The Florida Youth Orchestra strives to

1. provide quality music education for talented children throughout South Florida, regardless of race, religion, ethnic background, or financial circumstance;
2. build self-esteem through proficiency and commitment in a nurturing, educational orchestral setting; and
3. serve as a cultural resource to the children and audiences of South Florida.

A Brief History

In 1988, inspired by their musically gifted children, a nucleus of parents, including Bob Weaver, Weatherman on WTVJ/NBC Channel 6, joined together to create an orchestra and program of music education for youngsters up to 19 years of age. This program has attracted ongoing interest from community leaders, especially those in the arts, education, and business.

Over 300 members of the Florida Youth Orchestra represent nationalities that span the globe. They reside in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, with some traveling over 100 miles to attend rehearsals at the University School of Nova Southeastern University. Over 100 children at an advanced level of study constitute FYO's Pincipal Orchestra, while nearly 100 at an intermediate level participate in the FYO Symphony. In addition, three divisions - the Repertory Strings, Chamber Strings and Alpha Strings - offer beginning strings students their first ensemble experience. Membership is determined through highly competitive auditions held once a year, in June, before judges from the New World Symphony, Symphony of the Americas, University of Miami, and FYO's music staff.

The Florida Youth Orchestra, the only regional arts group for children in South Florida, provides more than just orchestral experience. It teaches more than great classical and contemporary repertoire. The Florida Youth Orchestra teaches musical skills with the human aspects of self-discipline, integrity, reliability, dependability, and flexibility. The youngsters develop attitude skills and an education that will last a lifetime!

What Makes FYO Unique?

• Founded in 1988, South Florida's only regional youth orchestra;
• The only youth orchestra to win the endorsement of the (former) Florida Philharmonic Orchestra;
• FYO concerts in New York's legendary Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. received standing ovations;
• Voted "Best Program for Young Musicians" by Gold Coast Magazine;
• Over 300 musicians from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties;
• Artistic staff consists of world-renowned musicians from the former Florida Philharmonic, New World Symphony, University of Miami, Lynn University and others;
• The only youth orchestra to ever perform onstage "side by side" with the (former) Florida Philharmonic Orchestra;
• Chosen by several composers to perform world premiers of their compositions;
• Extensive outreach programming that provides concerts to audiences numbering in the thousands each season;
• Acclaimed for its four professional recordings, with CDs broadcast on radio and sold in area record/book stores.