditions are for standard orchestral and jazz instruments with auditions required for both new and returning members. Each ensemble has a limited number of seats available, and an audition does not guarantee placement into an FSYO ensemble. Acceptance and placement is completely merit-based and those who audition are subjected to meet specific criteria to be considered. Auditions require preparation of a provided excerpt for the ensemble for which they are auditioning, a one-minute solo of their choice, and scales and arpeggios as listed. All auditions are approximately 3 to 5 minutes long with percussion auditions lasting approximately 10 minutes.

FSYO has a strong commitment to the community and accessibility and will never refuse a student the opportunity to participate because of an inability to pay the Membership Tuition. FSYO fundraises to provide Tuition Scholarships for musicians whose families demonstrate need. Scholarships are not available for the Audition Payment, Concert Tickets, or cost of Uniform. You can learn more about scholarship opportunities by visiting the FSYO Scholarship page.

Applications for FSYO’s Platinum Season are due by March 29, 2026. Additional information can be found at www.fsyo.org/auditions and any questions can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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ABOUT FSYO: Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras empowers young musicians to achieve excellence and inspire their communities through a shared love of music. In its 69th 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