Registration is now open for the 2024-2025 Music Education programs. As the only program affiliated with a professional orchestra in the Emerald Coast region, the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra (SYO) offers student musicians unparalleled opportunities to enhance their musical talents and perform in a variety of ensembles throughout the school year under the mentorship of professional musicians.
Programs include the Symphonic Orchestra, for intermediate to advanced (All-State level) middle and high school student musicians who play strings, winds, brass, and percussion; Sinfonietta Strings, open to beginning string students; and Intermediate Strings, open to intermediate string players.
Joining the SYO program comes with numerous benefits. As an established professional orchestra, we bring our extensive experience and knowledge to successfully guide young musicians. SYO is in partnership with the only professional orchestra in the area, offering students hands-on teaching by experienced professionals. Members enjoy meaningful individual and small group mentoring by experienced sectional instructors, resident musicians lead by Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s esteemed music director/conductor, Demetrius Fuller.
The program is led by professional, approachable, energetic, and highly educated musicians, making it an enriching experience for all. Performances at Sinfonia Gulf Coast events feature A-list performers such as Time For Three, Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Patti LaBelle, Kristin Chenoweth, Bernadette Peters and others providing high-caliber performance experiences.
High school students can earn Bright Futures volunteer hours at Sinfonia Gulf Coast and SYO events, adding another layer of benefit to their participation.
The program is designed to be accessible and affordable. Need-based scholarships are available by request. Rehearsals are scheduled on Sunday afternoons to accommodate busy school-week schedules, and members receive free tickets to each Sinfonia Gulf Coast main season concert.
SYO seniors can apply for the Grace Fulcher Memorial Scholarship, created in honor of Grace Bernice Fulcher, a former SYO member.
“We believe our youth orchestra programs foster a strong sense of community, allowing members to connect with like-minded fellow musicians in a safe, collaborative, and welcoming environment,” says Sinfonia Youth Orchestra director Margaret Gordon. “Plus, in addition to quality music education, we are known as ‘Funfonia,’ because we pack plenty of performance “fun” into our education program, too!”
Since its establishment in 2007, Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s music education programs have served over 200,000 children in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. As an SYO member, you join a well-respected organization making a significant impact in the local community.
For more information about the Sinfonia Music Education programs, visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or contact Margaret Gordon at mgordon@sinfoniagulfcoast.org.
