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Our Mission The Florida Youth Orchestra strives to
- provide quality music education for talented children
throughout South Florida, regardless of race, religion, ethnic background, or
financial circumstance;
- build self-esteem through proficiency and commitment in a
nurturing, educational orchestral setting; and
- 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 360 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 Principal Orchestra, while nearly 100 at a high intermediate
level participate in the FYO Symphony. In addition, four divisions - the
Repertory Strings, Chamber Strings, Silver Strings and Alpha Strings - offer beginning and intermediate 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
(twice) and
The Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. received standing
ovations;
- Voted "Best Program for Young Musicians" by Gold Coast Magazine;
- Over 360 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.
- Recipient of the Cultural Foundation's famed Moretti Award for Artistic Achievement
Board of Directors |
