The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra was established to sponsor training orchestras for young talented musicians to further the musical capabilities of students from elementary, middle and high schools. FSYO musicians are in third grade through second year of college are selected by audition, study with a private teacher and meet each week for orchestra rehearsals from August through May. 

This is our 49th Season and during our history thousands of young people have passed through our ranks, reaping the rewards of discipline and teamwork, the satisfaction of a performance well-played, the joy of working together to accomplish great things, and the fulfillment of sharing a masterwork with those who may never have heard it.

While the FSYO's aim is to give students an unique experience it could not happen without the work of many dedicated people. There are of course our Conductors who invest so much of their time in these young lives. But also there is a dedicated staff including David Whitfield our Interim Executive Director, a Board of Directors and a veritable army of volunteers who do everything from stuffing envelopes to selling snacks at the break times during rehearsals. Ask any of them why they give up so much of their time and while their answers may vary slightly there is an underlying theme of the excitement of seeing these young people achieve such an impressive musical standard by working together.

A testimony to that standard is the fact that in 1999 during a European tour our Orchestra composed primarily of members of the Symphonic Orchestra beat other Orchestras in a competition in Austria to a very impressive second place. This was followed by another European tour took place traveling to Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Over this last summer the Symphonic Orchestra participated as one of only 5 orchestras as part of the National Youth Orchestra Festival in Sarasota. This honor was awarded because of the high standard of musicianship the organizations asks of its participants. These standards are seen in all our Orchestras and you can enjoy hearing it yourself at our 2005-2006 Season.

But wherever our students play there is also a great sense of enjoyment both on and off the stage. The FSYO is a great place to meet new friends and enjoy spending time together. Many of the friendships made at the FSYO continue beyond the time the students are with us.

If you have never had the pleasure of hearing one of the FSYO's orchestras, we hope you will make it an aim to spend some time with us this year at our Subscription Series Concerts. Take a few minutes now to meet the Orchestras and even get a chance to hear them play. We look forward to seeing you this year and hearing how much you have been impressed by the ability of these talented young people.

The FSYO is supported by donations from individuals, corporations
and organizations including United Arts and Florida Arts.