Blog

Dr. Gomez Nominated as Arts Educator of the Year

FYAO Artistic Director Alvaro Gomez was recently named as one of a small handful of nominees for the honor of “Arts Educator of the Year” as part of the United Arts‘ Arts + Awards. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held on October 3, 2011 in the Ports of Call Ballroom at SeaWorld Orlando. This is a huge honor for our Dr. Gomez, and one that is well-deserved. Prior to joining the FYAO, Dr. Gomez maintained (and still maintains) a full private studio of violin and viola students. He continues his work as the Artistic Director of the Winter Park Chamber Music Academy, a chamber group of elite student musicians, many of whom also play in the FYAO. He also succeeded the late Jonathan May as the Director of the Strings V class at Trinity Preparatory School. And, he has continued his role as Co-Concertmaster (along with his accomplished wife, Routa) of the Bach Festival Orchestra, where he frequently appears as a soloist.

Dr. Gomez’ nomination as “Arts Educator of the Year” is a very significant recognition of the level of our artistic staff. All of them, Dr. Gomez, Jon Territo and Ross Amkraut, are excellent educators, conductors and musicians, and the FYAO is extremely fortunate to have each of them!

Classical Jam Kicks off New Season

The FYAO Classical Jam event was held last Sunday afternoon (August 28), and by all accounts, it was a huge success! While the Symphony prepared Bizet’s “Carmen Suite” for their mini-concert at the Parent Meeting (and the Sinfonia had their first rehearsal of the season), Board Members and volunteers set up tables for distributing FYAO t-shirts, parent information and the reception. As always, Jon Zimmerman from Absolutely Fitting was on hand to measure new and returning musicians for uniforms. Read more →

A Student’s Perspective on the FYAO – by Liam Philiben

Note:  this post was contributed by Florida Young Artists Symphony member and violinist, Liam Philiben.  If you would like to contribute an article to the FYAO website, please contact Dale Burket at daburket@gmail.com.

I remember my first day in Sinfonia back in 4^th grade; my palms were sweating, my hands shaking and my brows furrowed in concentration as I struggled to “adjust” to my fellow first violinists. Suffice to say, I had never played with an orchestra, much less anybody else besides my violin teacher. But little did I know that this organization would change the course of my life forever. Read more →

Conductor’s Notes: Welcome to the FYAO

Welcome to the FYAO’s 2011-2012 Season!

I am looking forward to working with each of you, along with our fine Assistant Conductors Jon Territo and Ross Amkraut. Last season was my first with the FYAO, and I must say it was a joy and privilege to make beautiful and exciting music together. I have had a very busy summer, starting with FYAO auditions in May and June, principal and concertmaster rounds in June, and the FYAO Summer Camp at Trinity at the end of June. I immediately left with my lovely wife Routa to be a part of the faculty at the Orfeo Music Festival in Read more →

FYAO Summer Camp a Success!

The FYAO held its’ Summer Camp last June at Trinity Preparatory School in Winter Park.  This year, our directors were Dr. Gomez and wife Routa (who is Professor of Violin at Stetson University), along with Ross Amkraut.  The students participated in master classes, small ensembles and full orchestra. Read more →

Auditions Continue for 2011-2012 Season

Schedule Your Audition Now!

It’s not too late to join the Florida Young Artists Orchestra! There is a place for you among our four orchestras. We will hold additional auditions on December 3, 2011 to fill any open positions. Call the FYAO office at 407.257.8886. Read more →

Honoring Susie Couvillion – Update!

Susie Couvillion
Executive Director of FYAO (1999-2011)

The FYAO Board of Directors is very excited to dedicate this year’s Classical Jam concert to Susie Couvillion, who has retired from the FYAO. As Executive Director, Susie has been the beating heart and face of our organization for twelve years. For most of us, she was our very first contact with the orchestra, scheduling our auditions, welcoming us on our first day, and being there with us for every step along our orchestral journey.

Together, we have so many collective and individual memories of Susie’s time with the FYAO. It is our wish to collect Read more →

FYAO Receives Google Grant Award

The Florida Young Artists Orchestra is a recipient of a Google Grant award!  The Google Grants program supports organizations sharing Google’s philosophy of community service to help the world in areas such as science and technology, education, global public health, the environment, youth advocacy, and the arts.

Designed for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, Google Grants is a unique in-kind advertising program harnessing the power of Google AdWords advertising product. Google Grants has awarded AdWords advertising to hundreds of non-profit groups whose missions range from animal welfare to literacy, from supporting homeless children to promoting HIV education