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Orlando, FL - May 7, 2025 - FSYO is proud to recognize our graduating seniors of the Class of 2025! We commend them for their numerous accomplishments and dedication over the past year, and we look forward to seeing what they do next!

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Obed Almodovar

Viola - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 4

Graduating High School: International Community School

College: Polk State College

Major: Aerospace Sciences

Aziz Ansari

Baritone Saxophone - Alphonse Carlo Jazz Band

Years in FSYO: 3

Graduating High School: Dr. Phillips High School

College: FSU

Major: Jazz Performance and Political Science

Aidan Baez

Trumpet - Joseph Wise Jazz Band

Years in FSYO: 2

Graduating High School: Lyman High School

College: USF

Major: Computer Science

download Jacob Blaney

Jacob Blaney

Oboe - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 4

Graduating High School: Winter Park High School

College: UNC Chapel Hill or UF

Major: Biology and Music

Peter Boos

Piano - Joseph Wise Jazz Band

Graduating High School: Seminole High School

Ellie Capps

Years in FSYO: 2

Upright Bass - Alphonse Carlo Jazz Band

Graduating High School: Winter Park High School

College: UCF

Major: Mechanical Engineering and Minor in Music

Adrián Cárcamo-Urdiales

Cello - Symphonic

Graduating High School: Forest Lake Academy

Mathias Carlson

Violin - Symphonic

Graduating High School: University High School

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Laura Chen

Viola - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 9

Graduating High School: Hagerty High School

College: UF

Major: Finance and Viola Performance

Zixian Chen

Cello - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 4

Graduating High School: Trinity Preparatory School

College: Emory University

Major: Business

Zixuan Chen

Alto Saxophone - Alphonse Carlo Jazz Band

Years in FSYO: 4

Graduating High School: Trinity Preparatory School

College: UCLA, Carnegie Mellon University, or Georgia Institute of Technology

Major: Computer Science

Rasha Chowdhury

Violin - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 1

Graduating High School: Osceola County School for the Arts

College: Vanderbilt University

Major: Violin Performance

Stephania De La Cruz

Viola - Sinfonia

Graduating High School: Timber Creek High School

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Angelo Del Oro

Trumpet - Symphonic & Alphonse Carlo Jazz Band

Years in FSYO: 8

Graduating High School: West Orange High School

College: Florida State University

Major: Trumpet Performance

Benjamin DeLoach

Alto Saxophone - Alphonse Carlo Jazz Band

Graduating High School: Winter Park High School

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Henry Fu

Tenor Saxophone - Alphonse Carlo Jazz Band

Years in FSYO: 2

Graduating High School: Winter Park High School

College: Frost School of Music at the University of Miami

Major: Studio Music and Jazz Performance

Zachary Galan

Tuba - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 2

Graduating High School: Celebration High School

College: Johns Hopkins University

Major: Environmental and Chemical Engineering

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Ashley Gessner

Cello - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 1

Graduating High School: University High School

College: Florida State University

Major: Music Education

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Omari Gregory

Viola - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 3

Graduating High School: Winter Park High School

College: Oberlin Conservatory

Major: Viola Performance

Ben Griffin

Tenor Saxophone - Joseph Wise Jazz Band

Years in FSYO: 2

Graduating High School: Winter Springs High School

College: UCF

Major: Computer Science

Ian Guerrero Mundaray

Flute - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 2

Graduating High School: Dr. Phillips High School

College: Eastman School of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, or FSU

Major: Music Performance & Data Science

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Michael H Pang

Trombone - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 4

Graduating High School: Paul J Hagerty High School

College: UCF

Major: Computer Science

Ka'Maria Haglof

Percussion - Percussion Ensemble

Graduating High School: DeLand High School

Chloe Haye

Violin - Philharmonia

Years in FSYO: 6

Graduating High School: Lyman High School

College: UCF

Major: Civil Engineering

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Michelle Hernandez

Violin - Philharmonia

Years in FSYO: 1

Graduating High School: University High School

College: UCF

Major: Nursing and B.A. in Music

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Claire Hsieh

Oboe - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 4

Graduating High School: Lyman High School

College: Frost School of Music at the University of Miami

Major: Music Performance

Kyle Huckabee

Violin - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 5

Graduating High School: One School of the Arts

College: UCF

Major: Music and Computer Science

Gabby Huntington

Flute - Symphonic

Graduating High School: Lake Howell High School

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Janna Khan

Double Bass - Philharmonia

Years in FSYO: 1

Graduating High School: West Orange High School

College: UCF

Major: Clinical Psychology and Music

Hein Khant Aung

Viola - Philharmonia

Years in FSYO: 1

Graduating High School: Horizon High School

College: USF

Major: Biomedical Sciences

Ella Kim

Harp - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 2

Graduating High School: Osceola County School for the Arts

College: FSU or University of North Texas

Major: Harp Performance

Hannah Kirsten Empeynado

Violin - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 6

Graduating High School: Timber Creek High School

College: UCF

Major: Speech Pathology and Violin Performance

Reina Labban

Violin - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 3

Graduating High School: Timber Creek High School

College: University of Florida

Major: Nutritional Sciences with a minor in Music Performance

Emma Leisher

French Horn - Philharmonia

Graduating High School: Edgewater High School

Jasmine Lewis

Viola - Philharmonia

Years in FSYO: 1

Graduating High School: Dr. Phillips High School

College: USF

Major: Music Performance

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Joshua Lontoc

Cello - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: .5

Graduating High School: University High

College: UCF

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Thiago M. Costa Soares

French Horn - Symphonic

Graduating High School: Olympia High School

Thiago M. Pereira

Bassoon - Symphonic

Graduating High School: Dr. Phillips High School

Charles Martin

Bassoon - Symphonic

Graduating High School: Osceola School for the Arts

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Olivia McGarvey

Oboe - Philharmonia

Years in FSYO: 1

Graduating High School: Horizon High School

College: UCF or FSU

Major: Music Education

William McNarney

Viola - Philharmonia

Years in FSYO: 1

Graduating High School: Dr. Phillips High School

College: University of Florida or Vassar College

Major: Geography

Gabriel Medina

Tenor Saxophone - Alphonse Carlo Jazz Band

Years in FSYO: 3

Graduating High School: Lyman High School

College: University of North Florida

Major: Jazz Performance

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Alex Miller

Violin - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 8

Graduating High School: Orlando Science High School

College: Case Western Reserve University, FSU, or Pennsylvania State University

Major: Biological Science/Biology

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Deven Miller

Trombone - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 1

Graduating High School: Viera High School

College: Columbus State University or University of Florida

Major: Music Performance

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Nicolas Miller

Clarinet - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 1

Graduating High School: International Baccalaureate at Bartow High School

College: Brown University

Major: Music and International Relations

Gabriel Molina-Betancourt

Tuba - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 2

Graduating High School: Lake Nona High School

College: UCF

Major: Music - Tuba Performance

Laila Mussa

Double Bass - Philharmonia

Years in FSYO: 1

Graduating High School: West Orange High School

College: UF, USF, or UCF

Major: Bioengineering

Matthieu North

Flute - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 3

Graduating High School: Deland High School

College: FSU

Major: Flute Performance

Marcus Palermo

Bassoon - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 1

Graduating High School: Viera High School

College: FSU

Major: Music Education

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Steven Reynoso

Trumpet - Symphonic

Graduating High School: Seminole High School

Diego Rosario

Trombone - Joseph Wise Jazz Band

Years in FSYO: 2

Graduating High School: Seminole High School

College: Columbus State Unviersity

Major: Music Performance - Classical Trombone

Noah Sanciangco

Viola - Sinfonia

Graduating High School: West Orange High School

Headshot Ash Scoggins

Asher Scoggins

Trombone - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 3

Graduating High School: Lyman High School

College: UCF

Major: Music Education

Alp Selman

Trombone - Alphonse Carlo Jazz Band

Years in FSYO: 2

Graduating High School: Paul J. Hagerty High School

College: UCF

Major: Music Performance, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

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Ying Smith

Violin - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 3

Graduating High School: Windermere High School

College: Rollins College

Major: Music

Veda Srikantan

Trombone - Alphonse Carlo Jazz Band

Years in FSYO: 6

Graduating High School: Olympia High School

College: University of Florida

Major: Computer Engineering

Leah Tryzmel

Violin - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 1

Graduating High School: Lake Howell High School

College: FSU

Major: Music Education

Alex Tsompanidis

Alto Saxophone - Joseph Wise Jazz Band

Years in FSYO: 2

Graduating High School: Hagerty High School

College: FSU

Major: Finance

IMG 2601 Kevin Wang

Kevin Wang

Violin - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 8

Graduating High School: Trinity Preparatory School

College: Columbia University

Major: Chemistry

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Logan Womble

Trumpet - Symphonic

Years in FSYO: 1

Graduating High School: DeLand High School

College: Stetson University

Major: Music Education

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Charles Woodruff

Trumpet - Alphonse Carlo Jazz Band

Years in FSYO: 2

Graduating High School: Hagerty High School

College: Frost School of Music at the University of Miami

Major: Jazz Trumpet

Andrew Yuska

Piano - Alphonse Carlo Jazz Band

Years in FSYO: 2

Graduating High School: Winter Park High School

College: Eastman School of Music

Major: Jazz Piano Performance

Orlando, FL - May 6, 2025 - As the 68th season is coming to a close, FSYO looks forward to presenting the final performances of the season. Highlighting all of our ensembles over two weekends of performances, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to see our students shine!

Kicking off the weekend on May 9th at 7:00 PM, the Percussion Ensemble Showcase will be performing in the Little Amphitheater at Mead Botanical Garden. A beautiful outdoor concert that will showcase our four percussion ensemble members as they present a diverse selection of chamber and solo works. This will not be your only chance to see these performers as FSYO Percussion Ensemble members also participate in our various orchestra ensembles that will perform the following weekend. This overlap offers our students valuable experience, both in percussion-specific repertoire and in full symphony orchestra settings, fostering comprehensive training.

We invite you to support our percussionists as they showcase their talents during this dedicated performance. Tickets can be purchased online for $20 or in person on the day of the event for $25.

Following this performance, FSYO will host our Jazz Finale on May 10th at 3:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church of Orlando. Featuring the Joseph Wise and Alphonse Carlo Jazz Bands, this event will highlight works by renowned composers such as John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, and others. FSYO Jazz Ensembles provide our students with opportunities to deepen their understanding of jazz repertoire and develop their improvisation skills. This performance will showcase the progress students have made throughout the year, demonstrated through their improv performances.

We invite you to enjoy the magic of live jazz music and spend the evening with friends and family. Tickets can be purchased online for $25 or in person on the day of the event for $30.

To conclude the season, FSYO will present the Classical Finale on May 18th at 3:00 PM in the Linda Chapin Theater at the Orange County Convention Center. This event will feature performances by all of our orchestral ensembles: Overture Strings, Prelude Orchestra, Sinfonia Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, and Symphonic Orchestra. Each of these programs is designed to enhance students' experience within an orchestral setting, providing them with comprehensive exposure to symphonic repertoire as they advance to the Sinfonia Orchestra and beyond.

Throughout the season, these ensembles have performed increasingly challenging repertoire, demonstrating their growth and dedication and we invite you to join us for this cumulative performance. Tickets are available online for $25, or in person on the day of the event for $30.

ORLANDO, FL – April 17, 2025 - April serves as a significant month for philanthropic activities among arts organizations in Central Florida. The 30th of April marks the conclusion of the United Arts Collaborative Campaign, during which contributions can qualify for a matching funds pool totaling up to $1,250,000. In light of recent reductions in state arts funding, which are projected to persist, 82 arts organizations in the region find themselves seeking more support from the community.

The cuts to arts funding have resulted in a loss of nearly $25,000 in grant funding that Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) was scheduled to receive for the 2024-2025 season. Throughout the season, FSYO has actively sought to address the impact of funding changes through various initiatives, one of which includes establishing partnerships with several local organizations such as Orlando Public Houses and Kendra Scott. FSYO is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with local businesses that align with our mission, support community engagement, and help raise funds for our young musicians.

Throughout the month of April, FSYO is featured as the Good Bite and Good Burger at the Orlando Public Houses. The Orlando Public Houses serve the Central Florida community by providing a casual environment for families and friends to gather, enjoy their time together, and eat great food. To help give back to their community, Ollie’s and Vanbarry’s have created specialized menu items specifically for FSYO, with some musical names to match. Ollie’s at College Park is serving up the Marinara Medley while you can head over to Vanbarry’s for The Mozzart. Each purchase of either the Good Bite or the Good Burger will directly benefit FSYO!

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At the end of this month, Kendra Scott will host a giveback event in partnership with FSYO. The Kendra Scott Foundation exists to empower women and youth in the areas of health and wellness, education, and entrepreneurship. From April 26th to April 27th at the Winter Park location, customers can use the discount code online to contribute 20% of their purchase to benefit FSYO and the 2025 Japan Summer Tour. We invite the community to visit the store in person on April 27th from 2:00 - 4:00pm to shop and engage with an FSYO staff member to learn more about our programming. During this time only, shoppers in store can mention FSYO at check out to contribute 20% of their purchase. This event is just in time for Mother's Day and provides the perfect opportunity to pick up a gift for mom!

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Another great way to give to FSYO is by booking an ensemble for your next event! From duos to quartets, our students rehearse together weekly in small groups and are provided with a library of music to ensure a diverse musical selection for events. Booking FSYO for an event allows our students to receive valuable performance experience as well as the opportunity to earn funds that will go towards their upcoming Japan Summer Tour.

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As we wrap up the month, we invite you to join us in making a meaningful impact through these exciting opportunities to connect, collaborate, and give back!

ORLANDO, FL – April 4, 2025 - Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) is celebrating Music Director, Charles Watford’s, 55th birthday this week! From April 4th through April 11th, FSYO is asking the community to help us celebrate by making a $55 dollar gift to FSYO through the United Arts Campaign.

With a 31-year legacy of teaching at both the high school and collegiate levels, Charles Watford is one of the best. He began his career in 1994 as the Director of Bands at Lake Howell High School where he was recognized with the Otto J. Kraushaar Award on two occasions and awarded Teacher of the Year for the 1999-2000 academic year. From 2000 to 2005, he continued his teaching at Winter Springs High School, overseeing the band program and guitar classes. Under his leadership, the Winter Springs band performed at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, the Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington, D.C., and consistently received straight superiors at the Florida Bandmasters Association State MPA, earning the Otto J. Kraushaar Award.

In addition, Mr. Watford has conducted numerous All-County bands throughout Florida and led the High School All-State Honors Band in 2014. Many of his former students have gone on to become educators and professional musicians, reflecting his significant impact across Central Florida. We are honored to have him lead Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras in the role of Music Director.

For Mr. Watford, being part of Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras is more than just teaching or conducting. His passion is the heart of our organization. He shared:

“I am grateful to be in front of such talented musicians and to have them rise to the challenges I give them. I am thankful that my career brought me here and gave me this opportunity. I am looking forward to seeing what we can do.”

His dedication is seen in everything he does, even spending his birthday with FSYO students, leading them in rehearsal! His birthday wish is to continue his legacy of inspiring students at Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras.

Help us make his wish come true by making a designated gift to FSYO through the United Arts Collaborative Campaign for the Arts!

Give $55 for Charles’ 55th Birthday!

ORLANDO, FL - April 3, 2025 - Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) is excited to announce a new scholarship opportunity in partnership with the Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment.

Following an initial contribution in 2024, Alan Oyler and his daughter, Adrienne Arceri, shared the inspiring story and musical journey of their mother and grandmother. This increased engagement with FSYO culminated in a partnership that resulted in the establishment of the Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment Scholarship.

Ursula Sonnenschein was born in Germany in 1928 and demonstrated a remarkable talent for music from a young age. However, due to the Second World War, her musical education faced interruptions. She was able to resume her studies later in life after marrying Melvin Oyler and relocating to the United States. Upon her retirement, Ursula began offering piano lessons to children and adults in her community. In honor of her dedication to music and education, the Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment was established with the Central Florida Foundation. This endowment is committed to supporting music programs that benefit underprivileged children and young adults, continuing Ursula’s legacy of uplifting the next generation through music.

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In partnership with FSYO, the Ursula Oyler Sunshine Endowment has created an annual scholarship program that provides qualified students 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. Recipients of this scholarship will receive funding that covers 100% of all costs related to FSYO's regular season membership.

Students who wish to be considered must audition and be accepted into an FSYO ensemble, as well as complete the scholarship application.

To learn more about the scholarship requirements, check out the webpage HERE.

To view the audition requirements and register for an audition, please click HERE.

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ORLANDO, FL - January 3, 2025 - On Monday, June 23, 2025, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras’ (FSYO) members, parents, and staff will embark on an exhilarating tour to explore famous landmarks and perform breathtaking concerts across Japan. Immersed in new cultures, our young musicians will gain an experience of a lifetime during their two-week journey. Not only will they have the opportunity to meet youth from other countries, but they will also have the benefit of playing and learning alongside each other in collaborative performances.

When asked how this tour will impact both FSYO members and Japanese audiences Mr. Charles Watford, FSYO Music Director, remarked:

“This tour is a unique opportunity for both our members and our Japanese hosts to share a great musical experience through side-by-side performances of music from both cultures. I am looking forward to the collaboration that we are fortunate to experience in Japan and to see our own accomplished musicians from Central Florida play such a diverse and exciting selection of music.”

Both the Tour Orchestra and Tour Jazz Band will have the chance to take part in transformative performances. One highlight of the classical performances is a side-by-side orchestral performance on June 27, 2025 at Salamanca Symphony Hall with the Gifu University Orchestra, sponsored by the city government. Additionally, the Tour Jazz Band will proudly represent America at the World Expo 2025 on July 2, 2025 in Osaka. These great opportunities offer a glimpse into the involvement FSYO will have on the performance scene in our short time in Japan, as well as the collaborative and cross-cultural education the tour provides to its participants.

In order to uphold FSYO’s commitment to make this tour possible for any member regardless of socioeconomic background, we set a goal to raise $40,000 to provide scholarships to support those who would be unable to benefit from this experience otherwise. Thanks to a $10,000 grant kindly gifted to FSYO by The Cross Foundation, Inc. for tour scholarships, $30,000 remains to achieve our goal. To aid with our efforts, long-time advocates and friends of FSYO, Val and Paul Collins, generously offered to match donations dollar for dollar up to $15,000! That means any contribution given through the end of January is now twice as impactful to FSYO and the scholarship recipients thanks to the Collins’.

“We know the extraordinary effort that goes into playing for FSYO. We want to help make sure that all these kids have the opportunity to go on one of FSYO’s life-changing tours."

-Val and Paul Collins

FSYO strives to make this tour possible for as many members as possible in order to allow them to experience performing for new audiences and communities, interact with peers of different cultures and backgrounds, and create timeless memories.

FSYO’s Tour Orchestra and Tour Jazz Band are honored to perform for audiences in Gifu, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.

ORLANDO, FL – OCTOBER 4th, 2024 – Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) is thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of concerts this October, showcasing a wide range of musical styles and exceptional young talent. From jazz to classical, the month promises to be a celebration of music and performance across Central Florida’s vibrant music scene.

Join us for an unforgettable series of concerts, featuring some of the finest young musicians in the region and a bit of seasonal flair. Mark your calendars and be a part of this musical journey!

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DUE TO HURRICANE MILTON, THIS FAIR HAS BEEN CANCELLED! WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT NEXT YEAR'S FAIR IN OCTOBER 2025.

ORLANDO, FL (August 29, 2024) – On Thursday, October 10, 2024, 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 Museum of Art located at 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803.

Students will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from over 40 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 FSU’s College of Music and the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami 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

Listed below are the colleges attending this years fair.

College Fair 2024

ORLANDO, FL – Central Florida's most anticipated event for aspiring musicians, the Florida Music College Fair, is back and bigger than ever! Hosted by Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras in collaboration with The Florida State University College of Music and the Frost School of Music at The University of Miami, this exciting event will take place on Thursday, October 10th at The Orlando Museum of Art. This event provides musicians with a unique opportunity to connect with top music schools and programs from across the country.

With more than 40 colleges and conservatories participating, students and their families will have the chance to explore a variety of music programs, from performance to music education, production, and more. The fair will feature representatives from prestigious institutions, including The Juilliard School, Eastman School of Music, and the Shepard School of Music at Rice University, offering attendees insight into admissions requirements, scholarship opportunities, and career pathways in the world of music.

The Florida Music College Fair is not just a chance to explore higher education options—it is a stepping stone for prospective students passionate about music. From classical to jazz, orchestral to digital, the fair represents a diverse musical landscape, ensuring there is something for everyone.

"We are excited to collaborate with FSU’s College of Music and the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami 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!” said Abigail Tran, Executive Director of Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras.

A Free Event for the Entire Community

The Florida Music College Fair is free and open to the public, welcoming high school students, parents, teachers, and music lovers from across Central Florida. Whether students are just beginning to think about their music careers, ready to submit college applications, or looking into graduate music programs, this event provides valuable guidance at every stage.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, Oct 10, 2024

Time: 7 pm - 9 pm

Location: Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

Cost: Free Admission, we ask that all attendees register here: https://forms.gle/sf1xsJ5ag4CTs5zY9

Special Features:

One-on-one conversations with college representatives

Information on scholarships and financial aid

Practical tips for audition best practices

For more information about the Florida Music College Fair or our other upcoming performances and initiatives under the direction of our new music directors, please visit fsyo.org or contact our team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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We are thrilled to announce that the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras’ Symphonic Orchestra has been named the 2024 Orlando Weekly Best of Orlando Award winner for Best Chamber Ensemble! This incredible honor is a testament to our young musicians' hard work, talent, and dedication, who have continually impressed audiences with their exceptional performances.

In addition to this prestigious win, we are also proud to celebrate the Alphonse Carlo Jazz Band, which placed 3rd in the Best Jazz Act category. This recognition highlights the versatility and excellence of our music programs, as well as the commitment of our students to their craft.

ORLANDO, FL – Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras, a beacon of music education and young musical talent, is thrilled to announce the addition of three ensemble directors to our distinguished Artistic Team. These new additions exemplify our commitment to enhancing the opportunities for young musicians to learn and perform while delivering unparalleled musical experiences to our audience.

Meet Our Ensemble Conductors:

Dr. Jeannine Mongeon will serve as the conductor of the Overture Strings ensemble. She earned music education degrees from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (BM), University of Rochester Eastman School of Music (MM), and the University of Miami (PhD). She has worked as a professional violinist and violist in symphonies across the United States. Currently, she performs regularly with the Florida Lakes Symphony. Dr. Mongeon has been an Orchestra Director and music educator since 1990 in various public and private schools, most recently at Montverde Academy (FL). As an educator, she has directed orchestras of all levels, taught courses in a plethora of musical disciplines, and often is the piano accompanist for her students. She has been the Music Director for several musical theater productions. Additionally, she has taught collegiate music education classes at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL.

Andrea Reynolds is honored to serve as conductor of Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras' Sinfonia Orchestra. Andrea Reynolds is currently the Orchestra Director at West Orange High School in Winter Garden, Florida. Prior to her appointment at West Orange, Mrs. Reynolds held positions at Horizon High School (Orange County) and Seminole High School (Seminole County). During the summer, she conducts FSYO’s Stringmania Summer Camp Mezzo Orchestra. Mrs. Reynolds holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Stetson University with an emphasis in instrumental music. Orchestras and Bands under Mrs. Reynolds’ direction have consistently earned “Superior” ratings at Florida Music Performance Assessments (MPA). She is an active member of NAfME, Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA), Florida Orchestra Association (FOA) and Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA). Mrs. Reynolds served as the FOA District 6 Chair from 2018-2020, and is an active clinician and adjudicator for FBA and FOA.

Jaysen Rosario will serve as the Percussion Ensemble director. Jaysen is a distinguished percussionist and dedicated educator based in Seminole County. He currently teaches percussion at Winter Springs High School and Hagerty High School and serves as a charter instructor for the front ensemble at Siege Percussion. Jaysen holds a bachelor's degree in Music Performance from the University of Central Florida and is dedicated to providing accessible percussion education to all.

“I am excited to more formally announce the new (and returning) faces of FSYO. Dr. Jeannine Mongeon has been a long time friend and supporter of FSYO, and I am looking forward to seeing her back as part of the Artistic Team as the Overture Strings Conductor. For our newest ensemble, Sinfonia Orchestra, Ms. Andrea Reynolds is joining the team as their conductor, and I know these students will thrive under her leadership. Mr. Jaysen Rosario is leading the Percussion Ensemble, and we are thrilled to be bringing him into the FSYO family as the Percussion Ensemble Director. These conductors, along with our returning conductors of Ms. Sarah Morrison, Mr. Matthew Davis, Mr. Marc Kolodinsky, and Mr. Kenneth Boyd, and our new Music Director, Mr. Charles Watford, make up the 68th Season Artistic Team, and I am looking forward to furthering FSYO's mission with their support and help.”

-Abigail Tran, Executive Director of FSYO

These appointments further mark a new chapter in Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras' illustrious history with the confirmation of our new Music Director and Symphonic Orchestra Conductor, Charles Watford. As we look to the future, we are excited to embark on this journey with Dr. Mongeon, Ms. Reynolds, and Mr. Rosario, whose talents will undoubtedly enrich our artistic endeavors and inspire our audiences.

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