Leave a Legacy of More than Music 20 25
Central Florida Vocal Arts Conservatory at the Former Winter Park Library
Central Florida Vocal Arts (CFVA) is tranforming our community through arts education for all and professional performances that inspire! We believe that a more kinder, more connected Central Florida is within reach through equitable access to the arts, particularly for the most vulnerable in our community. Those we empower today will raise their voices to make a difference tomorrow.
a v e a L e g a c y
OUR BOARD
Sean Meder (President)
Bank OZK, Senior Vice President
Molly Yuska (Vice President)
West Coast Angel Network, Limited Partner
Tom Cira, (Treasurer)
Iron Horse Consulting Group, Co-Founder & Director
Mike Hamden, (Secretary)
A D Solutions, District Sales Manager
Tobin Baum
Elli Lilly, Exec. Sales Representative
Anne Marie Ciccone
FIS Global (retired)
Michele Daugherty
Associated Builders & Contractors of Central Florida, President and CEO
Valerie DeForest
FIS Global (retired)
Kait Doulou
Build Ventures, Founder and CEO
Debbie Fahmie
Osceola County Public Schools (retired)
Keri Laine
Crummer Graduate School of Business, Director of Strategic Partnerships
Jeff Lee
Advus Financial Partners, Wealth Advisor
Laura Walda
Lowndes Law Firm
Landra Wormack
Orange County Tax Collectors Office, Community Relations Specialist
Our passionate Board of Directors are committed to advancing our mission of empowering artists and enriching our community through arts education, performance, and collaboration.
Our board includes leaders from diverse industries including finance, law, education, and local government, each bringing valuable and strategic expertise to our organization. Under the leadership of Sean Meder (President) and Theresa Smith-Levin (Executive Director), staff and board work tirelessly in collaboration to support the mission and impact of Central Florida Vocal Arts.
Leveraging their network and experience, CFVA’s Board continues to elevate the wellbeing of Central Floridians through the performing arts.
Together, we are shaping the future of the arts landscape in Central Florida!
empowering the next generation
Through The Arts
At CFVA, we believe arts education is a catalyst for change. Guided by our core values— Excellence, Impact, Inclusivity, and Equity we use music to build confidence, selfefficacy, and empathy in every student we serve.
When a young person is invited to celebrate their unique voice, they begin a journey of self-discovery and self-love one that shapes their future far beyond the stage. We’re not just teaching music. We’re unlocking potential, inspiring leaders, and transforming lives.
The young people we empower today will be the changemakers of tomorrow. This is the power of the arts
$42,355 of free arts education opportunities and scholarships were offered to students in 2024 alone 52 free community classes were offered to students at the Boys & Girls Clubs, Pace Center for Girls and the Center for Health & Wellbeing
Over 1600 voice lessons were taught in 2024, with 1052 lessons provided completely free of charge to Title I students through our Arts 1:1 program The top two recipient schools were Oak Ridge High with 191 lessons and Wekiva High with 222 lessons
80% of 2024 Summer Institute respondents indicated that their self confidence increased or significantly increased as a result of attending our program and 87% of students indicated that they felt supported by other students and staff
In 2024 CFVA launched a new music studio, serving the Dr. Phillips and Windermere area at Christ Community Church and supported hundreds of emerging artists of all ages in public performances.
Dear Community Partners,
We are seeking support from passionate community partners in the construction industry to embark on an exciting new chapter: transforming the former Winter Park Library (460 E. New England Ave., Winter Park) into a Conservatory for the community
Since our founding over a decade ago, CFVA has operated without a dedicated space for teaching, rehearsals, performances, or administration We have thrived and grown, delivering over 1600 voice lessons in 2024 and performing for over 600,000 audience members, however our growth is becoming limited without a dedicated space to call our own.
We have presented our productions in various rented venues, including the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts, Orlando Family Stage, CityArts, and the Plaza Live. However, these venues often have their own programming priorities, which can leave CFVA struggling to secure dates or facing displacement due to competing interests.
Our educational programs face similar challenges, sometimes conducting lessons in church choir rooms or struggling to find suitable community spaces for student recitals. Finding a dedicated venue for our celebrated Summer Institute has been particularly difficult Spanning two weeks each June, the Institute has been held in four different venues, each with its own logistical hurdles Despite consistent student requests for additional weeks, our growth has been limited by the lack of appropriate and accessible venues
This is why we are now seeking your support in transforming the full second floor of the former Winter Park Library into our home. To sustain and expand our success, CFVA needs to increase our organizational capacity and secure funding for renovating and reimagining the former Winter Park Library space. With a proven track record in bridging the arts education gap through community classes and our Arts 1:1 program, CFVA is well-positioned to create a lasting legacy of arts equity in Winter Park.
EXISTING PROGRAMS TO EXPAND THROUGH THE CONSERVATORY:
Arts 1:1: In partnership with local public school districts, this program provides weekly music lessons to Title I students who otherwise could not afford them Serving grades 6 to 12, the program aims to build confident, empathetic future leaders and create a diverse talent pipeline.
Community Group Classes for Youth: In collaboration with the Pace Center for Girls, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, and public libraries, this program offers weekly group music classes to vulnerable young people, fostering empathy, confidence, and joy.
L e a v e a L e g a c y o f M o r e t h a n M u s i c
Community Group Classes for Adults: Partnering with the Center for Health & Wellbeing, our Music for a Joyful Life classes provide free creative outlets for adults and seniors, enhancing quality of life and neuroplasticity.
Bel Canto Scholarship: This program awards scholarships to deserving students aged 10 to 24 for music lessons at the CFVA studio, prioritizing financial need and professional potential
Summer Institute: Our signature program, spanning six days each summer, provides comprehensive arts education in voice, dance, acting, scriptwriting, audition technique, and technical theater Students develop their artistry, confidence, and creativity, culminating in public performances that showcase their h h d y a stude
PLAC
The forme communi reserve that essen rse Genius. T this legacy an
Social and emotional wellbeing are at the core of everything we do at Central Florida Vocal Arts. By investing in our placemaking efforts, you are investing in the wellbeing of Central Florida. Your support contributes to the growth of confidence and skill in hundreds of students, sustains the livelihood of local artists, and provides a space dedicated to the health and vibrancy of Winter Park and beyond.
Research shows that arts-based placemaking has profound, measurable effects on communities. Neighborhoods that invest in creative placemaking experience increased social cohesion, with 81% of participants in arts-based projects reporting a stronger sense of connection to their community and strengthened local economy. People who engage with the arts regularly are three times more likely to report good health and twice as likely to engage in civic activities.
Ensemble Room C
We envision community stakeholders walking alongside CFVA in sponsoring individual spaces that align with their philanthropic priorities and benefit students of all ages and backgrounds. These inspired educational spaces will leave a legacy of more than music, enhancing the emotional wellness of Central Floridians, encouraging connection and catalyzing future leaders.
Lounge
Private Lesson Rooms 1-6
Costume Shop
The Foundation’s investment will contribute to a legacy of a more connected and compassionate community through the power of the arts, benefiting Central Floridians today and for generations to come.
Please don't hestitate to reach out with any questions!
Theresa@CentralFloridaVocalArts.org
Victoria@CentralFloridaVocalArts.org