The Florida Youth Orchestra music staff consists
of the finest musicians in South Florida. Top
artists from the former Florida Philharmonic
Orchestra, New World Symphony, University of
Miami and Symphony of the Americas offer world
class educational and artistic experiences.
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Dr.
Claudio Jaffé
Music Director
Conductor, Principal Orchestra
Born in Brazil and educated at Yale
University, Dr Claudio Jaffé made his
orchestral debut as a cellist at age
11, and, at the age of 18, made his
first appearance as a soloist with a
major symphony orchestra. He has since
performed with orchestras worldwide,
winning the most prestigious
competitions and being hailed by the
New York Times as an elegant and
accomplished artist of taste,
technique musicianship and enthusiasm.
In addition to performing in over 40
U.S. States, Dr. Jaffé has been an
active educator, conducting master
classes around the world and holding
positions on the faculty of major
music festivals and universities. He
has been a faculty member at Florida
International University and Florida
Atlantic University, and served as
Dean of the Conservatory of Music at
Lynn University.
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Steven
Burnes
Resident Conductor
Associate
Conductor, Principal Orchestra
A native of Australia, Steve Burnes
holds a Master's Degree from the
University of Surrey, with performance
studies completed at the Royal College
of Music in London. He taught in the
Government Schools for the New South
Wales Dept. of Education, and has vast
performing experience at the Sydney
Opera House, St. Martin-in-the-Fields
and the "Con Brio" Chamber Ensemble,
among others.
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August
Berger
Conductor,
Symphony Orchestra
Originally from New York, August
Berger is a Teaching Artist now
residing in South Florida. As a
bassist, he appears regularly in
regional orchestras and ensembles
throughout the state. A passionate
educator, Mr. Berger is currently a
teacher and Double Bass Specialist at
North Broward Preparatory School. He
earned his Bachelor's Degree in Music
Performance from the Conservatory of
Music at Purchase College and his
Master's in Music Performance from the
Conservatory at Lynn University.
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Brian
Mirsky
Conductor
of Repertory Strings
Brian Mirsky received graduate
degrees from Johns Hopkins and
Princeton Universities and has been on
the faculty of the University of
Georgia, New Mexico State University
and Florida International University.
He held the position of Orchestra
Director at the Dreyfoos School for
the Arts and at Pine Crest School, and
has performed with the Palm Beach
Opera and other distinguished
ensembles. In addition to performing
as a violinist, Mr. Mirsky is an
active piano accompanist, serving as
accompanist at the Dreyfoos School and
Florida Atlantic University.
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Teresa
Esparza
Co-Conductor
of Chamber Strings and Silver
Strings
Teresa Esparza, an accomplished
cellist, received her Bachelor's in
music from the State University of New
York, where she studied with Bernard
Greenhouse. She taught school in New
York and Miami, and has been a member
of the Miami City Ballet Orchestra.
Currently Ms. Esparza is a member of
the Symphony of the Americas.
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David
Schwartz
Conductor,
Alpha Strings/Co-Conductor,
Chamber Strings
David Schwartz is a professional
violinist and music educator who
earned degrees from the Yale School of
Music and the University of
Pennsylvania. He was a member of the
Florida Philharmonic and New World
Symphony with performance experience
that includes the National Repertory
Orchestra, Spoleto Music Festival,
Olympic Arts Festivals, and others. He
is currently an instructor at the
Coral Ridge School of the Arts.
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Sarah
Weinstein
Conductor,
Flute Choir
Ms. Weinstein is a graduate of
Princeton University, where she
studied Music Performance. She has
toured Europe, performing in iconic
concert halls, and continues to
perform locally and beyond. Ms.
Weinstein currently teaches music at
Weston Christian Academy, sits on the
advisory council of Keiser University
and is an interviewer for applicants
to Princeton University. We re proud
to say that, as a high school student,
she was a member of Florida Youth
Orchestra!
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Anna
Rudzinski
Conductor,
iPlay
Anna Rudzinski is highly trained in
early childhood music education and
has, for many years, served as an
Instructor for FYIO's STEPS classes
for at-risk children. She is
experienced on several string, wind
and brass instruments. She has also
Served as a string teacher at FYO's
annual Summer MusicFest and as an
Assistant Director of the Broward
home-school HEAT band.
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Orion
Mendenall
Conductor,
Silver Strings
Orion Mendenall is a talented
violinist, trumpet player and pianist
earning advanced degrees in
Composition and Arranging. He has been
a member of various ensembles,
performing throughout the community.
His service with FYO includes
extensive teaching of outreach STEPS
classes, working with at-risk children
- as well as serving as a String
Instructor at the annual Summer
MusicFest. Orion is also arranger of
various musical selections and pianist
at student performances.
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FACULTY |
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- August Berger,
String Bass
- Eric Berken,
Strings
- Steven Burnes,
Winds
- Matthew Calderin,
Percussion
- Teresa Esparza,
Cello
- Lisa Gelfand,
Winds
- Dr. Claudio Jaffe,
Cello
- Calvin Jenkins,
Brass
- Eddie Mejia,
Percussion
- Stephanie Firdman,
Violin, Viola
- Orion Mendenall,
Violin/Piano
- Brian Mirsky,
Violin, Viola
- Chauncey Patterson,
Violin, Viola
- Anna Rudzinski,
Violin
- Jennifer Rudzinski,
Brass
- Sarah Weinstein,
Flute
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