In an era of shrinking federal and state budgets, more and more arts supporters are stepping forward to make the case about the vital role the arts play in communities and in the lives of young people. This spring, members of the Florida Youth Orchestra traveled all night by bus to the state capital of Tallahassee to make sure legislators got their message.Founded in 1988 and based in Hollywood, Florida, the Florida Youth Orchestra provides classical-music education for musicians ages 6-19. Led by Music Director Thomas Sleeper, more than 360 young musicians perform with ensembles ranging from the advanced Principal Orchestra to string ensembles, chamber groups, and beginning and intermediate divisions.
How to convince busy legislators about the value of government support for the arts? Florida Youth Orchestra musicians invited legislators and their aides to their March 17 concert, called “Art and Soul,” in the State Capitol—and then the orchestra created a more lasting message by producing a video that demonstrated the impact of music education on young lives with testimonials by student musicians, reactions from audiences, and comments from orchestra administrators. Concerning the goals of raising legislative and public awareness of the impact of classical music, FYO Executive Director Myra Weaver commented, “We want to remind legislators that the arts contribute significantly to economic health by bringing a high quality of life to our state, thereby increasing appeal to relocating businesses, potential residents, and tourists.”
Watch Weaver, Resident Conductor Steven Burnes, and FYO tuba player Jordan Hope (pictured below) talk about their trip to Tallahassee and the impact classical music has in their community.
Wow, these kids are great. Looks like quite a program they’ve got going at that orchestra in Florida. If these kids can study classical music and perform for legislators—something anyone would find scary—and also talk about what the arts mean to them….well, it looks classical music does have a future with kids like this.
The Florida Youth Orchestra “Aurora Strings” performed at the 40th Anniversary Ruby Tiara Ball on November 21, 2009 at Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Resort benefiting The Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute For Cancer Research at Nova Southeastern University. These young adults are full of grace and talent. It was a pleasure to hear them play. It was a night to be remembered! It is imperative to give our students opportunities through the arts, for the benefit of all in our communities.
This is such an amazing group. What wonderful children! What wonderful Musicians!
Awesome! Legislators pay attention! Keep the “Sound of Music” from these children playing.
It’s great to see such an out-spoken cross-section of people advocating for the arts and participating in the political process. And what a better way to make the case for the arts with a live performance!