All FSYO students participate weekly in workshop style classes, recitals, outreach performances, as well as monthly masterclasses, lectures, and group classes, presented by renowned faculty-artists from the States and abroad, plus local graduate students.

Leander A. Kirksey Youth Orchestra (LAKYO), Javacya Arts Conservatory – Beginning String Orchestraled by violinist Dr. Patrice Floyd, provides string orchestra training to predominantly elementary school-aged student musicians who read music and have at least two years of playing experience on their instruments. Masterclasses presented by renowned faculty-artists from the States and abroad, local university professors, and local graduate students provide mentorship. Weekly rehearsals focus on technique, ensemble performance skills, and standard introductory string repertoire. The LAKYO season includes two performances at local venues. These young artists rehearse weekly on Tuesdays from 5:45 – 7:00 pm.

Advanced Level

• Pre-professional training

• High-level repertoire

• College and conservatory preparation

Through works from a variety of composers, the Javacya Symphony Orchestra’s mission is to:

*Fund the operations of the Javacya Arts Conservatory

*Enlarge the performance platform for Black and Latinx classically trained artists and feature soloists and ensembles from all ethnicities with the orchestra

*Perform music by composers from the African Diaspora

*Collaborate with rising and prominent Black and Latinx composers from all continents

*Perform all genres of music

*Feature rising and prominent guests’ conductors from the States and abroad

Southside Orchestra & Cultural Arts Project (SOCAP) is a program of Javacya Arts Conservatory, in collaboration with FAMU DRS, that strives to meet the needs of the whole person of each developing student. The program targets beginning, intermediate, and advanced music and dance students from Tallahassee's Southside communities. Additionally, those who demonstrate a commitment to artistic excellence receive mentoring and academic tutoring from members of the Javacya Elite Chamber Orchestra, a flagship orchestra of JAC. In partnership with FAMU DRS, SOCAP is based at the institution and actively seeks students from diverse backgrounds who are underrepresented in the classical music field and provides full-tuition scholarships to all students from the Southside community of Tallahassee. The program is supported through local community grants and generous donors. Leon Cares of Tallahassee supports twelve students from the Southside Orchestra project, and, during the summer months, a grant from the Children's Services Council helped to expand services to FAMU DRS and SOCAP students. SOCAP is led by Artistic Director Patrice Floyd.

The Harmony Youth Orchestra consists of all the Southside Orchestra & Cultural Arts Project ensembles, FAMU DRS ensembles, and Javacya ensembles combining to perform together.

The L.A. Kirksey Youth Orchestra is the entry-level orchestra at Javacya Arts Conservatory, designed for students who are just beginning their orchestral journey.

It is where students are introduced to ensemble playing, discipline, and the foundational skills needed to grow into confident young musicians.

Who it’s for

• Beginners (typically ages 7–12, but flexible)

• Students with:

  • Little to no prior experience OR

  • Basic foundational skills from private lessons or class instruction

  What students learn:

• Instrument basics (violin, viola, cello, bass)

• Posture, bow hold, tone production

• Note reading and rhythm fundamentals

• Following a conductor

• Listening and playing together as a group

Purpose

This orchestra builds:

• Confidence

• Discipline

• Joy in music-making

• A strong technical foundation

This is where students fall in love with orchestra.