Year End Gift

Few things make me happier than Sundays. While many are using the day to unwind, we are preparing to host nearly 300 students from 9 counties for weekly rehearsal. You may think that these students would dread giving up a weekend day to practice, but it is just the opposite. The students arrive with smiles on their faces and excitement in their eyes, ready to do what they love, PLAY CLASSICAL MUSIC! And for many of our students, this is possible because of YOU!

Did you know that an average of 30% of FSYO students participate in our programs on a scholarship? That means that 1 in every 15 students needs YOUR help to receive these life-changing experiences, and life-changing they are. As our organization grows, the number of students participating in need of a scholarship grows as well. In addition to regular tuition fees, our students need assistance participating in the exciting new experiences that we are creating for them (such as tours to Europe and performing at Carnegie Hall!). FSYO has a commitment that it will not turn away any qualifying student because of an inability to pay tuition.

This is where you come in. But don't take our word for it, hear it directly from some of the students you support:

Jessica, an FSYO alumna currently studying Flute Performance, had this to say about her experience: “FSYO has been a wonderful learning experience for me. Participating in FSYO for five years helped shape me as a musician and grow my love of music. Currently, I am a music major attending the Cleveland Institute of Music, with an aspiration of becoming a professional orchestral musician.” Jessica has gone on to win the Miami Summer Music Festival Concerto Competition performing in the New World Center, was a finalist in the 2015 Florida Flute Associations (FFA) Young Artist Competition, and was a winner of the advanced masterclass competition for FFA. Jessica is a founding member of Catharsis, an up-and-coming woodwind quintet founded at the Cleveland Institute of Music in 2016. Recently, Jessica beat out 30 other flutists and won a permanent chair with the Canton Symphony Orchestra in Ohio.

Alyssa, an FSYO violinist, had this to say about her experience: "FSYO has surrounded me with a community of people who take interest in music the same way I do. It's helped me experience once in a lifetime opportunities such as traveling to perform for different audiences around the world. Being in FSYO has helped me solidify my career choice in becoming a performance musician." Alyssa currently serves as the Concertmistress for FSYO's Symphonic Orchestra, performed as a soloist with the Maitland Symphony Orchestra as the winner of the CFCArts YAO Concert Competition in 2016, served as the Concertmistress for the Winter Park Chamber Music Academy, and is the 2018-2019 winner of FSYO's Concerto Competition.

This is why I am writing to you today. YOU can help us ensure every qualified student receives the best possible music education by sending a contribution to FSYO today.

Here's what YOUR tax-deductible donation can provide:

· $50 will provide one month of rehearsals for an Overture Strings member
· $100 will provide one month of rehearsals for a Prelude Orchestra member
· $500 will provide almost a full year of rehearsals for a Jazz Orchestra member
· $650 will provide a of year of rehearsals for a Philharmonia Orchestra member
· $770 will provide a full year of rehearsals for a Symphonic Orchestra member

FSYO exists to encourage children and young adults, through the practice and performance of orchestral music, to become passionate leaders, thinkers, and contributors in their local community and beyond. FSYO inspires Florida's next generation of incredible music talent by giving students from all walks of life a place to practice and perform. In turn, this gives the Greater Central Florida area a reason to grow culturally. It has been proven time and time again that students, who are exposed to the arts, flourish in all areas of education.

YOU help to make so much good happen at FSYO – from rehearsals to collaborations, to tours. I hope you will continue your commitment to music education in Central Florida by making a generous gift to FSYO today. Each and every student in our program means the world to us, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support.

With Gratitude,

FSYO PRESENTS SOUNDS OF THE SEASON

Orlando, FL – On December 9th, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras' Symphonic Orchestra, led by Music Director and Symphonic Orchestra Conductor Hanrich Claassen, will help you kick off your holidays with Sounds of the Season. This concert will bring everyone together for an afternoon picnic accompanied by an array of holiday classics. The Symphonic Orchestra will be performing some of our fan favorites along with new and festive pieces.

"I can't think of a better way to get in the spirit for the Holidays than with a picnic shared between friends and family in the beautiful Mead Gardens and letting the FSYO Symphonic orchestra entertain you! We are excited to 'fly solo' this time - although we are not collaborating with guest artists as in the past on the Sounds of the Season program, we promise we won't disappoint - we have all your Orchestral Holiday Season favorites on the program!" - Hanrich Claassen, Music Director, and Symphonic Orchestra Conductor

****Due to rain the time and location of this concert has changed. The concert will start at 4 pm at Edgewater High School in the auditorium.**** Address: 3100 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804

Tickets are $15 for adults, and $10 for students and seniors, and can be purchased at www.fsyo.org. As always, teachers receive free admission to this event.

ABOUT FSYO: Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras exists to encourage children and young adults, through the practice and performance of orchestral music, to become passionate leaders, thinkers, and contributors in their local community and beyond. In its 62nd Concert Season. Today, FSYO serves almost 300 students and is comprised of seven ensembles - three symphony orchestras, one string-training orchestra, a chamber orchestra, two jazz orchestras - and two supplementary programs - Stringmania Summer Camp and Sing-Song, String-Along.

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, Symphonic Orchestra students participate in life-changing experiences of organized tours, alternating between international & national travel every other year.

Students on the Go | 2018 - 2019 Accomplishments

FSYO to Host Annual Concerto Competition Finalists' Recital

2018 Concerto Competition Finalist

ORLANDO, FL - On Saturday, November 10, 2018, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras will present its 2018-2019 Annual Concerto Competition Finalists’ recital. Showcasing the talent and skill of eight finalists the adjudicated competition gives students the opportunity to hone their skills as a soloist. At the conclusion of the concert, two winners will be announced who will perform the concerto of their choice with full accompaniment from the FSYO Symphonic Orchestra later this season. All members of the Jazz Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, and Symphonic Orchestra, the more advanced ensembles of FSYO, are eligible to participate in the Concerto Competition.

Previous winners have gone on to study at Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, The Boston Conservatory, among other prestigious institutions. The experience of performing at the November recital, supported by a piano reduction of the orchestral parts, has proven to be invaluable to the young artists’ growth.

The 2018-2019 Concerto Competition finalists are, in alphabetical order:

• Renzo Decarlo, clarinet: Concerto in E minor, Op. 64, Mvt. I - C. Weber
• Arielle Fentress, viola: Concerto for Viola and Orchestra, Mvt. I- W. Walton
• Destin Hoskins, tuba: Concerto for Bass Tuba, Mvt. I - R. Williams
• Alexander Keiser, trumpet: Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra, Mvt. I-III - A. Arutunian
• Adam Langs, marimba: Concertino for Marimba, Mvt. I - P. Creston
• George Lawson, violin: Concerto in E minor, Op. 64, Mvt. I - F. Mendelssohn
• Alyssa Orantes, violin: Concerto in G minor, Op. 26, Mvt. III - M. Bruch
• Brenton Zhang, cello: Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104, Mvt. I - A. Dvořák

The recital begins at 5:00 p.m. in the Montverde Academy Sandra O. Stephens Auditorium - 17235 7th St, Montverde, FL 34756. Don't miss the opportunity to hear some of the most talented student musicians in Central Florida! Free admission for all!  Please visit www.fsyo.org for more information.

About FSYO: Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras exists to encourage children and young adults, through the practice and performance of orchestral music, to become passionate leaders, thinkers, and contributors in their local community and beyond. In its 62nd Concert Season. Today, FSYO serves almost 300 students and is comprised of seven ensembles - three symphony orchestras, one string-training orchestra, a chamber orchestra, two jazz orchestras - and two supplementary programs - Stringmania Summer Camp and Sing-Song, String-Along.

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, Symphonic Orchestra students participate in life-changing experiences of organized tours, alternating between international & national travel every other year.

Programs are sponsored in part by the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs; the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; Orlando Utilities Commission; The City of Orlando, Mayor's Matching Grant; and United Arts of Central Florida. We thank these groups for their generous support.

Learn more: web: www.fsyo.org | FB: @TheFSYO | Twitter: @FSYO | IG: @F_S_Y_O | Youtube: @fsyo

FSYO to host 62nd Season Opener Ft. Dr. Ayako Yonetani, violin

ORLANDO, FL – On Sunday, October 21, 2018, at 4:00 pm, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras will astonish the public with the first concert of its 62nd Season at the historic Bob Carr Theater, located at 401 W. Livingston St.

The organization's three full orchestras and string-training orchestra will be featured as they showcase their talent. Featured guest artist Dr. Ayako Yonetani, an acclaimed violinist, will perform Alexander Glazunov's Violin Concerto in a minor, Op 82 accompanied by our Symphonic Orchestra. Led by Music Director and Symphonic Orchestra Conductor Hanrich Claassen.

As a professional violinist, Dr. Yonetani has shared the stage with several world-renowned orchestras such as Kioi Hall Chamber Orchestra, Astana City Symphony Orchestra, and Gunma Symphony, to name a few. She sees playing for an audience as indispensable in developing a young musician.

"In this discipline, you can't improve 'performance' unless you perform in public. It is essential for a student to have this opportunity to perform in a serious orchestra. Once some rules are observed, it will be much more fun than just playing together." - Dr. Ayako Yonetani

Tickets for the event are $20 general admission with special pricing for children and Student/Senior/Military. Tickets may be purchased online at drphillipscenter.org, by calling 844.513.2014 or by visiting the Dr. Phillips Center Box Office at 445 S. Magnolia Avenue between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday. Online and phone ticket purchases are subject to handling fees. Prices, shows, artists, dates and times are subject to change at any time without notice. Tickets may also be purchased two hours prior to the performance at the Bob Carr Theater box office. Florida academic and private teachers receive free admission to all FSYO season subscription concerts. This is one that you do not want to miss!

About FSYO: Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras exists to encourage children and young adults, through the practice and performance of orchestral music, to become passionate leaders, thinkers, and contributors in their local community and beyond. In its 62nd Concert Season. Today, FSYO serves almost 300 students and is comprised of seven ensembles - three symphony orchestras, one string-training orchestra, a chamber orchestra, two jazz orchestras - and two supplementary programs - Stringmania Summer Camp and Sing-Song, String-Along.

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, Symphonic Orchestra students participate in life-changing experiences of organized tours, alternating between international & national travel every other year.

Programs are sponsored in part by the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs; the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; Orlando Utilities Commission; The City of Orlando, Mayor's Matching Grant; and United Arts of Central Florida. We thank these groups for their generous support.

Learn more: web: www.fsyo.org | FB: @TheFSYO | Twitter: @FSYO | IG: @F_S_Y_O | Youtube: @fsyo

About Ayako Yonetani: Ayako Yonetani, DMA violinist and violist, was born in Kobe, Japan, where, at the age of five, she began violin studies with the famous Saburo Sumi. Since winning the Japan National competition at age nine, she has quickly ascended to the top ranks of Japan's violinists. She performed as a soloist with renowned Japanese orchestras, including NHK Symphony, New Japan Philharmonic, and Gunma Symphony before she came to US.

Dr. Yonetani received her Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral degrees from the Juilliard School where she studied with Hyo Kang and the late Dorothy DeLay, world-renowned violin pedagogue, who taught such artists as Perlman, Midori, Cho-Liang Lin, Gil Shaham, and Sarah Chang. Since 1989 she has assisted the late Dorothy DeLay at the Juilliard pre-college division and at the Aspen Music Festival and School.

After Dr. Yonetani moved to the US in 1982, she has appeared frequently as a recitalist in major cities such as New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Orlando. These appearances included numerous solo recitals, solos with orchestras, chamber music and ensemble performances. These concerts took place in prestigious venues such as Amsterdam's Concertgebouw, Salzburg's Mozarteum, Vienna's Musikverrein, Tokyo's Kioi Hall, Slovak Republic's Dome Umenia, Dresden's Semperoper, and Astana City Hall in Kazakhstan. In 2012-2013, Yonetani performed for the President of Panama and the Japanese Ambassador to Panama in the event to commemorate one-year of Japan's earthquake/tsunami, and also for the Japanese emperor's birthday event.

In addition to concert performances, her international reputation has been enhanced by recordings and engagements as a master-teacher and/or judge for musical competitions. In 2005, she was invited to judge the International Competition, "Shabyt," in Kazakhstan and premiered a double violin concerto with the Astana City Symphony Orchestra in Kazakhstan. Yonetani released four solo CDs of Tchaikovsky/Mendelssohn concerti, Bruch, Beethoven with original cadenza/Brahms concertos. She has participated in the production of six ensemble CDs as a member of Kioi Sinfonietta Tokyo. Her Tchaikovsky/Mendelssohn concerto CD with the Kosice Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra was selected as "The CD of the Month" by WMFE-90.7FM in October 2004. Japan's premier music publisher, Ongaku no Tomo, published her Japanese translation of Barbara L. Sand's book "Teaching Genius: Dorothy DeLay and the Making of a Musician" in November 2001. The book is currently in its fourth printing and over 4500 copies have been sold.

Currently, she is a full professor of violin and viola at the University of Central Florida and is also a member of Japan's premier chamber ensemble, Kioi Hall Chamber Orchestra (formerly Kioi Sinfonietta Tokyo). She has been chosen as an official artist, the first violinist in its 30-year history for the Florida State Touring Program since 2006. In the 2018-2019 season, Yonetani will perform concertos with the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, UCF Symphony Orchestra, Slovak State Philharmonic of Kosice and the Uzggorod Philharmonic Orchestra (Ukraine). Most recently, Yonetani became the chair of UCF Graduate String Quartet program.