The Symphonic Orchestra is a conservatory level orchestra for pre-professional winds, brass and strings. Under the direction of Andrew Lane, who also serves as the Music Director for the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Symphonic Orchestra prepares students for a real world orchestra experience. The artistic growth in this orchestra is evidenced by their recent performances of selections from Mahler Symphonies 1 & 5. Membership in Symphonic requires serious dedication and practice. Symphonic Orchestra performs up to 6 concerts per year, including 2 at Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.

The Philharmonia Orchestra is an advanced ensemble, which is comprised of mainly 8-12th grade students. All sections are placed according to ability, so there is the occasional exception to this guideline. Under the direction of John Dupuis, the Philharmonia Orchestra has grown to play standard classical literature (no arrangements) and performs 4 concerts per season, two of which will take place at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center. Philharmonia rehearsals take place on Sunday afternoons, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.

The Prelude Orchestra is an intermediate level full orchestra and performs four concerts per season. The string sections rotate for an optimum educational experience, and the winds and brass are placed according to ability. Under the direction of Elizabeth Hicklin, Prelude emphasizes education along with musicality, and plays mostly arrangements of popular classical works as training for our advanced ensembles. The 2011-2012 season will run from mid-August to mid-¬‐May and Prelude Orchestra rehearsals are held on Sunday afternoons, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. at College Park Baptist Church.

The Overture Strings Orchestra is under the direction of Ms. Jessica Talbott and is designed for advancing string players who have completed Suzuki Book 2 and have begun shifting. Since placement in any FSYO ensemble is based solely on ability, the ages in Overture Strings range from 7-14. The artistic staff takes great measures to make sure that every age of student in this group feels challenged, engaged and socially comfortable. Overture Strings has weekly rehearsals during the school year, on Sundays, from 2 to 4 pm.

FSYO believes that chamber music is an important part of music education. It gives students additional leadership opportunities as well as broadens their musical abilities.

In accordance with these values and out of respect for the students minimal free time, we provide practice rooms, music and coaches to those students who choose to form chamber groups. It is not mandatory that students participate in these small ensembles but we do emphasize the importance of being a well-rounded musician.

The FSYO has a chamber recital once a year. This recital is always free to the public.