- April 18, 2024
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Flagler Youth Orchestra instructors are on a mission to make more than musicians. In its 13th year, the strings program will aim to teach 400 students not only the fundamentals of music, but also how to be confident on and off the stage.
During a School Board workshop on Aug. 1, Cheryl Tristam, the FYO program director, said that 200 students have pre-registered to be in the program so far. Tristam expects to fill all 400 spots by the open house on Sept. 6 at Indian Trails Middle School.
“These children are learning about who they are as human beings,” Tristam said. “They’re learning how be better students. They’re learning things about themselves they wouldn’t be able to learn in any other way.”
This year, Tristam said her goal was to increase parent engagement in the program.
“For me, outside of the classroom, I think it’s very important this year that I have more parents volunteering,” she said. “We’ve been getting by with a very small number of people helping out, and that’s going to change this year.”
For more than a decade, Tristam has watched Flagler County students age 8 and older grow into talented, self-assured members of the community. Last year, students from the program performed at 12 local events, in addition to three separate concerts at Flagler Auditorium.
During the workshop, School Board member Colleen Conklin emphasized the improvements she has seen in students in the program over time.
“(It’s) such a unique opportunity for our students and an incredible program,” Conklin said. “When you go to that first rehearsal — that first opportunity when they start to play — to the concert, it’s just amazing.”
“These children are learning about who they are as human beings. They’re learning how be better students.”
- CHERYL TRISTAM, Flagler Youth Orchestra program director
Tristam also emphasized that this program is for everyone — regardless of family income.
“It doesn’t matter how much your mom or dad makes, this is something you can participate in because there’s no fee associated with learning how to play,” she said. “If you qualify for free lunch, then we will loan you an instrument while you’re a member of the FYO.
“That’s something that we’re very proud of.”
For more information on the Flagler Youth Orchestra, visit flagleryouthorchestra.org or call 503-3808.
