16-17 Season Finale Program

60th Season Finale Sunday, May 7, 2017 4:00 p.m.

Bob Carr Theater 401 W Livingston St, Orlando, FL 32801

Concert The Overture Strings Orchestra Ms. Sarah Morrison, Conductor Deep River

African American Spiritual, arr. C. Gruselle Special Guests, Maestro Claassen, Mr. Davis, Dr. Cespedes, and Mrs. Allen Fire in the Bow

B. Balmages

The Prelude Orchestra Dr. Mauricio Cespedes, Conductor March from “Raiders of the Lost Ark�

Beethoven Symphony N 5, Finale

John Williams/arr. Billingsley

Music from Apollo 13

L. v. Beethoven/arr. Leidig

J. Horner/arr. Moss

The Philharmonia Orchestra Mr. Matthew Davis, Conductor Pomp and Circumstance No.1 and No. 4 Overture to Nabucco Intermission 10 minutes Graduating Senior Recognition

E. Elgar G. Verdi

Program The Symphonic Orchestra Maestro Hanrich Claassen, Conductor Concerto for Orchestra

Romanian Rhapsody No. 1 in A major, Op. 11

Special Guests, The FSYO Alumni Orchestra

Z. KodĂĄly G. Enescu

Join us in the downstairs lobby after the concert for a cupcake reception to celebrate the end of the 60th season!

FSYO Honors Today, FSYO honors two of our past Music Directors and Symphonic Orchestra Conductors. Both played an instrumental part in the history of FSYO. Thank you for joining us here today!

Mr. Joseph Kreines (1963-1965)

Mr. Gordon O’Hara (1983-1984)

Overture Strings VIOLIN I Emma Biesack Nick Farahani Rhea Maniar Julia Moon Yuri O Sophia Orantes Wilhelm Rausch Wesley Turner Nicholas Shikano Alex Wang

Ms. Sarah Morrison – conductor VIOLIN II Raine Ago Jesper Eriksson Eva Kovacevic Alexander Miller Ella Miller Sarah Moon Maya O’Reilly Arthur Popovich

CELLO Patrick Baker Clarice Kennedy Kento Wada

Students are listed alphabetically and will rotate throughout the year.

Overture Strings students performing in the 60th Season Opening Concert.

Photo Credit: Lindsay Parks Neel

OVERTURE STRINGS PROGRAM NOTES Deep River African American Spiritual, arr. Carrie Lane Gruselle The African American spiritual “Deep River” is a song of hope and longing, expressing a desire for peace and freedom both in the present and in the afterlife. The lyrics of this song - “Deep river….my home is over Jordan….deep river, Lord, I want to cross over into campground” - imply that the Jordan River in the Bible symbolizes the Ohio River, a dividing line between the slave states and the free states.

“Campground” implies a place for camp meetings, a type of gathering that, even though illegal in some areas, served as a vehicle for slaves to commune and share their sorrows and hopes. These camp meetings were among the rare occasions during which slaves could actually experience feeling free for at least a little while through singing, playing instruments and sharing stories. Some of the lyrics most likely have a double meaning, as well, suggesting the camp meeting they sought was in Heaven, the place where they would truly be set free Of the many performances of this spiritual, it is the one by African American soprano Marian Anderson at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 that perhaps created the most memorable rendition of “Deep River.” 75,000 people attended the recital performance, and millions listened on radio throughout the country as her soulful rendition of this song touched the hearts of Americans and demonstrated the tremendous power of music to convey suffering, hope and history. In 1955, Marian Anderson became the first African American to be invited to sing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

[Paraphrased from Mark O’Connor, New American School of String Playing] Fire in the Bow by Brian Balmages Composer Brian Balmages (b. 1975) has been commissioned to write pieces for ensembles ranging from elementary schools to professional ensembles, including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Miami Symphony Orchestra, and Boston Brass. Balmages writes, “Fire in the Bow was conceived as an energetic, musically rewarding piece,” a “boisterous, raucous…romp that leaves no prisoners.” The piece is written mainly in the Phrygian mode (D-Eb- F-G- A-Bb- C-D), spending a significant amount of time in G minor and visiting F minor briefly. Eventually, the harmonies settle back into the tonal center of D, but this time in the Aeolian mode (D-E- F-G- A-Bb- C-D). Balmages writes, “The resulting harmonic colors achieved through such dynamic tonal shifts are a great way to stretch young ears without requiring extended technique. Students should be encouraged to play into the tense harmonic moments and to enjoy them!”

The Prelude Orchestra Dr. Mauricio Cespedes Rivero – conductor

VIOLIN I Isabella Fulbright Concertmaster Abraham Pezzuti Asst. Concertmaster Andrew Baron Stephanie Baldwin Yasmin Vuong Delaney Reilly Genesis Ordonez Daniel Lee Alexandra Luke Vivien Jiang Isabella Vuong Chloe Skretvedt VIOLIN II Ryan Seo Principal Jeanette Gu Amy Phan Arielle Hernandez Hannah Merritt Kaylee Smith Akash Tandon VIOLA Lino Rivera Principal Sarah Myers Tiva Deason Veria Puerta-Alvarado Christina Kahn Alejandro Puerta-Alvarado Valeria Perez Juliana Kong CELLO Bryce Doby Principal Miya Luebke Breanna Dorway Ricky Cheng Ellie WIlliams

BASS Shiloh Ross-Hume Kiera Baldwin FLUTE Cameron McGill Principal Kayli Gaud Asst. 1st Sofia Gabriela Rodriguez 2nd/3rd OBOE Alaina Cobb Principal Molly Dench BASSOON Michelangelo Dominguez Matthew Lopez FRENCH HORN Michael Harris Principal Neftali “Nef” Bernard Sydnie Tariq TRUMPET Markie Shellhammer Emma Avila TROMBONE Gabriel Guzman 2nd Michael Guzman 3rd TUBA Angelo Barbera PERCUSSION Sam Sonken

PRELUDE ORCHESTRA PROGRAM NOTES March from “Raiders of the Lost Ark” John Williams, arr. Billingsley Ever since its first appearance in Raiders of the Lost Ark, the Raiders March has been such a recognizable symbol of Indiana Jones that we associate it with the character as much as we do his trademark bullwhip and fedora. And like other John Williams themes, it’s not just that the theme represents the character, but that it does so in such an appropriate way that it would be hard to imagine something different working this well. In large part, this is because of Williams’ remarkable ability to coordinate many different parameters of the music with various facets of the thing it represents, in this case, Indy himself.

Beethoven Symphony N 5, Finale. arr. Vernon Leidig The fifth Symphony, probably the most popular of Beethoven’s symphonies, was first performed in 1808.

Beethoven described this Symphony as “fate knocks at the door”. With this as a clue, we are justified in reading into the Symphony as a musical depiction of Beethoven’s struggle with faith and deafness. In this Symphony, Beethoven build music of breath taking proportions, overpowering in its force and Strength.

The finale is a magnificent triumph that rewards the acceptance of one’s inevitable fate. This was the first time that Beethoven uses trombones to a symphony to emphasize the power of conquest.

Music from Apollo 13. James Horner. arr. John Moss Several motives are utilized by Horner in Apollo 13, but one primary theme defines most of the score. Aside from the inevitable comparisons to Copland that some listeners will force upon this theme and its noble trumpet sub-motif (in some scores, these complaints are valid but they are a stretch). Horner’s attitude is distilled with reverence. It never dances and twirls, nor does it trying to get cute or bloated as many believe a score like independent day to be. As Horner stated in early 1995, “if you start off with a big score, it sets up an audience up for just another sci-fi movie .......except Apollo 13 is a documentary; you know where it’s going to end.

Sources. Film Music Notes

The Philharmonia Orchestra Matthew Davis – conductor

VIOLIN I Alexa Lang Concertmaster Sarah Biesack Asst. Concertmaster Wellarose Jimenez Maggie Yuan Ethan Schenck Issana Yaguda Annika Slaby Grace Lee Michelle Garzon Marco Rivera Amelia Trolice Annabelle Levin VIOLIN II Sean Hartman Principal George Lawson Asst. Principal Salome Won Liam Dominguez Griffin Willman Joshua Rotman Emily Rausch Jeremiah Folks Laura Chen Maria Varas Ellie Monaco Neil Birmingham Olivia Lee VIOLA Hunter Zeitlin Principal Kayla Smith Asst. Principal Hallie Ruffin Rebecca Galiñanes Aurora Rivera Emilie Olsson

CELLO Sara Rivera Principal Rebekah Won Asst. Principal Shanequa Eberhart Guenevere Hughes Lianna Rivera Josiah Langford

FRENCH HORN Bryce Nyugen Principal Jason McQuillen 2nd Nicholas Davis 3rd Thomas Larger 4th

BASS Davis Lake Principal

TRUMPET Emily Vanover Principal Connor Rodriguez 2nd Olivia DeFrancisco 3rd

FLUTE Julia Sills Principal Alissa Sweeden 2nd Erin Fox 3rd/piccolo OBOE Andrew Vogel Principal Amanda Walker 2nd

TROMBONE Ethan Avila Principal Cody Fowler 1st/2nd BASS TROMBONE Jake Shannin Principal

CLARINET David Truilo 1st/2nd

TUBA Jorge Gauvin Caraballo Principal

BASSOON Cole Hamilton Principal Diego Perez 1st/2nd Nicholas Bulynin 2nd

PERCUSSION Sebastian Suarez-Solis Principal

PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA PROGRAM NOTES Pomp and Circumstance – Edward Elgar (1857-1920) Elgar wrote his first two “Pomp and Circumstance” marches in 1901, eventually adding three more to form a set he published as Opus 39. He took the title from a passage in Shakespeare’s Othello in which the title character declares his joy in military exploits ruined by the discovery that his wife is unfaithful to him: “Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump. . . Pride, pomp and circumstance of glorious war!” To the first march Elgar also appended a verse from a Victorian poem celebrating the role of music in battle. However, ever since the Trio of the march was used as part of a graduation ceremony at Yale University in 1905, at which Elgar received an honorary doctorate, it has come to be associated with academic rather than military matters, at least in the United States. Elgar re-used the Trio in 1902 as the finale of his Coronation Ode for the ascension to the British throne of Edward VII, with lyrics added to create the hymn “Land of Hope and Glory.” The music expresses something quintessentially “British” to many listeners, rooted in a post-Victorian but pre-WWI world: something noble but not unduly sentimental. Fantasia 2000 features pairs of animals entering and departing from Noah’s Ark to it, while the rest of the sequence includes music from other “Pomp and Circumstance” marches.

Overture to Nabucco - Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) On his opera Nabucco, first performed at La Scala in Milan in 1842, Verdi commented that "this is the opera with which my artistic career really begins. And though I had many difficulties to fight against, it is certain that Nabucco was born under a lucky star.” The opera follows the plight of the Jews as they are persecuted and subsequently exiled from their homeland by the Babylonian King Nabucco (Nebuchadnezzar). The historical events are used as background for a romantic and political plot. The Overture is an exciting concert favorite that presents many themes from the opera.

The Symphonic Orchestra Hanrich Claassen – conductor

VIOLIN I Emily Erdman Concertmaster Thoai Vu Associate Concertmaster Anna Horzen Assistant Concertmaster Julie Di Lecce Kate Goodin Emily Schenk Pataraporn “Prayo” Smitasin Christina Junga Lily Aydt Caleb Diaz Bryan Fu VIOLIN II Ariah Deason Principal Jenna Carson Assistant Principal Alyssa Orantes Phil Lee Shaun Cobb Sarah Sawyer Mariana Valderrama Joshua Fu Marissa Magnelli Alexandra Fulbright Michelle Huang VIOLA Alex Koller Principal Molly Pope Assistant Principal Arielle Fentress Alec Luna Varisa Gumpangkum Jose Florentino Lily Rutledge Julia Reparip Channah Weinstein Seren Ozoglu

CELLO Brenton Zhang Principal Lili Pope Assistant Principal Curtis Shugart Octavio Mujica N’kia “Maggie” Quebral Corey Hsiao Victoria Galiñanes Justin Kim Selina Xu BASS Edwin Rivera Principal Dillon Wilson Asst. Principal Anna Leedy Meliari Sepulveda Jake Mongin Camilla Carvalho HARP Sophia Fulbright Principal FLUTE Pedro Mujica Principal Anjali Shinde 2nd Emily Kipp 3rd/Piccolo OBOE Colton Potter Principal Olivia Hanna 2nd Nicole Gironda 3rd/English Horn CLARINET Noah Bartfield Principal Brandon Stacy 2nd

CLARINET CONT. Alexander Vaquerizo 3rd/Bass Clarinet BASSOON Lauryn Sparger Principal Keejin Yoon HORNS Brendan Elsner Principal Chase DeCarlo 2nd Molly Kaplan 3rd Tyler Stephens 4th TRUMPET Miguel Barrios Principal Jacob McKey 2nd Jack Carr 3rd TROMBONE Sam Dufresne Principal Zachary Noble 2nd BASS TROMBONE Jason Donnelly Principal TUBA Jonathan Kivi Principal PERCUSSION Jakob Schoenfeld Principal Ronald Chancey

SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA PROGRAM NOTES Concerto for Orchestra – Zoltán Kodály (1882 – 1967) To most musicians today, the title “concerto for orchestra” suggests Béla Bartók’s landmark 1943 score of that name. Bartók’s is the most celebrated, but it’s neither the first nor the last work with this title. Zoltán Kodály, one of the few to precede Bartók in this form, wrote his Concerto for Orchestra in 1939 and 1940 on a commission from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to honor its fiftieth anniversary. Kodály’s Concerto for Orchestra was premiered under Frederick Stock’s baton in February 1941, midway through the Orchestra’s fiftieth season.

The then-novel concept of a concerto for orchestra needed explanation, and the program notes reminded listeners “the word ‘concerto’ is used here, not in the sense of a brilliant and showy composition for a solo instrument, or instruments, with symphonic accompaniment, but in the original employment of the word to denote a combination of instruments.” Although the Concerto for Orchestra is a quintessentially modern form—an “invention” of the mid- twentieth century— its roots can be traced back to baroque works such as Bach’s First and Third Brandenburg concertos, which pass the solo opportunities around from section to section.

Kodaly’s score is an arresting combination of baroque architecture and Hungarian folk material. Stock told The New York Times that he felt the entire work was imbued with Hungarian rhythm, “with all the elements of gypsy music developed to the last degree along the lines of symphony pattern.” This concerto is a single span of music, divided into distinct sections. The way it alternates full orchestral paragraphs with passages for selected soloists is an obvious throwback to the concerto grosso of Bach’s time. It begins, not unlike one of the Brandenburgs, with a unison statement of the main theme. In the opening Allegro risoluto section, the solo spotlight falls first on the individual winds, then the brass, later a single violin.

The spacious, measured Largo that follows begins with solos for various string instruments, answered by the clarinet. As other instruments enter, this eventually grows from a rich and varied kind of chamber music into a dramatic symphonic slow movement. What happens next is partly recapitulation, with a return to the spirited opening material, this time highlighted by new solos and new adventures, followed by another Largo, more concentrated than the last. There is a short, full orchestral sprint to the final measure.

Program notes by Phillip Huscher

Romanian Rhapsody no. 1 in A major, Op. 11 – George Enescu (1881 – 1955) Enescu’s worldwide renown as a composer began with his two Romanian Rhapsodies, composed in 1901, when Enescu was still only 19 years old. The two Romanian Rhapsodies were composed in Paris, and premiered together in a concert that took place on 23 February 1903 at the Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest. The Second Rhapsody was played first, and Enescu maintained this order of performance throughout his life.

Today, the first is the by far the better known. They are comparatively superficial pieces, not representative of even his early style, that emulate Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsodies. Later he resented their popularity, which overshadowed most of the rest of his work.

Like Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsodies, the Romanian Rhapsodies display an improvisatory alternation of slow and fast sections based on gypsy folk elements.

Enescu conceived his rhapsodies as orchestral pieces, which showed a sure grasp of orchestral effect, including some never before heard on the concert stage.

Romanian Rhapsody No. 1 begins with one of the first folksongs Enescu learned to play as a 4-year-old, “Am un leu” (“I have a coin and I want a drink”). The orchestration reflects the conditions under which the tune was most often played: Shepherds, amusing themselves during their long days in the field, would fashion wind instruments out of whatever they could lay their hands on—grass, bark, bones. They improvised ornaments on familiar tunes. They might have been far away from home and family, but they were not alone. Enescu’s orchestration splits the tune between the clarinet and oboe, as if two colleagues are looking forward to a night on the town together. It even captures the bird songs that might have been heard in the background. That is, if anyone listening to the shepherds had noticed them. After this opening, the tune becomes a dance. The other themes are all dances. Hardworking Balkan peasants turned to dancing and drinking for entertainment.

Peasant folk dancing does not at all resemble formal ballroom dancing. The music portrays the whistling, stomping, and whooping of the increasingly inebriated party. The cellos in particular have a difficult and oddly chromatic passage. They must scoop the pitch up at the end of every note.

In Enescu’s hands, the dances gather in intensity and include every kind of dance music villagers were likely to know. One dance early in the piece sounds a bit like

a Viennese waltz. Others show the exotic scales left from 500 years of rule by the Ottoman Empire.

Enescu conducted the First Rhapsody at what proved to be his New York farewell concert with members of the New York Philharmonic on 21 January 1950. The concert was billed as a commemoration of his 60th year as an artist, and in it he appeared as violinist together with Yehudi Menuhin in Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins, as pianist in his own Sonata No. 3 for Violin and Piano (also with Menuhin), and as conductor of his Suite No. 2 for Orchestra, Op. 20, and the Rhapsody, which concluded the program.

Sources: George Enescu: biography and work / National Museum George Enescu George Enescu, the composer / Pascal Bentolu George Enescu (1881-1955) Romanian Rhapsody no. 1 / Lars Hoefs

FSYO Alumni Orchestra Welcome back the following FSYO Alumni, who will be performing with our Symphonic Orchestra in their performance of Romanian Rhapsody no. 1 in A major, Op. 11 by George Enescu.

VIOLIN I John Horzen Mark Kavesh Sarah Morrison VIOLIN II Kayleigh Howes John Hubbard Tatiana Nicoleau Nishad Vaidya VIOLA Samantha George Abigail Goodin CELLO Eddie Cooper Matthew Davis Deanna Remus

BASS Natalie Goldstein William Hall

TRUMPET Chris King

FLUTE Toni Holbrook (Strollo)

CORNET Stuart Farb Ernest (Chip) Gross

OBOE Alexandria Bocco

TUBA Jonathan Cruz

CLARINET Jeremy Best Chesley Chan Michelangelo Emmanuelli

PERCUSSION Barbara J. Cotter Jonathan Katz James McKey

HORNS Michael Sperling

Graduating Seniors FSYO is proud to recognize our graduating seniors Miguel Barrios Trumpet, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 4 College: Florida State University Major: Music Education Miguel Barrios was born on May 3rd, 1999 in Orlando, Florida. He got into music at age 11 and joined the Freedom Middle School Band playing trumpet. From this moment, Miguel knew he loved music and instantly music became his way of life.

Miguel has been involved with a multitude of bands and orchestras throughout his musical career. After playing the trumpet for 3 years he auditioned for the FSYO in 2013 and he was offered a chair in the Prelude Orchestra. He has been a member of FSYO for the last 4 years and is very proud to have made Principal Trumpet chair this year with The Symphonic Orchestra. He enjoys making music with FSYO and knows the staff and the members there are truly amazing individuals. Since 2013, he has been a yearly member of the Orange All-County Band and even claimed a chair in the Florida All-state Honor Band as well as the All-County Jazz Band for the year 2013. This year, Miguel also made first chair in the Orange All County Band 2017.

Miguel was nominated and chosen to attend the Festival of Winds at USF in 2016 and the Tri-State Festival held at FSU in 2017. He is always involved in the Solo and Ensemble performances held by Orange County and he participates in various other concerts within the community including the Rollins College Wind Ensemble.

Miguel wants to take music all the way to college and make Music Education his major.

His ultimate goal is to continue teaching music to other teens and help spread the joy of music. Miguel enjoys tutoring other students in music, including his younger brothers.

Most recently he found out he was offered admission to Florida State University and has proudly accepted the opportunity.

Noah Bartfield Clarinet, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 1 College: Florida State University Major: Biochemistry Noah is a senior at Timber Creek High School where he has been actively involved in academics, extracurricular activities, and the arts. He has been playing the clarinet for 6 1/2 years and hopes to continue playing in college.

In addition to being the principal clarinetist for FSYO, Noah is 1st chair in Timber Creek High School’s symphonic band. Furthermore, he has enjoyed participating in multiple ensembles outside of his high school, such as the Stetson University clarinet ensembles, All-County Bands, and All-State Band. While music has been a primary interest, Noah is also a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, and HOSA club and has had the opportunity to be in leadership roles as the Vice President of the Tri-M (Music) Honor Society and the Interclub Council. This summer Noah will be a medical research intern at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, affiliated with Harvard Medical School. He plans to attend Florida State University in the fall, where he is 1 of 25 students that has been accepted into the Presidential Scholars Program. His primary academic interests are medical research and biochemistry with a goal of pursuing a career in medicine.

Jack Carr Trumpet, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 2 College: Florida State University Major: Instrumental Music Education Jack is a senior at Seminole High School in Sanford, FL, where he has participated in the band program all 4 years. Jack was a member of the Philharmonia orchestra in the 2014-2015 school year and is currently one of the trumpet players in the Symphonic orchestra. He will be attending the Florida State University this coming fall to begin study in instrumental music education. Jack is thankful for the opportunities that FSYO has presented to him, and hopes to apply the valuable lessons he has learned throughout his time with the organization to his future endeavors in the world of music.

Alaina Cobb Oboe, Prelude Years in FSYO: 1 College: Florida Atlantic University Major: Food Science/Nutrition Alaina Cobb has been playing Oboe since she was in the 6th grade; for 6 years. She has come a long way with playing the oboe and has enjoyed every minute of it.

Alaina grasped onto the instrument rather quickly and just enjoyed the way the instrument plays. She plans on continuing to play in college and to continue to develop her growth in music. She says, “Being in this orchestra was such a blessing and an honor to be a part of. I have learned so much from it and this will definitely be a program that I will cherish forever.”

Shaun Cobb Violin, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 3 College: Rollins College Major: Music Performance Shaun Taylor Cobb was born in Orlando and music has always been an important part of his life. He remembers first being introduced to the violin in preschool when a violin player came and played a piece for his class. He was in complete awe of how beautiful this instrument sounded. The violinist even let Shaun play on his violin!

Ever since that moment, Shaun knew the violin was the right instrument for him. He officially began playing the violin in 4th-grade elementary school and bought his first violin that year. He remembers his mother once telling him within a week of playing that he had a natural talent for this instrument and that he had the ability to achieve excellence. God has truly blessed him with this beautiful gift of being able to share music with people. Shaun says, “who knew that years ago, this random violin player who played for my pre-school class, would be the reason that I am where I am now”. Shaun plans on attending Rollins College, where he will be majoring in Music Performance. He is currently taking violin lessons from Mrs. Joni Roos, who is a music professor at Rollins College as well. Shaun has received a music scholarship from Rollins that covers 40% of his tuition! Shaun feels that he is truly blessed that God has introduced him to music and is looking forward to the opportunities that music provides him in the future!

Chase DeCarlo French Horn, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 1 College: Lynn Conservatory Major: Horn Performance/Conducting Chase DeCarlo is a freshman at the College of Central Florida, majoring in French Horn Performance. From Principle horn of the FSCAA College Band and Assistant principle of the Villages Orchestra, to 2nd chair in the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, Chase DeCarlo continues to exercise his love of the horn. Chase is a proud winner of the Harold S. Schwartz Scholarship as well as the Grat L. Rosazza Scholarship. He is also an esteemed 1st place winner of the FSCAA College Brass Concerto Competition and scholarship.

Chase will be attending Lynn University’s Music Conservatory in the fall with a full ride scholarship to pursue his dream, and obtain a degree in Horn Performance and Orchestral Conducting. Along with his hard work and determination, Chase attributes his successes to his mother Lynn DeCarlo, his sister Alexa DeCarlo, his Professor Margaret Dixon, and above all, God. Caleb Diaz Violin, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 4 College: Unknown Major: Unknown

Jason Donnelly Trombone, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 2 College: University of Miami Major: Euphonium Performance Jason Donnelly, a senior at Hagerty High School, is currently the Principal Bass Trombone in the Symphonic Orchestra. Jason is also the euphonium section leader in the Hagerty Marching Band, the Hagerty Wind Ensemble, and the lead alto saxophone in Hagerty’s top jazz band.

On the euphonium, Jason has participated in the Seminole All-County Band for the past 6 years and has been 1st chair in the FMEA All-State Band for the past 5 years. In 2017, he was the Principal Euphonium in the Honor Band of America, having been Assistant Principal in 2016.

At both the district and state levels, Jason has received numerous “Superior” ratings for both solos (on multiple instruments) and as a member of ensembles. An avid competitor, Jason was a winner in the 2015-16 FSYO Concerto Competition, has twice been a featured soloist at Stetson University Brass Cam and placed 2nd in the 2016 International Euphonium-Tuba Festival Student Solo Competition.

On the saxophone, Jason is a member of Hagerty’s Jazz Ensemble I, primarily performing on alto saxophone, but has also played soprano saxophone and clarinet in the group.

On the trombone, Jason plays in FSYO and has also performed with the UCF Wind Ensemble as well as pit orchestras at both Hagerty and Seminole State College. He was also an honorable mention for the 2017 GRAMMY Jazz Session.

Jason has completed a variety of original arrangements and compositions ranging from chamber music to wind bands and jazz big bands. Academically, Jason maintains a 4.4 GPA and is a member of the National Honors Society, and the Treasurer of the Tri-M Music Honors Society. Outside of music, Jason enjoys football, writing, and social media.

Shanequa Eberhart Cello, Philharmonia Years in FSYO: 2 College: Florida Southern College Major: Piano and Cello Performance As a young child, Shanequa observed her mother and older sisters involved in music and wished to participate. Beginning piano lessons with her mother at the age of 7, she picked up the violin around age 9 and by the age of 12 she fell in love with and began studying the cello.

Homeschooled since 5th grade, Shanequa has been introduced to an interesting selection of subjects including Chinese (language and culture), Nutrition, Horticulture, and Forensic Science. Shanequa also has a love for swimming. She has been a member of the Mount Dora Club Swim Team for 9 years and the Mount Dora High School Swim Team for 3 years, in which she has broken 2 school records and served as team captain. When she is not playing an instrument, swimming, or doing schoolwork, Shanequa enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, and practicing yoga.

Shanequa will continue her music at Florida Southern College in pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Piano and Cello with a minor in Psychology.

Emily Erdman Violin, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 10 College: University of Florida Major: Music and Pre-Vet Emily Erdman is finishing her tenth season with FSYO. Emily began her FSYO career in Overture Strings before participating for two years in Prelude and then serving two years in Philharmonia as Assistant Concertmaster and Concertmaster. She has served as Assistant Principal Second Violin and Principal Second Violin of Symphonic and is honored that this is her third year as Concertmaster of the Symphonic Orchestra.

Emily also loves playing with the FSYO Chamber Orchestra and has mentored many young musicians in FSYO’s Stringmania summer camp over the past five years. continued on next page

Emily is graduating summa cum laude from the Seminole High School International Baccalaureate diploma program. She will attend the University of Florida in the Honors Program this fall, majoring in music in combination with pre-veterinarian studies.

Emily would like to thank her private teacher, Dr. Lev Gurevich, as well as all of the past and present FSYO conductors and staff she has had the privilege of working with. Emily is looking forward to touring Europe with the Symphonic Orchestra in July and working with the Stringmania program later in the summer before heading to Gainesville.

Bryan Fu Violin, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 10 College: University of Florida Major: Biomedical Engineering Bryan Fu has been playing the Violin ever since he was young. After years of progressing through FSYO, he is currently a 1st violin in the symphonic orchestra. Besides violin, he also enjoys playing the trombone in his school’s jazz band. He is excited to attend the University of Florida in the fall, majoring in Biomedical Engineering.

Michelle Garzon Violin, Philharmonia Years in FSYO: 2 College: Florida State University Major: Music Therapy Michelle has been a dedicated musician ever since she began with piano at 6 years old. Since then, she has also become proficient on violin, flute, and piccolo. Studying at Olympia High School has given her the opportunity to step into many leadership positions, including 2 year flute section leader in the Olympia Titan Marching Band, 2 year flute/piccolo soloist in the marching band, 4 year first chair in the Titan Bands program, Tri-M Music National Honor Society vice president, Science Olympiad copresident, and member of the Olympia orchestra leadership team under the direction of

Mr. Simpson. She would like to thank her family, friends, teachers, and private instructors for their constant support throughout the years as she transitions to FSU to study in their music therapy program. Go ‘Noles!

Nicole Gironda Oboe, Symphonic Years in FSYO: College: Southeastern University Major: Bachelor of Arts Nicole has proudly been a member of The Lake Howell Silver Regiment for the past four years playing flute during their marching season and principal oboe during concert season. Her senior year has kept her quite busy with FSYO, Florida Marching Band Championships, Tri-State Honor Band Festival in Tallahassee, and All-County Band in Seminole county. Being a member of FSYO this year has given Nicole the opportunity to play alongside some of the most gifted musicians and help to further develop her musical ability.

Nicole will be attending Southeastern University in the fall with a very generous music scholarship. She will be majoring in music with a minor in Christian missions. She plans on sharing her love of music and Christ with those less fortunate around the world.

Nicole would like to thank her oboe instructor, Jamie Strefeler, for all her guidance these last couple of years and also Maestro Claassen for this wonderful opportunity. She has learned so much and will never forget her time with FSYO. Jorge Guavin Caraballo Tuba, Philharmonia Years in FSYO: 1 College: Stetson College Major: Music Education Jorge Gauvin Caraballo began his involvement in music as a euphonium player in his middle school band. The next year, he began to play the tuba, and has since participated in district and state Solo and Ensemble events, and has been a member of All-District jazz and concert ensembles. continued on next page

Jorge has been a four-year member of the Eustis High School marching band, concert band, and jazz ensembles, playing tuba and bass trombone. He has had the opportunity to be on the Eustis marching band’s student leadership team for the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Outside of music, Jorge has been able to reap the rewards of being actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America, having received the rank of Eagle Scout in December of 2016. He would like to thank his parents and siblings for their constant support in helping him become a contributing and effective member of the community.

He plans to attend Stetson University in the fall as a Music Education major.

Corey Hsiao Cello, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 8 College: Vanderbilt University Major: Biochemistry Corey is the valedictorian at University High School in the IB program. He has been playing cello for 9 years and enjoyed playing in All-County and AllState Orchestras. He began FSYO in Overture Strings in 5th grade. In high school, he served as president of the National English Honor Society and a member of NHS and SNHS. He also received awards including the Presidential Volunteer Service Award Gold Level and the Boy Scout rank of Eagle.

He also loves to give back to the Asian community. In various organizations he volunteered at numerous festivals, helped out the local Chinese school, and traveled to Keelung, Taiwan to teach English to underprivileged elementary school students. He also loves to compete in the sport of Dragon Boat racing.

Corey is thankful for his family, his cello teacher Ms. Collins, and FSYO for all they have done to support him and his musical studies. He will be attending Vanderbilt University as a Biochemistry major and on the pre-medicine track and will continue to keep music in his life.

Emily Kipp Flute, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 2 College: Ithaca College Major: Music Education Emily Kipp is graduating from Lake Mary High School and is finishing her second year in FSYO. She has been playing flute since the 6th grade and has since learned to play piccolo as well. Emily has been studying under Colleen Blagov for three years. At Lake Mary High School, she has received several musicianship awards and has been on marching band leadership for the past three years, including her current position as head drum major. For her work as a leader, Emily has received a citizenship award from Lake Mary High. Emily has been selected for All-County and All-State every year for the past three years, including being selected to be in All-State Symphonic Orchestra her senior year. In addition, Emily has received numerous solo and ensemble superior ratings at the district and state level. This past summer, Emily was selected to be in FSU’s Honors Chamber Winds Summer Program and was selected to perform in the Honors Solo Recital while there. Emily’s passion for music can be seen in her work with mentoring middle school students on their instruments as well as serving as president of Lake Mary High School’s Tri-M Music Honor Society. As well as doing community service through Tri-M, Emily enjoyed serving as Relay For Life team captain to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Emily is also in National Honor Society, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and an Honor Graduate. Emily is excited to pursue music at Ithaca College and intends to major in music education.

Jonathan Kivi Tuba, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 3 College: Stetson University Major: Music Jonathan Kivi, Tuba Player, is graduating from Lake Nona High School and has been an FSYO member for 3 years.

He has played the tuba since 6th grade and taken private lessons since the start of 7th grade, his years as a musician have thought him several aspects of professionalism such as respect, independence, and perseverance. Every aspect of life can be related to music in some way, for Jonathan playing the tuba is his way to connect to the rest of life. continued on next page

Many people have a certain trait or background that has shaped their life in a significant way, playing tuba has shaped him into the musician he is today and has connected him to a variety of new opportunities to explore and perform his passion. It is not typical for a person to love their job and the work that comes with it, but for him practicing and playing is a dream come true. Jonathan wishes to pursue music in college and for his career. His ultimate goal is securing a seat in a major orchestra. He wouldn’t trade his experience with FSYO for the world as the fun, experience ,and music have been wonderful throughout the years.

Davis Lake Bass, Philharmonia Years in FSYO: 6 College: Valencia College Major: Undecided Davis is a Senior at Olympia High School. He has been playing the bass for 7 years, however, he started playing the piano in second grade. He has been a bassist with the Olympia High School Orchestra for all four years and is the Principal bassist in the Camerata ensemble. Throughout high school, Davis participated in activities like rowing, water polo, and the Scholastic Pistol Shooting Team. Davis was also in Boy Scouts and became an Eagle Scout in 2014.

He attended FSU Summer Music Camp in 2016 and Cannon Music Camp in Boone, NC in 2015. Davis will be joining FSYO on their tour to Austria this summer. He is grateful for all of the opportunities and friends that FSYO has brought to him.

Marissa Magnelli Violin, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 5 College: University of Florida Major: Business Marissa Magnelli is a senior at West Orange High School. She has been playing the violin for ten years and the flute for eight years. She studies privately with Michelle Jones. Marissa has participated in AllCounty Orchestras as well as the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra for three years. She has also enjoyed her four-year membership in the West Orange Warrior Band.

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Marissa has enjoyed a diverse and unique musical background. She began playing violin at age nine and

flute at age ten. Marissa owes much of her musical success to her earliest instructors Andy Masters and Susan Posner.

Outside of her dedication to music, Marissa has volunteered at Anderson Animal Shelter, Garden Theatre and with the National Honors Society. Furthermore, Marissa was named an AP Scholar with Distinction and uses her skills to guide incoming AP students through her service in the AP Ambassadors club.

Marissa will attend the University of Florida and participate in their honors program.

She will pursue a career in business but will continue to play and never lose sight of her passion for music.

Jake Mongin Bass, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 3 College: Valencia College to 4 yr University Major: Pre-Law and Guitar Performance Jake was born in Detroit, MI, grew up in Upstate New York and moved to Florida when he was 11 years old. His family is very important to him. He has an older sister, Cassidy, a younger brother, Matthew and younger sister, Charlotte. Jake started playing guitar when he was 5 years old and double bass when he was 9 years old. He loves playing string instruments and performing for people.

His parents, Jodi and Mike are especially encouraging and proud of him. No one else in his family is a musician and he is very passionate about studying music. He has been named an All-County performer for both double bass and guitar, Principal of the Bass section, Philharmonia (2015-2016) and a Counselor at Stringmania Summer Camp.

Jake is so happy to have been a part of FSYO. He has performed in many fantastic venues and met some of the most talented people!

Octavio Mujica Cello, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 1 College: Stetson University Major: Music Performance Octavio Mujica hails from Venezuela and is very excited to continue his cello studies. He has been involved with music since he was a child, playing cello for nine long years. Octavio was born and raised in a religious and caring environment in San Cristobal, Venezuela. He has many great memories from his time in El Sistema in Venezuela, from concerts with incredible soloists, such as Alisa Weilerstein, and of course playing pieces of magnitude by Mahler or Prokofiev.

He studied three years at the Simon Bolivar Conservatory in Caracas, Venezuela.

To participate in this conservatory, Octavio had to travel more than ten hours every weekend but had the opportunity to study with the best mentors that he could have at that time, so for him, it is one of his best childhood orchestra memories.

Pedro Mujica Flute, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 1 College: Florida State University Major: Flute Performance Firstly, Pedro would like to thank FSYO for giving him the opportunity to work with excellent musicians and make beautiful music throughout the season. He began his musical studies when he was 9 years old in a small town of Venezuela (Guasdualito), where he belonged to the Apure Symphony Orchestra for three years, then, he auditioned for the Simon Bolivar Conservatory, where he studied for two years. A year later, in 2013, Pedro moved to San Cristobal and had the principal position in the flute section in the Tachira Symphony Orchestra. In 2015, Pedro moved to the United States. He was a member of the Orange County All-County band in 2016 and 2017, also the All-county Orchestra in 2016. He is currently the principal in the flute section at the Cypress Creek Wind Ensemble and in FSYO’s Symphonic Orchestra. He looks forward to studying at Florida State University next fall, majoring in flute performance.

Bryce Nguyen French Horn, Philharmonia Years in FSYO: 2 College: University of Pennsylvania Major: Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Spanish Bryce will be graduating third in his class of 671 students.

He serves as the student delegate representative of the honor graduates and will graduate with Latin honors as a Summa Cum Laude graduate. He has taken 18 AP classes and is particularly proud of surviving through his Spanish courses. Bryce has been named an Echols Scholar at UVA, Neubauer Scholar at Tufts University, Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholar at UC Berkeley, an AP Scholar with Distinction, and a National AP Scholar; however, Bryce most proudly boasts of being named the Math Superstar of the Week twice in third grade.

Bryce served the Lake Brantley Marching Patriot Band as the center drum major during his senior year. He helped guide the Lake Brantley Band to its 33rd consecutive year of straight superiors. For his work with the marching band, Bryce was nominated for Student Leader of the Year in Seminole County. Bryce is the treasurer of NHS and founder and president of both the Spectrum: Gay Straight Alliance and the Music Performance Club. Furthermore, he likes to compete at the local, regional, and state level for Mu Alpha Theta Math Honors Society. Regarding athletics, Bryce is a starting player for the varsity water polo team. Through water polo, Bryce was named an All-American Athlete.

Additionally, Bryce was proud to serve on both the Homecoming and Prom Court during his senior year.

In the future, Bryce will attend the University of Pennsylvania (Go Quakers!) for his undergraduate education. Afterward, he hopes to attend a major law school where he will prepare for a career in Civil Litigation with a concentration on the LGBT+ community or perhaps enter a career in politics.

Zachary Noble Trombone, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 1 College: University of Central Florida Major: Music Performance/Computer Engineering Zachary is a senior honor student who plays trombone at Winter Park High school. He is an officer in the Winter Park High School Tri-M Music Honor Society, has been in the pit orchestra for “Night on Broadway”, and for the past 4 years has volunteered his time as a guest trombone player for the Pine Castle Screaming Eagles Jazz Band. Zachary began playing the trombone in 6th grade and has played in Winter Park’s Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Jazz band throughout his high school years. However, he found his true passion in playing in the orchestra. He was honored when he was asked to play in FSYO this year.

Zachary has worked hard to hone his musical skills and owes a debt of gratitude to his trombone tutor, Joey Vascik, for helping him achieve many of his musical goals. Zachary’s accomplishments include numerous OCPS Regional and State superior ratings in both solos and ensembles. He has been selected for several honor bands including All State and All County Orchestras. In the future, he hopes to be able to play in the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

Zachary has received the Silver Pegasus Academic Scholarship Award from UCF where he will be attending in the fall of 2017. He has also been accepted into the UCF School of Performing arts. Zachary plans to double major in Music Performance and Computer Engineering.

Seren Özoğlu Viola, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 4 College: Florida State University Major: Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences Seren is a senior at Timber Creek High School and has been playing viola since sixth grade. She is principal violist of the Timber Creek Symphony Orchestra and Full Philharmonic Orchestra. She is also a flautist in the TCHS Wind Ensemble.

Seren has participated in the All-County Orchestras, UCF Summer String Institute as a principal violist,

and the Stetson University String Workshop as a principal violist. She has won superior marks through the Florida Bandmasters Association and Florida Orchestra Association for solo and ensemble performances. Seren has traveled to Charleston, South Carolina to participate in the College Band Director National Association Convention, where she played flute in the Timber Creek Wind Ensemble.

She is also involved in Tri-M, where she is the Orchestra Representative Officer and is heavily involved with her school orchestra program as the Uniform Captain. During Seren’s sophomore year, she even founded a departmental concerto competition. On top of balancing multiple AP classes, FSYO, band, and orchestra, Seren is a piano/violin/ viola/flute teacher at Studio Musicology and enjoys teaching elementary and middle school students instruments. Seren would like to thank FSYO for providing her with many challenges and incredible opportunities over the years. Without the training of FSYO, she would not be half the distinguished musician she is today. She would also like to thank her orchestra and band directors, family, and friends for being incredibly supportive of her orchestral career over the years. Finally, she’d like to thank her FSYO viola section for giving her so many laughs and wants them to know that they will be missed dearly.

Diego Perez Bassoon, Philharmonia Years in FSYO: 1 College: University of Florida Major: Biomedical Engineering with Pre-Med track Diego would like to thank FSYO for giving him this opportunity to experience orchestra. He will be pursuing orchestra in college and music as an extracurricular activity. After college, Diego will be going to Medical School to become a Neurosurgeon. He would like to thank his parents and Delaney for helping him with everything and supporting him in life.

Colton Potter Oboe, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 6 College: Oberlin Conservatory Major: Oboe Performance Colton Potter, principal oboist of the Symphonic Orchestra, is graduating as one of Timber Creek High School’s valedictorians, where he has been the principal oboe of the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra, won the 2017 Concerto Competition and the 2016 Outstanding Woodwind award, and served as Drum Major of the Regiment Marching Band. Two years a member of the tennis team, Colton served as Tri-M President, was in several service clubs/organizations, Math, and German Honor Societies, and played keyboard in school musicals and marching band pit.

A National Merit Finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction and a National Honor Society member, Colton has served as principal oboe of OCPS All-County Band or Orchestra for 5 of 6 years, and as principal oboe of All-State Band or Orchestra for 4 of 5 years at FMEA All-State.

This summer, as a member of the National Youth Orchestra USA, Colton will work with top professionals, perform in Carnegie Hall, and tour to Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador.

Colton attended Interlochen Arts Camp for three summers (as Emerson, Orchestra & Loomis Scholar) where he relished his personal and musical experiences, including two full summers performing, with renowned professional conductors, as the principal oboist of the World Youth Symphony Orchestra, and was twice honored with the Maddy Award, (Interlochen’s highest recognition).

Passionate about music, Colton intends to pursue a career as a professional orchestral musician or conductor. So many wonderful teachers and mentors, as well as his parents, have shaped Colton’s musical and artistic path, and he is so grateful for their investment in and encouragement of him. Thank you for everything, FSYO!

N’Kia “Maggie” Quebral Cello, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 1 College: Undecided Major: Music Education or Performance N’Kia “Maggie” Quebral was born in Anchorage, Alaska and has been playing the cello for 6 years. She began studying with Jeancarlo Gonzalez, moving to Paul Fleury, and is currently a student of Maestro Claassen at Montverde Academy. She has been enrolled in the Montverde Academy music conservatory for 2 years.

N’kia’s hobbies including horseback riding, Pokeman Go, and reading.

Edwin Rivera Bass, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 4 College: University of Central Florida Major: Music Performance Edwin Rivera’s participation in music began at the age of six, studying piano for several years. Although, he discontinued piano lessons, he joined his elementary school’s chorus program, but did not continue with the choir into middle and high school. From the start of his orchestral playing, in the sixth grade, Edwin played double bass, and though historically he has expanded his interests to other instruments, double bass will be his number one for the foreseeable future. Since he joined the orchestra, Edwin has played with such ensembles as All-County and All-State orchestras and participated in the Hot Springs Music Festival. He has even had opportunities to perform with the Orlando Philharmonic, which were all truly amazing and unforgettable experiences largely due to his teacher of four years, Mr. Michael Hill. Under his tutelage, and with the help of family, friends, and orchestra teachers, Edwin has been given opportunities that have helped him grow as a musician and as a person, and for that, he is truly grateful.

Hallie Ruffin Viola, Philharmonia Years in FSYO: 3 College: University of Alabama Major: Human Developmental Sciences Hallie would first like to send a huge shout-out and thank you to her wonderful parents for always supporting her through school, orchestra, chorus and everything in between! She would also like to thank her conductor Mr. Davis for being so passionate about music and being a fantastic mentor. Hallie first started playing viola in fifth-grade and has been part of her school orchestra ever since. She will be attending the University of Alabama in the fall and is studying to become a child life therapist. She hopes to join orchestra and chorus in college, as they both hold a special place in her heart.

Emily Schenck Violin, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 8 College: New College of Florida Major: Biological Research Emily Schenck is graduating from Trinity Preparatory School with 12 years of music experience under her belt. Though she is admittedly most proficient at the violin, she also picked up the tuba and cello in middle school, toyed around with the ukulele, and became captain of the Trinity drumline on snare. Emily has been in the FSYO for eight years, with exactly two years in each orchestra. She is currently a first violin in the Symphonic orchestra and will be assistant principal first violin on the Summa Cum Laude international tour this summer.

Emily would like to thank her parents for letting a hyperactive elementary schooler take private lessons every week and for encouraging her musical journey for the next 12 years. She would also like to thank all the private teachers and conductors she’s had the privilege of learning from for all those years.

She is excited to be attending the honors school of New College of Florida in the fall, studying music and biological research.

Anjali Shinde Flute, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 3 College: Undecided Major: Music Performance Anjali Shinde is currently a senior at Boone High School studying privately with Mrs. Allison Rosser.

Throughout high school, she has been an active part of the community, participating yearly in All-County Band and Solo and Ensemble. During summers, she has played in the Stetson Flute Camp and Boston University Tanglewood Institute’s Flute Workshop and Wind Ensemble. Throughout summer institutes and master classes, she has studied with Linda Toote, Ona Jonaityte, Cynthia Meyers, Clint Foreman, and Jim Walker.

Lauryn Sparger Bassoon, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 2 College: University of Miami Major: Music Performance An IB senior at Spruce Creek High school, Lauryn has been playing the piano for ten years and was introduced to the bassoon as a sixth grader. She has been a member of her school’s wind ensemble, marching band, and orchestra, and has had the honor of participating in All-County and All-State ensembles each year since eighth grade. At school, she is in the top ten of her class and is involved with the French Club and French Honor Society. She enjoys running and reading books in her free time. Lauryn plans to pursue music in college and eventually become a teacher or professor of music and is grateful to FSYO for helping her realize this ambition.

Brandon Stacy Clarinet, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 3 College: University of Florida Major: Computer Science and Music Performance Brandon Stacy has participated in his high school band for four years and, in his final year, served as a drum major for the Seminole High School marching band. He has participated in All-County Bands since seventh-grade and All-State since eighth and has competed at solo and ensemble music festival every year since. Brandon is a member of the IB program at his school, and enjoys participating in clubs like the school academic team, odyssey of the mind, and various honor societies. Brandon plans on attending UF in the fall to study music and engineering, and a fun fact about myself himself is that he enjoys solving rubik’s cubes.

Sebastian Suarez-Solis Percussion, Philharmonia Years in FSYO: 1 College: New York University Major: Music Performance Sebastian is a senior at East Ridge High School, where he has overseen the marching and concert percussion sections, as well as the rhythm section in the school’s jazz band. He has attended both the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Workshop and the Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference and is currently performing in the Thomas Milovac Unit around Florida.

Sebastian has been accepted at the University of Central Florida, as well as New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. He plans to major in music performance, and later pursue his master’s in music, and afterward, his doctorate.

Alissa Sweeden Flute, Philharmonia Years in FSYO: 1 College: Stetson University Major: Music/Business dual degree Alissa Sweeden’s interest in music began with piano lessons at age four. She later transitioned to flute (and piccolo) which she has now been playing for 9 years. She is a senior in the VPA Magnet at Dr. Phillips High School where she is often featured as a soloist as first chair flute in Wind Ensemble. She was the 2015/2016 Marching Band Field Commander and a 2016/2017 Drum Major. At FSU’s Summer 2016 leadership camp her group was selected from schools across the state as THE Outstanding Drum Major team. Alissa has been named to the Orange County All-County Honor Band multiple times, selected for DPHS theater production orchestras, and holds 20 Superior awards from district and state level Solo and Ensemble. At school, Alissa is also active in Modern Music Masters (Tri-M) serving as secretary and in numerous academic honor societies.

Alissa was recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction at the beginning of her senior year. She plans to attend Stetson University in the fall where she will double major in Music Composition and Business – blending the music she loves with a future career. Her goals after graduation include continuing to travel, increasing the number of continents she’s visited from 3 to all 7 continents.

Alexander Vaquerizo Clarinet, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 2 College: Florida State University Major: Clarinet Performance/Biochemistry Alex Vaquerizo discovered his passion for music in middle school and has played clarinet and bass clarinet since sixth grade, and violin since seventh grade. He continued with all three instruments with the high school band and orchestra programs at Timber Creek High School and has proudly been a part of FSYO for the past two years.

Alex has been selected for the Orange County All-County Band six times as first chair on bass clarinet, selected twice for the Orange County AllCounty Orchestra on violin and on clarinet, and selected three times since 2015 to perform with the Florida All-State Band. Last year he had the opportunity to perform at continued on next page

the CBDNA music education conference in Charleston, South Carolina, with his high school Wind Ensemble. Alex has been accepted to Florida State University in Tallahassee Florida, where he will be pursuing a dual bachelor’s degree in Clarinet Performance and Biochemistry.

Thoai Timothy Vu Violin, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 7 College: University of North Carolina Major: Biochemistry and Music Thoai Timothy Vu has been a part of the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra for 7 years and has grown tremendously as a musician over that time. He will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this coming Fall, pursuing a double major in biochemistry and music. He aspires to have a significant global impact, combining both his love for science and music, as he continues his endeavors in the future.

Channah Weinstein Viola, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 6 College: University of South Florida Major: Nursing In third grade, Channah took private lessons on violin and piano. She continued violin and piano until middle school when she switched to viola. Upon switching instruments she got an outstanding musician award and made all-county orchestra. She started with FSYO shortly after attending Master classes. At FSYO she started in the overture strings orchestra, then was first chair in Prelude orchestra the following year. She then spent three years in Philharmonia, and one year in Symphonic orchestra. In high school, she participated in Winter Park High School’s park philharmonic orchestra for three years and achieved straight superiors at district and state MPA. Outside of music Channah plays Lacrosse and helps coach swimming, she is also a part of the National Honor society, Tri-M, and social studies honor society. Channah would like to thank all of the private teachers she had and her parents for driving her to rehearsals and attending every concert.

Dillon Wilson Bass, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 4 College: University of Central Florida Major: Music Performance Dillon is a Daytona Beach native who has played the bass for the past seven years. He began playing the double bass in his sixth-grade orchestra class under the direction of Kathy Finn. He began studying privately under Logan Brown in the ninth grade. He has studied for the past three years under Michael Hill, the Principal Double Bass of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

Dillon has been involved with the FSYO for the past four years, playing in Philharmonia his ninth grade year and playing in the Symphonic Orchestra for the past three years where he has served as the Assistant Principal Bass for the past two years. Dillon will be attending the University of Central Florida in the fall as a Music Performance major.

Keejin Yoon Bass, Symphonic Years in FSYO: 4 College: University of Southern California Major: Biochemistry Keejin Yoon has been playing the bassoon since the 6th grade and joined FSYO in the 9th grade, as well participating in the Seminole High School Pride of the Tribe as a tenor saxophone player. In addition to his musical interests, Keejin has participated in other clubs, such as serving as president of the German National Honor Society at Seminole High School, as well as founding the German Club of Seminole High School. His other extracurricular interests include participating in clubs and organizations such as the Seminole High School Academic Team, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society. Keejin is also a student in the International Baccalaureate Program at Seminole High School. He plans on majoring in biochemistry at the University of Southern California in the fall.

With Thanks The work of the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra would not be possible without the generous support of individuals, groups, and corporations. With their investment in the lives of talented musicians, these gracious donors sustain the future of classical music in Central Florida. Because of their gifts, we are able to offer quality educational programs that give young musicians a unique, challenging experience.

Many graduates from the FSYO go on to pursue careers in professional music, as they play with the nation’s top orchestras or teach our nation’s youth in the classroom. Additionally, FSYO alumni hold leading positions in medicine, law, and business, with a few playing a role in the life of the FSYO today. The leadership, thoughtfulness, and independence learned through music education will help guide FSYO students throughout their lives. The FSYO extends extreme gratitude to those who help shape the FSYO - Standing ovation worthy service!

The programs of the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, Orlando Utilites Commission, and United Arts of Central Florida. We thank these groups for their generous support.

Join Us...

2017-2018 Auditions

Applications for classical orchestras are officially closed but there are still limited audition spots available. Auditions run on select days throughout May. If you are interested in auditioning for next season, please visit www.fsyo.org for more information.

FSYO Jazz Orchestra Auditions

This fall, FSYO will become the home to a new group of budding musicians with the introduction of its new Jazz Orchestra, led by Jeff Rupert - Director of Jazz at UCF, saxophonist, composer, record producer, and recording artist. This 17-20 piece ensemble will focus on the study of big band jazz music.

Jazz Orchestra auditions will be held in May 2017 and applications are due May 10th. For information on auditions, please visit http://www.fsyo.org/auditions2/jazz-orchestra.

Stringmania Summer Camp

FSYO’s StringMania is a two-week long, musically enriching program for young string players ages 7-15 who are playing at Suzuki Book level 2 or higher. StringMania runs Monday through Friday for 2 full weeks, July 24th to August 4th. The camp will culminate in a finale showcase concert, with location and time to be announced.

StringMania full-day option runs from 9:00 am to 4:00pm daily. The half day option is from 9:00am to 12:00pm daily. Applications can be found online and are due no later than July 17, 2017!

The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra aims to educate and inspire Central Florida’s top young musicians. All programs reflect a commitment to provide young musicians with the opportunity to strengthen their musical talents and develop an appreciation of the arts through classical music.

PO Box 2328 | Winter Park, FL 32790 | 407.999.7800 | www.fsyo.org