Blog

Funding Cut Blog Post Banner

Statement from Executive Director, Abigail Tran

“I was frustrated and disheartened to find out about the governor's decision to completely cut the funding for the arts for the upcoming fiscal year. Roughly $2.86 million of the $32 million budget, approved by both the Florida House and Senate, was to provide crucial funding to our local community. 82 arts organizations in Central Florida were affected by this decision, of which FSYO was to receive over $25,000 in grant funding to nurture Central Florida's next generation of musicians

It is now on us, the community, to show the governor that the arts matter and are here to stay. Being involved with the arts not only provides individuals with an outlet to express their truest selves, but teaches transferable life skills such as teamwork, accountability, and discipline. The arts need your support now more than ever to ensure the sustainability of our vibrant arts community, and I urge you to join us in the continual efforts of making the arts a right, not a privilege.”

-Abigail Tran, FSYO Executive Director

Governor DeSantis has taken an unprecedented blow to Arts and Culture in Florida by vetoing all arts funding. We urge you now to make a concerted community effort to support local art. This act by the governor will cause many organizations and businesses to cut programs, cut employees, or even shut down completely.

Central Florida Arts Matter!

Donate to your local artists and performers, watch a show or concert, and visit your local museums and galleries. Take small steps that will have a profound effect on your community!

ORLANDO, FL – After an extensive search, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras’ (FSYO) Board of Directors is honored to appoint teacher and conductor, Mr. Charles Watford, as Music Director and Symphonic Orchestra Conductor, effective July 8, 2024.

“On behalf of the Music Director Search Committee and the entire organization, I am ecstatic to officially welcome Mr. Charles Watford to the FSYO team as Music Director and Symphonic Conductor! Charles brings over 30 years of teaching experience to FSYO, and during his interview, his passion for music and music education exuded from him. I am confident Charles will channel that passion towards expanding FSYO's breadth in the Central Florida arts scene, and I am looking forward to collaborating with him to deepen FSYO's impact."

-Abigail Tran, FSYO Executive Director

Mr. Watford is an experienced educator who has dedicated his life to the furthering of music education in the Central Florida area, serving as a Band Director for over 30 years across Orange, Seminole, and Lake Counties. Most recently, Mr. Watford served as the Head Band Director of the Dr. Phillips High School Band and led the Music (Band) program of the Orange County Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Program at Dr. Phillips. Hundreds of his students have gone on to perform in honor bands on the county, state, and national levels. They have also matriculated into the top music schools in the country including Juilliard, Eastman School of Music, Boston Conservatory, and Jacobs School of Music. Charles takes pride in his ability to grow and foster a love of music in his students, encouraging many to become music educators themselves.

Charles is an active member of many musical organizations throughout the country, holding a membership within the Florida Music Educators Association, Florida Bandmasters Association, Florida Orchestra Association, National Band Association, and Phi Beta Mu. Mr. Watford earned his Bachelor’s degrees in Music Performance and Music Education from Stetson University and his Masters in Music Education from Florida State University.

“I am very excited to join this incredible organization of students and conductors. This past finale concert was a testament to the outstanding level of musicianship by all of the groups. Congratulations on a wonderful season, and I look forward to working with you all in the future.”

-Mr. Charles Watford

FSYO is grateful for the guidance and leadership of departing Music Director, Dr. James Welsch, as he transitions to his new position as Music Director of the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association. His tenure with the organization was celebrated by orchestra members and audience alike.

FSYO would like to extend its appreciation and thanks to Interactor Simulations Systems (ISS) and Kenneth Ingraham for their expertise throughout the search process, especially during the preparation stages. Additionally, thank you to the Music Director Search Committee as they led the organization through this transitional period. Members of this committee include the following:

Eddie Fee Jr., Chair - Orlando Utilities Commission

Alan Gerber - Valencia College

Rebecca Hull - Siemens Corporation

Dr. Tremon Kizer - University of Central Florida

Samuel Thomas - Ernst & Young, LPP

Abigail Tran - Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras

ORLANDO, FL - Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) is excited to add a new ensemble to their program offerings: Sinfonia Orchestra. This brand new ensemble is geared towards students ages 11 to 16 years old, and it will become FSYO’s introductory full orchestra ensemble.

“Sinfonia, FSYO's newest ensemble offering, creates a space within our collection of performance experiences which more vertically integrates within our current program offerings. In Sinfonia, we invite students into their first full symphony experience - one that better prepares them for the more rigorous training that comes with participation in ensembles like the Philharmonia and Symphonic Orchestras. We are excited to provide another ensemble that addresses FSYO's growth, and we encourage all musical students to peruse and consider this newest orchestral ensemble!”

-Dr. James O. Welsch, Music Director

Members of this ensemble will learn the intricacies of playing in a full orchestra (strings, winds, brass, percussion) while performing repertoire that focuses on furthering technique, musicianship, and leadership. This ensemble falls between the current Prelude Orchestra and Philharmonia Orchestra performance levels and aims to bridge the gap across all classical ensembles. Prelude Orchestra, continuing to be led by Ms. Sarah Morrison, is transitioning to a string only ensemble and will continue to groom the string members for success in a full orchestra.

FSYO is excited to be providing a new experience for Central Florida’s young musicians. With this additional program, even more of the area’s younger musicians will have the opportunity to develop their ensemble skills as well as further their musical achievement. More information regarding the conductor of Sinfonia Orchestra will be released in the coming months, and be sure to catch their premiere performance at FSYO’s 68th Season Opener Concert taking place in October 2024. Audition materials have already been posted and are available for any prospective member to review. For more information about the Sinfonia Orchestra, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Orlando, FL - The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras Board of Directors announces the current Music Director, Dr. James O. Welsch, will be stepping away from the position at the conclusion of this 67th season to embark on a new chapter. Welsch has been the Music Director of the organization since 2021, and he has played an integral role in the resurgence of FSYO post pandemic. Under his direction, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras expanded its ensemble offerings and deepened the impact of a member’s experiences. About his departure, Dr. Welsch expresses:

“It is a bittersweet feeling that I announce my departure from Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras as its Music Director and Symphonic Orchestra Conductor. It has been an extreme honor, and one of my life’s greatest joys, to have returned to an organization that gave me so much as a young musician. Coming back, I aimed to help affect positive change and develop a vision focused on the cultivation of an environment that provides a safe space for talented young musicians to explore music and humanity through shared experience.”

Other notable accomplishments of FSYO, under the musical direction of Dr. Welsch, include: a Italy tour in 2023, including the premiere of FSYO’s Touring Jazz Band on an international scene, the creation of FSYO’s Invitational where nationally acclaimed guest artists work with FSYO members and the local school systems, the development of the Student Engagement Council that provides a leadership opportunity for members to support their colleagues, and countless other collaborations. Dr. Welsch shares his goodbye in the letter attached below.

The board and staff of FSYO are deeply grateful to Dr. Welsch for his significant contributions and service throughout his career with the organization. We believe his passion for music and education of the next generation have solidified the necessity of FSYO in the Central Florida arts community. Executive Director, Abigail Tran shares:

“James is a driven, hard working individual who captivates the attention and energies of the students in front of him. He goes the extra mile for any and every student, even if it comes as a detriment to himself, and he holds a genuine care for his surroundings, his colleagues, but most importantly, his students. At the end of the day, his greatest accomplishment comes when he is able to witness and be part of their success. FSYO has been changed for the better because of his time with the organization, and I have full faith his presence in the music realm will only continue the upward growth of music education. I feel privileged to have worked alongside him for the past two years, and I know his absence will be felt.”

The board will remain actively engaged with the administrative staff of the organization during this transition, and the 2024 Music Director Search Committee has already taken steps in beginning the search for the next Music Director. FSYO’s daily operations, including its rehearsals and concert commitments will continue as scheduled without interruption, and Dr. Welsch will still lead the planned tour to Chicago this Summer.

Farewell Letter from Dr. James O. Welsch

FMCF graphic

ORLANDO, FL (September 11, 2023) – On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, from 7 PM to 9 PM, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras, in collaboration with Florida State University College of Music and Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, will host the Annual Florida Music College Fair at the Orlando Science Center located at 777 East Princeton Street Orlando, FL 32803.

Students will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from over 50 of the nation's top music and performing arts institutions to jump start their college search. Representatives will be available to discuss Admissions, Auditions, Financial Aid, Student Life, and so much more.

All Central Florida music students (band, orchestra, and choir) are encouraged to attend this FREE event. FSYO Executive Director, Abigail Tran, notes, “We are excited to collaborate with Frost School of Music and FSU’s College of Music again to bring this college fair back to Central Florida. Students of all ages interested in continuing their music education in college are welcome to attend as it is never too early to begin your college search process. Figuring out admission and scholarship requirements will make the application process less confusing!”

Admission to the college fair is free, however, students are encouraged to register for the event by clicking on the below link. For more information please contact FSYO at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

REGISTER FOR THE FLORIDA MUSIC COLLEGE FAIR

List of Colleges in Attendance:

Bard College Conservatory of Music
Berklee College of Music
Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
California Institute of the Arts
Carnegie Mellon University School of Music
Central Michigan University School of Music
Cleveland Institute of Music
The Colburn School
Columbus State University
Eastman School of Music
Florida Southern College
Florida State University College of Music
Frost School of Music at the University of Miami
The Hartt School, University of Hartford
IU Jacobs School of Music
Jacksonville University Department of Music
The Juilliard School
Lawrence University and Conservatory of Music
Los Angeles College of Music
Manhattan School of Music
Michigan State University - College of Music
New England Conservatory
Northwestern University Bienen School of Music
Oberlin Conservatory
Peabody Conservatory
Rollins College
Roosevelt University - Chicago College of Performing Arts
Rutgers University-Mason Gross School of the Arts
Shepherd School of Music - Rice University
SMU Meadows School of the Arts
St. Thomas University
Stetson University
Syracuse University Setnor School of Music
Temple University, Boyer College of Music and Dance
University of Central Florida School of Performing Arts
University of Colorado Boulder College of Music
University of Denver Lamont School of Music
University of Florida School of Music
University of Houston - Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
The University of Maryland School of Music
The University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
University of North Texas College of Music
University of South Carolina School of Music
USF School of Music
University of the Arts
Webster University - St. Louis

departure

June 27 - Group photo before departure from MCO.

luggage

June 28 - During the layover in Frankfurt, one third of the group missed the connection flight to Milan. After 36 hours of travel, the late arrival group finally retireved their lost luggage.

milan operahouse milan duomo

June 29 - The group began the day with a walking tour of Milan. During their time in the city, they visited the Teatro Alla Scala Museum, Milan Duomo, and explored the city.