{"id":23681,"date":"2026-03-02T09:00:29","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T14:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsroom.ocfl.net\/?p=23681"},"modified":"2026-03-02T13:02:02","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T18:02:02","slug":"florida-symphony-youth-orchestra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsroom.ocfl.net\/2026\/03\/florida-symphony-youth-orchestra\/","title":{"rendered":"Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras Receives Cultural Tourism Grant, Advancing Arts in Orange County"},"content":{"rendered":"

Orange County\u2019s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs<\/a> recently announced the recipients of its Cultural Tourism grant program and celebrated them at the Third Annual ACT Awards, which recognizes organizations that strengthen the region\u2019s cultural landscape.<\/p>\n

Funded by a percentage of the Tourist Development Tax<\/a>, the Cultural Tourism Grant supports nonprofit arts and cultural organizations that enhance Orange County\u2019s appeal as a destination while enriching the lives of residents. The ACT Awards<\/a>, established in 2023, formally celebrate these organizations for their artistic excellence and community impact.<\/p>\n

Among this year\u2019s recipients is Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO)<\/a>, a nonprofit organization that has helped shape young musicians across Central Florida for nearly 70 years.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor us to be a first-time recipient of this grant is a huge milestone,\u201d said Abigail Tran, executive director of FSYO. \u201cTo be in a community that values the arts and believes in the power of the arts \u2014 it means everything to our organization.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Founded as a supplemental music education program, FSYO operates as what Tran calls a \u201ctravel team for music students.\u201d The audition-based program brings together more than 320 students ages 8 to 18 from across Central Florida, representing both public and private schools, from 9 different counties. Students rehearse on Sundays during the school year and perform 10 to 15 concerts annually across eight ensembles, with rehearsals held at Lyman High School. During the 2024-2025 season, over 6,000 people experienced FSYO in concert.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re here for students who want to go above and beyond what they\u2019re doing at school,\u201d explained Tran. \u201cEvery single person in an ensemble pulls the same weight, which teaches teamwork and accountability at the highest level.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beyond musical growth, the orchestra builds leadership, discipline and problem-solving abilities. Section leaders mentor younger musicians, reinforcing preparation and collaboration.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter where you sit,\u201d asserted Tran. \u201cEvery musician contributes to the final sound. If one part isn\u2019t ready or one person plays in a rest, it impacts the whole performance \u2014 and that\u2019s a powerful lesson in accountability.\u201d<\/p>\n

Accessibility remains central to FSYO\u2019s mission. This year, the organization awarded nearly $25,000 in tuition scholarships to ensure students from diverse backgrounds can participate.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo have this kind of high-level youth orchestra in Orange County is a tremendous asset to our community,\u201d said Tran. \u201cWhen the arts flourish, the community thrives \u2014 and we\u2019re shaping future leaders who will continue to support and sustain them.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Cultural Tourism grant will allow FSYO to expand its marketing and outreach efforts across Central Florida.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve often been called one of the region\u2019s best-kept secrets,\u201d said Tran. \u201cThis grant helps us strengthen our presence and open doors for more young musicians.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Orange County continues to grow, investments like the Cultural Tourism grant program ensure the arts remain central to the region\u2019s cultural vitality \u2014 inspiring visitors, cultivating talent, and building community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Orange County\u2019s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs recently announced the recipients of its Cultural Tourism grant program and celebrated them at the Third Annual ACT Awards, which recognizes organizations that strengthen the region\u2019s cultural landscape. Funded by a percentage of the Tourist Development Tax, the Cultural Tourism Grant supports nonprofit arts and cultural organizations […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":31,"featured_media":23683,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23681","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community-services"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nFlorida Symphony Youth Orchestras Receives Cultural Tourism Grant, Advancing Arts in Orange County<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras is a nonprofit organization that has helped shape young musicians across Central Florida for nearly 70 years.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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