 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 are exposed to 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 S.T.E.P.S. (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 at The Kennedy Center in March 2005. They will be returning to the Carnegie Hall stage in March 2008. The Principal Orchestra has recorded four professional CDs.
Rehearsals: Mondays 6:45 - 9:00 PM
FYO 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  For beginning musicians within the approximate level of Book 2 Suzuki who comfortably read notes on a page of music. Program builds solid, fundamental rhythmic and orchestral skills and improved sight-reading abilities
String instruments only.
This division performs an annual recital at the rehearsal site, and one performance at the season-ending Celebration Concert & Banquet in Signature Grand.
Rehearsals: Mondays, Chamber I 5:30 - 6:30 PM, Chamber II 6:45 - 7:45 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
ENSEMBLES PRIMA!  A highly advanced, conservatory level string ensemble, PRIMA! has performed many exceptional concerts requested by the Opera Society, Jewish Vocational Services, City of Boca Raton, Museum of Art, and countless others. PRIMA! always receives high praise for astounding professionalism and presentation.
Rehearsals: Mondays, 5:30 - 6:30 PM (before Orchestra rehearsals)
FLUTOPIA 
With members from both the Principal Orchestra and Symphony, this unique flute choir showcases the talents of our young flutists performing selections of music written especially for their instrument.
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! |  | | Accolades | ...there is nothing typical about this orchestra... the cream of the tri-county area's crop.
Chris Feeley, Cultural Quarterly
... one of the region's finest resources for nurturing classical musicians of the future.
Tim Smith, Sun-Sentinel If these children are our future, you better put on the sunglasses, because the future suddenly looks much brighter.
Gold Coast Magazine
The Target Corporation is proud to support nonprofit organizations such as yours that make our communities a better place to live and work.
Ann Desai, Target Corporation You do so much in the field of arts education and are to be commended for all your work with the young people of South Florida.
Steven Glassman, Broward County Cultural Affairs Council
You have truly helped to make a difference at a time when our children need you more than ever.
Mark McCormick, Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County [an] exceedingly worthwhile organization filling in a major gap in the musical education of South Florida's elementary-through-high school students.
Tim Smith, Sun-Sentinel
Your activities exemplify the high quality of organizations and projects throughout the country.
Eileen B. Mason, National Endowment for the Arts
In a special category all its own.
Barbara Bendall, Sun-Sentinel We recognize the positive impact you are making in our community and are happy to partner with you.
Jan Moran, Jim Moran Foundation
These young people are sharing experiences that will enhance their lives forever.
Gold Coast Magazine The momentum and character in the playing was impressive.
Tim Smith, Sun-Sentinel
The Florida Youth Orchestra does an outstanding job in supporting and training young people.
Robert M. Sandelman, Chair, Robert M. Sandelman Foundation Members of FYO are selected on a regular basis to participate in honors ensembles and earn scholarships from some of the country's most prestigious conservatories.
Lisa Goddard, Sun-Sentinel
Our students are fortunate to have such a wonderful program available to them.
Jose L. Dotres, Principal, Hialeah Gardens Elementary FYO...one of the most important musical ventures in the region.
Tim Smith, Sun-Sentinel
This youth orchestra is a strong cultural resource for our county.
Mary Becht, Director, Broward Cultural Affairs Division | |
