Florida Youth Orchestra celebrates 22nd season, gives back to the community

Last Updated on Tuesday, 04 May 2010 09:56 Saturday, 01 May 2010 21:24

Written by Brett Daly

In 1988, Myra Weaver founded the Florida Youth Orchestra in Hollywood to create a program of classical music education for children. Fifty-one students participated.

Now in its 22nd season, the Florida Youth Orchestra boasts 340 children and has performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall and at Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center, receiving standing ovations at both.

In addition, the Orchestra – a nonprofit organization committed to providing quality music education for children throughout South Florida regardless of race, religion, ethnic background or financial circumstance – offers an outreach program for at-risk students called Music S.T.E.P.S.
S.T.E.P.S., which stands for Symphonic Training & Education Program for Students, provides students in second through fifth grades with a free musical instrument, music books and weekly lessons. The Florida Youth Orchestra funds and administers the entire program at no cost to the families or to the school systems.

“There’s a lot to be gained from music education,” Weaver said. “It enhances self-esteem, improves social skills and boosts academics. There’s such a big demand for the program.”

But since the government cut funding for musical programs across Florida, Weaver has needed to find alternative ways to finance the music program.

She recently entered Prilosec OTC’s “The Official Sponsor of Everything You Do Without Heartburn” challenge and won a $1,000 sponsorship out of more than 400 applicants.

Weaver will use the money to purchase instruments for the S.T.E.P.S. program.

“We couldn’t be more excited with our first round of applications,” said Karen Schlosser, Prilosec OTC associate marketing director. “Our consumers are very passionate about life, just as we are about rewarding them. We’re thrilled to sponsor Myra to help take her passion to the next level.”

Weaver said she was extremely surprised when she won the challenge but that she was very grateful for the money to continue her work with S.T.E.P.S.

In another attempt to raise money for the Florida Youth Orchestra, the organization will host the Painted Violin Project, a fundraising event where participants buy raffle tickets to win elaborately decorated violins, on May 16 at the Signature Grand. Weaver called each violin a “beautiful work of art.”

Weaver, who has dedicated her life to educating children, said the organization appreciates each one of its supporters and donations and that she truly enjoys seeing how the experiences that the Florida Youth Orchestra offers young children can provide life-altering and life-long effects.

“This is my passion,” Weaver said. “I love it. I see the value of it to the community and to the students.”

For more information about the Florida Youth Orchestra, visit FloridaYouthOrchestra.org.

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