Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra

In 1957, Alphonse Carlo, concertmaster emeritus of the Florida Symphony Orchestras, recognized a need for a youth orchestra in Central Florida in which young musicians could develop their talents. Young musicians were invited to attend and participate in rehearsals with Florida Symphony Orchestras musicians, and the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras was born. Carlo nurtured the orchestra and served as its principal conductor for 15 years. In 1981, a second training orchestra was formed to meet the needs of the emerging music student.

The FSYO comprises three full orchestras and one string training orchestra. The FSYO is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Membership in the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra is by invitation only, following competitive entrance auditions. Ensuring equality and the opportunity for growth, membership renewal is not automatically guaranteed, as all members must re-audition each year. Participation in the FSYO requires a substantial commitment to weekly rehearsals, practice hours, and concert performances.

The FSYO has set age guidelines for each orchestra. The majority of FSYO students fit into the following age groups, but, upon request, exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the FSYO Board of Directors, in consultation with the conductors:

Overture Strings: Students ages 7 to 14
Prelude Orchestra: Students ages 9 to 15
Philharmonia Orchestra: Students ages 11 to 18
Symphonic Orchestra: Students ages 13 to 20