Orlando, FL - September 30, 2026 - Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) is excited to announce that after a rigorous application and review process, three students have been selected as the recipients for the full-ride Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment Scholarship.
In partnership with FSYO, the Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment created an annual scholarship program that provides qualified members 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. Over the last several months, eligible FSYO members have submitted applications to be reviewed by Alan Oyler, son of Ursula Oyler, and his daughter, Adrienne Arceri, the granddaughter of Ursula Oyler.
After reviewing the applications, Alan remarked, “I was encouraged to see so many excellent candidates apply this year. Watching the passion these young musicians have for their art was inspiring and reinforces our decision to financially support their musical growth and education. Partnering with FSYO has been a great experience as it provides our fund an opportunity to achieve visible, impactful results for music students in need of assistance.”
Meet the 2026 recipients of the Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment Scholarship:
Daniela Garzón
Violin - Symphonic Orchestra
“Receiving this scholarship reflects the love, support, encouragement, and most importantly, the beautiful community and family that FSYO is. I truly value the openness and kindness FSYO has shown me since the very beginning. Now, entering this season, I am even more grateful and excited to continue rehearsing, practicing, performing, and growing alongside this incredible community.”
Presley Hendricks
Drums - Alphonse Carlo Jazz Band
“FSYO is an amazing program and receiving this scholarship really allows me the opportunity to fulfill my desire to better myself as a musician. I love having the chance to continue to network and work with other musicians, meet new people with the same passions as myself, and further my music knowledge. I am so happy to be a part of the FSYO family, and I can’t wait for another amazing season. I am very honored and grateful to be a recipient of the Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment Scholarship.”
Kimarra Taft
Trumpet - Philharmonia Orchestra
“Receiving the Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment Scholarship means so much to me because it gives me the opportunity to continue to grow as a musician while pursuing something I truly love. Being accepted into FSYO is an exciting step towards my future, and receiving this scholarship helps make that opportunity possible. I am incredibly grateful to the Oylers for believing in me and investing in my future. This scholarship is more than financial support, it is the encouragement to keep pursuing my passion, continue working hard, and continue believing that the goals I have for my future are possible.”
FSYO is beyond grateful for this continued collaboration with the Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment, and we are honored to help continue Ursula Oyler’s legacy. This scholarship provides young musicians the opportunity to further their growth and development through FSYO’s programs.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to listen to the stories of each of the students who applied for the scholarship this year. Music is so much more to these students than just practicing and perfecting playing an instrument. They love the range of emotions they feel while playing, get awestruck recognizing the nuances and complexity of a piece from their favorite artists, and possess incredible determination to overcome challenges in many aspects of their lives. To the scholarship recipients and all students who applied this year, I encourage you to keep learning, exploring, and sharing your love of music with others. You never know who YOU might inspire.” -Adrienne Arceri
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ABOUT THE URSULA OYLER SUNSHINE ENDOWMENT: Ursula Sonnenschein was born in Germany in 1928. At an early age, Ursula displayed a talent for music and her parents arranged for her to have piano and accordion lessons. She soon excelled at both instruments, but her lessons were interrupted with the coming of the Second World War/ After the war, while working as a secretary at an American base in Germany, she met Melvin Oyler, an American serviceman, and soon became an Air Force bride heading to the States. While raising two sons, Ursula resumed her music lessons and became an accomplished pianist. After she and Mel retired to Belle Isle, Florida in 1971, Ursula began sharing her passion for music as a piano teacher for the neighborhood children. She taught dozens of children and young adults and, as time passed, even taught the children of some of her original students. She continued teaching up until the time of her death in 2015.
The Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment was established with the Central Florida Foundation to continue Ursula’s passion for children, teaching and music by providing funding for music programs serving disadvantaged children and young adults. Please visit cffound.org to donate to this or other funds that benefit the local community.
About FSYO: Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras empowers young musicians to achieve excellence and inspire their communities through a shared love of music. In its 70th Concert Season, FSYO serves over 300 members and comprises eight ensembles - three symphony orchestras, two string orchestras, two jazz bands, and a percussion ensemble.
FSYO programs are carefully structured to encourage member growth with FSYO throughout their primary and secondary years. Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras’ full range of ensembles offers 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 the summer, tour ensemble members participate in life-changing experiences of organized tours every other year.
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, by Orange County, FL through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program, and by the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation.
For more information, please visit www.fsyo.org | facebook.com/THEFSYO | @f_s_y_o (instagram) | youtube.com/fsyo
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