Orlando, FL - March 4, 2026 As it celebrates its 69th Season, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) is preparing for one of its most meaningful and community-driven traditions: its annual Play-a-thon event. Presented by Orlando Utilities Commission, FSYO’s Play-a-thon is more than just a fundraiser. It is a high-spirited, team-based celebration of music education, outreach, and youth leadership that brings together FSYO’s entire organization from student musicians and conductors to Board Members and Administrative Staff.
Unlike traditional fundraisers, Play-a-thon is team-based where each ensemble or department collaboratively fundraises, building camaraderie while fostering a spirit of friendly competition. Fundraising began on January 25th with each member fundraising for their respective teams with fun conductor led incentives leading them to reach their goals!
This fundraising period culminates in a free outdoor concert on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Lake Eola’s Walt Disney Amphitheater, where seven of FSYO’s ensembles will perform for the public. In addition to the music presented by each ensemble, the event will also feature local food trucks, a silent auction with exciting community-donated prizes, and a dunk tank fundraiser making it a festive and interactive experience for families and supporters of all ages. This community-wide celebration is not only a musical showcase, but also a key part of FSYO’s annual giving efforts. Contributions made during the six-week campaign are amplified through a match from United Arts of Central Florida’s Collaborative Campaign, making every donation go further in supporting music education.
This event is sponsored in part by the City of Orlando and the Orlando Community Redevelopment Agency. Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras is funded in part by the Orange County Government through the Arts and Cultural Affairs Program.
Event Details
Presented by OUC: FSYO’s 69th Season Play-a-thon
Date: March 8, 2026
Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm
Location: Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park - 195 N Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Admission: This event is free and open to the public!
Follow along on the progress of the event HERE and check out the Silent Auction HERE.
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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.
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