Florida Youth Orchestra | Classical Music Education for Young Musicians | Music School in Florida

 
About FYO   |   Calendar   |   Rehearsal Map   |   Contact Us   |   YouTube    |   Facebook

 

Curriculum

Learn classical music in Florida.Having reached thousands of students and South Florida residents as the only regional arts organization for children, the Florida Youth Orchestra continues to provide vital education while serving as a valuable cultural resource for South Florida.

A commitment to excellence assures that every student, at every level, reaches their full potential in a nurturing atmosphere of individual support and guidance. Competition is non-existent, with each orchestra division working as a team. The success of one is success for all.

All rehearsals are held at the
University School of Nova Southeastern University in Davie

 All students are placed by level, not by age

PRINCIPAL ORCHESTRA

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/conservatory level.  

Four concerts are performed each season in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.  This orchestra includes strings, winds, brass, percussion.

Rehearsal each Monday from 6:45-9:00 PM
 


SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

This division performs masterpieces by great composers at a highly proficient level, requiting members to be well-advanced on their instrument.  It is considered to be at-or-above high school level in its standard.

Four concerts each year are held in the tri-county area, including the Coral Springs Center for the Arts and ZooMiami. This orchestra includes strings, winds, brass, percussion.

Rehearsal each Monday from 6:45-9:00 PM
 


REPERTORY STRINGS

REPERTORY STRINGS

For intermediate string players who have strong command of their instrument.  This division prepares students for “full orchestra” membership by including orchestra demeanor, performance essentials and solid technical skills.  Three performances annually are presented in professional venues.

Rehearsal each Monday from 6:45-9:00 PM
 


CHAMBER STRINGS

HAMBER STRINGS

For string players who are prepared to work on intermediate level repertoire, can comfortably read music and have solid technique.  Increased emphasis is on orchestral skills, ensemble participation and sight reading. Concerts are held in venues such as theaters, community centers and at community events.

Rehearsal each Monday from 6:30-8:15  PM
 

SILVER STRINGS

SILVER STRINGS

The Silver Strings ensemble has a strong educational focus to advance basic skills, including sight reading. At the same time, students learn repertoire that includes multiple parts, developing more advanced concentration skills. The level is at beginner/intermediate. Silver Strings performs two recitals annually.

Rehearsal each Monday from 5:45-7:00 PM


ALPHA STRINGS

ALPHA STRINGS

A first ensemble experience for beginning string players who are at the approximate level of Book 1 or starting Book 2 (as relates to Suzuki).  The group builds proficiency in sight reading, note recognition and orchestra demeanor.  Students must be able to recognize notes on a page.  Alpha Strings performs two recitals annually.

Rehearsal each Monday from 5:45-7:00 PM


iPLAY

iPLAY

For children who don’t play at all, this group provides instruction that allows children to learn Violin. A small group, iPLAY allows for very individual attention. Violins are provided.  Instruction follows a curriculum that leads children into FYO’s Alpha Strings, where they can go forward through the divisions. Emphasis  is on being comfortable with the instrument, posture, hand position and very basic note reading.  iPLAY performs two recitals annually.

Rehearsal each Monday from 5:45-7:00 PM


FLUTE CHOIR

FLUTE CHOIR

FYO's Flute Choir is geared toward intermediate & advanced flutists who can learn and perform challenging repertoire written and arranged for the entire flute “family”, which includes Piccolo, C-flute, Alto Flute and Bass Flute.

Concerts throughout the year include theater performances, those at special events in the community and as outreach (such as for nursing homes, hospitals and holiday presentations) These musicians also work closely with FYO’s Artist-In-Residence, Grammy-winning Nestor Torres.

Rehearsals each Monday from 6:45-9:00 PM

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