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End of the Year Presidents Message

FYAO President Jim Philiben

Fellow FYAO Members!

As we draw to the close of Florida Young Artists Orchestra’s 15th year, I would like to thank you for your support of a wonderful season. This was an exceptional year for the FYAO as befitting of a 15th anniversary. Many firsts were achieved and several initiatives where implemented in order to ensure the success of the organization. The Concerto Competition was successfully moved to the fall and despite less time for practice, FYAO had more soloists win than in recent years. Competitors, who did not perform at the Virtuoso Concert, were invited to perform their solos at the Giving Thanks Concert making for a memorable holiday event. The FYAO Symphony performed the complete Saint-Saens’ 3rd Symphony. Remarkably this was the first time an entire symphony was performed by a FYAO ensemble, a difficult feat seldom done by professional orchestras. FYAO collaborated with the Maitland Symphony, Orlando Concert Band, actor John DiDonna, local professional and college musicians in performances throughout the season. FYAO received three grants and obtained sponsorships supporting scholarships for several musicians and FYAO musicians hailed from six counties throughout Central Florida. All of these successes came from the effort, dedication and support of you the FYAO membership. We are not done yet! The Bravo Concert completes the end of the 2012-2013 season and it promises to be an excellent event with ensembles playing their favorite music from the year.

I do have a little sad news to tell as FYAO ends the season. Dr. Mauricio Cespedes Rivero has decided to step down from his position in order to pursue more performance and teaching opportunities in the Orlando area. FYAO was fortunate to have Dr. Cespedes as an Associate Conductor and are happy to have been a part of his introduction to the Orlando community. FYAO wishes him well and I hope many of you share your well wishes with him as well. The hiring committee looks forward to finding a new Associate Conductor during the summer as they interview local teachers and musicians.

Auditions for next season are May 11th, 18th, 19th, 25th and 26th. Please schedule now, as slots fill up quickly! For those interested in a world class summer camp consider FYAO. Camp will be held June 17th to 21st from 9 AM to 3 PM. Classical Jam will be August 25th with the first rehearsal for Symphony and Philharmonic on August 18th. Next year concerts will be held on Sunday and added rehearsals will be held in December. The Concerto Competition will again be in the fall with the Virtuoso Concert being in January. The Board is encouraged by requests for collaboration and new performance venues in the coming season. Next year looks to add to the successes of this season.

It has been my pleasure to serve the FYAO as Board President this season. I enjoyed meeting many of you as parents, future board members, volunteers and musicians. Your membership and support is truly what makes Florida Young Artists Orchestra special.

James Philiben
Board President
Florida Young Artists Orchestra

Spring Fling Concert

Spring Auditions

Spring auditions are ongoing throughout the second half of the FYAO season. Auditions typically are arranged prior to, during or after rehearsals on Sundays. FYAO encourages interested musicians to sit in during rehearsals to observe their choice of ensemble. Auditions can be arranged by calling Teresa Borker at (407)-257-8886. Dates available are May 11th, 18th, 19th, 25th and 26th. Times are filling up call now! Click here for Audition Requirements.

Make Plans to Attend the Second Annual FYAO Wine & Cheese Event!

On Sunday, November 4, 2012, the Florida Young Artists Orchestra will hold its’ second annual Wine & Cheese Event at Cork & Olive, located at 4247 W. Lake Mary Boulevard in Lake Mary. Last year’s inaugural event was a great success, and we are sure that you will enjoy mixing and mingling with other FYAO parents, tasting some delicious wines and savory hors de ovuvers in a very enjoyable setting. Board Member Antoney Manipadam’s Cork & Olive store is an upscale and trendy place to meet, taste and survey wines, and generally learn a lot more about them.  Live entertainment will be provided, courtesy of some of our FYAO Young Artists. The event will run from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Tickets are only $20 if purchased before November 1, and are $25 the day of the event. Please see Teresa Borker at rehearsals or contact her at the FYAO office to purchase tickets.

We look forward to seeing you there!

FYAO Alum Interview: Ten Questions with Rachel Shepard

FYAO Alum Rachel Shepard, left, gives a few pointers to current FYAO member Gina Makarova

Last month we interviewed Rachel Shepard, superb violinist and ten year veteran of the FYAO orchestras. Rachel was a teaching assistant at the FYAO Summer Camp last June, and she quickly gained the respect of the FYAO Artistic Staff and campers alike. Rachel had the honor of being one of the Concertmasters of the FYAO Symphony Orchestra in our Carnegie Hall debut. Here’s the interview, which was made by FYAO graduate Austin Burket (thanks, Austin!), himself a third year violin performance major at Stetson:

1.     When did you graduate from the FYAO, and how long were you a member?

I graduated as a high school senior in 2007, as the Concertmaster of the Symphony.

2.     Where did you go to college and what was your major?

I attended FSU and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance. Read more →

Welcome from the Executive Director!

FYAO Executive Director, Teresa Borker

Hi, everyone! I’m Teresa Borker, the FYAO Executive Director. First, a little information about me. For years, I have been involved in the Central Florida arts community, having produced international cultural events and worked part-time in entertainment for Walt Disney World.  This is my second season with the FYAO, and I am excited to be involved with this wonderful organization. As Executive Director, I work with the Artistic and Operations Staff, Volunteers and Board to make sure everything runs smoothly. I look forward to meeting every one of you at the Classical Jam – please stop by and say hello!

I will be happy to answer any and all questions you may have regarding registration, tuition, schedule, volunteering, and anything else. We will also have our Board Members on hand at the Classical Jam to assist you – feel free to ask them your questions. We strive to be the best youth orchestra we can be, and I believe we have the right combination of Artistic Staff and volunteers (including Board Members!) to accomplish that goal.

See you at the Classical Jam!

What is the Classical Jam?

Each August, the Florida Young Artists Orchestra kicks off the start of its’ new season with a special day known as the “Classical Jam”. This year’s Classical Jam will be held on Sunday, August 26 at Trinity Preparatory School. The Classical Jam consists of several important events, including rehearsals for our orchestras, a mini-concert by the Symphony, a parent meeting, and other housekeeping events. Parents and students (and their families) are invited. Here’s a sampling of what you can do (but if you have any questions, feel free to contact us via email at fyao@fyao.org or by calling (407) 257-8886):

For Students:

• Sinfonia, Philharmonic and Symphony orchestras will rehearse
• All students should come to hear the Symphony perform at the start of the Parent Meeting
• Students will receive an FYAO tee shirt, courtesy of our Classical Jam sponsor, Muni Strings!
• Pizza and drinks will be served after the Symphony performs
• Absolutely Fitting will be on site to measure FYAO members for concert wear
• Muni Strings will be on site with information about string instrument repair, rental, etc.

For Parents:

• Hear the Symphony perform
• Attend Parent Meeting to hear from the Artistic Staff about the upcoming season, hear important information from the FYAO President, Jim Philiben, and conduct an election of a new Vice President/President Elect.  You will hear about important upcoming events.
• Sign up to become a FYAO volunteer.   We are largely a volunteer organization that needs your help.  No prior experience necessary!
• Confirm all contact information to make sure that the FYAO’s records are accurate
• Pay your tuition
• Meet your Board Members and ask about anything FYAO

The Classical Jam is an important event!  Here is a schedule of events for the day:

Summer Message from the President

FYAO President Jim Philiben

Lynx Terminal Performance

Next Thursday, FYAO will be the opening act in a concert series at LYNX called “Tunes in the Terminal”. Dr. Cespedes and 5 members of the FYAO will be performing.  The five members will be Alexa Knowles, Steven Huber-Weber, Vanessa Huber-Weber(FSYO), Katherine Elenberger and Gina Huber-Weber.  These wonderful musicians are sure to delight the crowd with their talent. Thanks also to Mila Makarova and Lori Knowles for there help in organizing this concert. If you are available from 11 AM – 12:30 PM, on Thursday, head downtown to the LYNX terminal to show your support. Press has been invited so this will be quite an event.

Summer Camp was a Success!

On Friday, June 22, we completed a successful summer camp. There were 30 students enrolled in the camp, being nearly double from last year!  Thanks to everyone for getting the word out. Dr. Alvaro Gomez, Dr. Mauricio Cespedes and Stetson Violin Professor Routa Kroumovitch-Gomez did a fantastic job all week followed by Friday concert that was well attended. The camp had 3 counselors who volunteered their enthusiasm, musicianship and time through the whole week. A sincere “Thank You” to FYAO Alumni Ashton and Karli Knowles, and to FYAO Symphony member Alexa Knowles. We also had an exceptional alumni of FYAO help as faculty – her name is Rachel Shephard. She was Concertmaster several years ago, and she graduated from FSU and is now attending Rice University.  She was a big help in instructing the students. Thanks also to parent volunteers Lori Knowles and Pat Burket, who were invaluable in keeping the kids fed, moving, photographed and safe during the whole week. Lastly we should thank our outstanding Executive Director, Teresa Borker.  Teresa, thank you for truly herculean effort in keeping things organized, communicated and well-run. I feel very proud for the efforts put forth by all the volunteers and staff. Thank You again!

Jim Philiben,
Board President
Florida Young Artists Orchestra

FYAO Alum Rachel Shepard gives a few pointers to FYAO member Gina Makarova

A Message from the President

FYAO President Jim Philiben

Hello Fellow and Prospective FYAO Members!

It has been over a week since the Bravo Concert finale, so I wanted to take a moment to commend our musicians and families on a job well done. It was my pleasure to serve as Board Vice-President last season and I am looking forward to serving you as President for the 2012-2013 season. This will be the FYAO’s 15th Anniversary! I still have a vivid memory of when FYAO performed at Carnegie Hall on Father’s Day for the 10th Anniversary. It was after that event that I volunteered to become a board member.

The 2012-2013 season promises to be an exciting one. We will be starting with the Symphony rehearsal on August 19th. August 26th will be the Classical Jam, in which there will be a short concert by the Symphony and rehearsals for all orchestras. While the ensembles rehearse we will have a general membership meeting and tables will be set up for returning forms and paying tuition. Absolutely Fitting will be there to take orders for concert attire. The general meeting (which will start at 3:00 pm) will involve election of this year’s Board Vice-President, who will serve as President in the following year, and discussion of the Annual Fund, fund raising activities, special committee positions and how to become involved. The LYNX bus with the FYAO logo will be available for pictures, as well as pizza and beverages. There will be a signup area for volunteers during the year and I encourage each family to sign up for at least 5 hours of volunteering. The FYAO needs your help to ensure a successful season. Please plan on attending this important meeting.

I am excited to introduce Dr. Mauricio Cespedes, who will lead our Sinfonia and Philharmonic. Dr. Cespedes serves as principal viola of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, position that he won in 2008. He was born in Cochabamba-Bolivia, started the violin, and later the viola with his father Fredy Cespedes (concertmaster of the Bolivian Symphony Orchestra) and his mother Maria Eugenia Rivero (principal cello Bolivian Symphony Orchestra). In 2011 he won the You Tube Symphony Orchestra competition, and performed at the Sydney Opera House with maestro Michael Tilson Thomas. Besides music, Mauricio holds a degree in Environmental Engineering with an emphasis in Management of Protected Areas in Bolivia. Mauricio has two younger sisters, Adriana who plays bass, and Wara who plays violin. He is very recently and happily married to his wife, Emily, who plays violin and accompanies him on piano. Mauricio has accepted the position of Associate Conductor and will be great fit for the Sinfonia and Philharmonic. Come and meet him in person during the FYAO Summer Camp next month!

New this season: We have moved the FYAO Concerto Competition and Virtuoso Concert to the Fall. That’s right – it’s time to get practicing! The Concerto Competition will be held on September 22nd and the Virtuoso Concert will be held on November 3rd. The rules and form can be found by clicking here. The rest of the concert season and forms will be included with the welcome packet to be delivered by mail soon.

Musicians, the FYAO needs your help to find additional musicians for our ensembles. Any member who refers a new paid member to the FYAO will receive a $25 gift card. There is no limit, if you bring 4 new members you can get $100. It is up to you. We are also having a slogan contest. You come up with a slogan for FYAO and win up to $75. There will be two $25 prize winners with the winning slogan winning $75. Try to keep your slogans clever, positive and shorter is better. Winners will be announced during the Classical Jam.

Jim Philiben
Board President
FYAO

Summer Camp 2012 – Make Your Plans to Attend!

The FYAO Summer Camp will be held again this June, beginning Monday, June 18 and continuing through Friday, June 22. The camp is open to all orchestra players of all levels – strings, brass, woodwinds and percussion – from ages 7 to 18. Students will be grouped based on their musical abilities, from All State participants to beginning orchestra students who have completed a Level 1 book and are able to read music. Once again, we will hold our Summer Camp at Trinity Preparatory School, located at 5700 Trinity Prep Lane, Winter Park, FL 32792. The fee is $250 per student, with a $25 discount for the second family member.

Daily activities include full orchestra rehearsals, chamber ensembles, sectional rehearsals, master classes and opportunities to perform. The camp runs from 9 am to 3 pm each day, with extended day options. There will be a free concert open to the public on Friday, June 22, the last day of Summer Camp. Students are asked to bring a sack lunch each day.

Our music faculty is first-rate! In addition to Dr. Gomez and Dr. Mauricio Cespedes (our new Assistant Conductor!), we will again have Routa Kroumovitch (Stetson Violin Professor and wife of Dr. Gomez) as one of our teachers.

If you have any questions, please contact our Executive Director, Teresa Borker, at (407) 257-8886 or fyao@fyao.org. Hope to see you there!

  Download Summer Camp Brochure Here