Frederick Regional Youth Orchestra Receives Community Foundation Grant

March 31, 2009: Beautiful music by Frederick County’s most promising young musicians filled the air at a recent performance by The Frederick Regional Youth Orchestra, now equipped with new percussion instruments made possible through a grant from The Community Foundation of Frederick County’s Dan Crozier Music Trust Fund.

The Frederick Regional Youth Orchestra (FRYO) has provided quality orchestral music opportunities for young musicians in and around Frederick County for over 30 years by providing a well-rounded approach to ensemble performance. Members have the opportunity to meet other young musicians, gain performance experience, improve their skills as musicians, learn goal setting, build a sense of cooperation, develop presentation skills, and experience the rewards of hard work, said Elijah Worth, FRYO Music Director. They gain a broad understanding of music and music theory through carefully selected music designed to stimulate students’ interest and to enhance performing ability. Its repertoire includes classical pieces, seasonal music, and scores from movies and Broadway musicals.

Continued excellence and growth has been a hallmark of this regional orchestral gem since the FRYO began in 1978 with only 20 members. Now 106 members strong, these dedicated young musicians practice once a week throughout the school year, offering four well-attended concert performances each season.

“As The Frederick Regional Youth Orchestra has grown, its need for new and improved equipment has grown with it,” said Mr. Worth. “Thanks to the generosity of groups like The Community Foundation of Frederick County, we have been able to get the equipment we need without overstretching our budget.”

As a philanthropic leader in Frederick County, the Community Foundation supports a range of worthy causes through its grants making, including youth and fine arts programs, made possible by generous donors seeking opportunities to make a difference through charitable giving. The Community Foundation has touched thousands of lives since 1986 by providing more than $19 million in grants and scholarships throughout Frederick County.

Secure online donations to any of the Community Foundation’s 600+ funds, including The Dan Crozier Music Trust Fund, may be made by visiting www.cffredco.org and clicking on contribute in the upper right hand corner. Checks made payable to The Community Foundation of Frederick County, with the fund’s name in the memo line, may be mailed to 312 East Church Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701. All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.