Overture Strings

The Overture Strings Orchestra is a training orchestra for string players playing at least a Suzuki Book 2 level. These students rehearse on Sundays from 2-4pm. They perform three to four concerts per season and feed into our Prelude Orchestra.

Overture Strings requires private teacher or orchestra director recommendation, along with a brief audition. Since placement in any FSYO ensemble is based solely on ability, the ages in Overture 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.

Prelude

The Prelude Orchestra started in 2004. It is a beginning orchestra for intermediate winds, brass, percussion, and strings. They perform 5 concerts per season and feed directly into our Philharmonia Orchestra.

The string sections rotate for an optimum educational experience, and the winds and brass are placed according to ability. Under the direction of Mrs Hicklin, the Prelude Orchestra plays mostly arrangements of popular, classical works as training for our advanced ensembles.

Philharmonia

The FSYO Philharmonia Orchestra is an advanced ensemble typically comprised of 9^th - 12^th grade students. The Philharmonia Orchestra plays standard classical literature and feeds to the Symphonic Orchestra.

Every year, Philharmonia students are accepted into regional and state honor ensembles. All Philharmonia students are encouraged to participate in the FSYO Chamber Program so they can further their music education and perform throughout the community.

All sections are placed according to ability.

Symphonic

The Symphonic Orchestra is an advanced orchestra for pre-professional winds, brass, percussion, and strings. They perform up to 6 concerts per season. All sections are placed according to ability. Under the direction of Mr. Lane, the Symphonic Orchestra has won numerous national and international awards and recognitions. The Symphonic Orchestra is proud to be the premiere youth symphony in Central Florida.

A large number of Symphonic Orchestra students make up the regional, state and honor ensembles and receive the highest ratings in solo and ensemble competitions. Symphonic students are encouraged to participate in the FSYO Chamber Program so they can further their music education and perform throughout the community.

Chamber Program

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.