 Having reached thousands of students and South Florida
residents (plus broadcasts of events locally, nationally and
internationally), the Florida Youth Orchestra continues to
provide vital educational services for our children and a
valuable cultural resource for all of South Florida.
In
addition to unparalleled music education and performance
opportunities, students participate in community service
activities. Last year the FYO performed for over 40 other
organizations throughout South Florida. FYO programming
continues year-round including FYO's Summer String Fling,
providing the highest quality summer classical music
activities available in South Florida.
In addition, the Florida Youth Orchestra serves its
community through targeted outreach activities serving
at-risk youth through STEPS (Symphonic Training &
Education Program for Students). All
rehearsals are held at the University School of
Nova
Southeastern University in Davie, Florida.
|
Florida
Youth Orchestra Divisions |
PRINCIPAL ORCHESTRA
Membership in this division is reserved for outstanding
players whose technical level is highly advanced, who show
strong musicianship, and who are capable of the discipline
necessary to perform in one of the country's premier youth
orchestras. Repertoire is at college/professional level.
Student ages to 18, although musicians may remain beyond
high school.
Concerts are performed four times each season, in
Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. This division
includes strings, winds, brass and percussion.
This orchestra performed in Carnegie Hall in April 2002 and
March 2008, and
at The Kennedy Center in March 2005. The Principal Orchestra
has recorded five professional CDs which have been distributed nationally.
Rehearsals: Mondays 6:45 - 9:00 PM
SYMPHONY
Performs masterpieces by great composers at a highly
proficient level, requiring members to be well-advanced on
their instruments.
Student ages through high school seniors.
Symphony performs four times each season, including one
concert in Miami-Dade and an annual "Spotlight" concert
which includes soloists selected through auditions held each
year.
Consists of strings, winds, brass and percussion.
Rehearsals: Mondays 6:45 - 9:00 PM
REPERTORY
STRINGS
For intermediate string students who
have strong command of their instruments and who have not
had a great deal of ensemble experience. Unique programming
allows students to explore varied styles of music, including
country, Latin, jazz and more! Consists of string
instruments only. Concert series includes three concerts
annually.
Rehearsals: Mondays 6:45 - 9:00 PM
CHAMBER STRINGS
This strings-only division is for musicians within the
approximate level of Book 2 Suzuki who comfortably read
notes on a page of music. The program builds solid,
fundamental rhythmic and orchestral skills and improved
sight-reading abilities The Chamber Strings performs
publicly as part of FYO's "outreach" series and at the
season-ending concert in Signature Grand.
Rehearsals: Mondays 6:45 - 8:15 PM
SILVER
STRINGS
The Silver Strings program
has a strong educational focus to advance basic skills,
including sight-reading. At the same time, this group offers
the experience of performing in an ensemble environment with
repertoire that includes multiple parts. The Silver Strings
performs two recitals annually.
Rehearsals: Mondays 5:30 - 6:30 PM
ALPHA STRINGS
A first ensemble experience for beginning musicians who are
at the approximate level of Book 1 and start of Book 2
Suzuki. Builds proficiency in sight reading, note
recognition and orchestral demeanor.
String instruments only. Performs twice annually, as part of
recitals at the rehearsal site.
A small group environment that motivates and encourages our
youngest musicians.
Rehearsals: Mondays 5:30 - 6:30 PM
FLUTE ORCHESTRA
The Flute Orchestra is geared toward advanced flutists who have the ability to learn and perform challenging repertoire written and arranged for the entire flute family, which includes piccolo, C flute, alto flute, and bass flute.
Several concerts are presented annually in theaters - as part of FYO's mainstage concert series - as well as community outreach performances offered in venues throughout the region.
Rehearsals: Mondays 6:45 - 9:00 PM
ENSEMBLES
PRIMA QUARTET
PRIMA QUARTET performs exceptional concerts in prestigious venues, always receiving high praise for outstanding professionalism and presentation.
Rehearsals: Mondays 5:30 - 6:30 PM (before Orchestra
rehearsals)
TOP BRASS
Top Brass provides the best in training and performance for
brass musicians interested in exploring the greatest works
for brass ensemble. Appreciative audiences have enjoyed the
variety in style and unique presentation of Top Brass
musicians.
Rehearsals: Mondays 5:30 - 6:30 PM (before Orchestra
rehearsals)
UPBEAT! PERCUSSION
All members of the Principal Orchestra and FYO Symphony
divisions participate in this unusual ensemble, which
utilizes a vast array of common - and not-so-common
percussion instruments!
AURORA STRINGS
A versatile ensemble of highly skilled musicians, Aurora is in great demand to perform for the most sophisticated occasions as well as for charitable events throughout the region. |
|
|
Accolades |
"Since its inception in 1988, the Florida Youth Orchestra has been recognized as one of the state's premier student music programs, annually providing excellence in orchestral music training and music education outreach."
Michael Spring,
Director, Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs
"The programs and activities of FYO are of the highest caliber, providing the finest in music education, outreach and cultural enrichment to the residents of our county. We have witnessed first-hand how all segments of our community have benefited."
Mary Becht,
Director, Broward Cultural Division
"Thanks to your efforts, we have instilled in our students a passion and love for music. The knowledge that you have changed the lives of these children should give your organization an incredible sense of accomplishment."
Thomas J. Schroeder,
Principal, Margate Elementary School
"I have been sending my students to FYO since the very beginning. Many have become successful professionals. FYO provides a nurturing environment, from the beginner divisions to highly advanced, helping students develop valuable skills.
Judy Frishman
Violin Instructor, Miami-Dade County
"I encourage my students to participate in FYO. I can trust that they're in a healthy environment where their musical development and well-being are a priority."
Virginia Barnes
Violin Instructor, Palm Beach County
"Thank you, thank you, thank you...for all you have done for my children and me throughout the years. They have so many happy and wonderful memories. The young lives you have touched through the power of music is absolutely astonishing."
Marco Rosales
FYO Parent
"Through FYO, we learn to be active in mind and aware in body, along with the social skills that make us more thoughtful and intelligent human beings. We immerse ourselves in a community of friends and partners, through life and the musical journey."
Gabrielle Chou
FYO Alumnus |
|
