About Us

The Frederick Regional Youth Orchestra (FRYO) was established in 1978 as an organization dedicated to providing quality orchestral music opportunities for young musicians in and around Frederick County. The organization continues to strive to provide our students with a well-rounded approach to ensemble performance. Not only do our members have the opportunity to meet fellow young musicians and gain performance experience, but also to improve their skills as musicians, learn goal getting, build a sense of cooperation, develop presentation skills, and experience the rewards of hard work. FRYO provides a complementary musical curriculum outside of the regular school venue that stresses the educational component as well as the performance aspect, and enhances the students' understanding of music and music theory. Music is carefully selected to stimulate students’ interest and enhance their performing ability. Classical pieces, seasonal music, and scores from movies and Broadway musicals are all part of the repertoire.

Participation in Frederick Regional Youth Orchestra includes the regular rehearsal schedule with multiple concert opportunities during the year and provides the opportunity for students to participate in Master Classes, to play with guest soloists, and to perform in small groups taught by professional coaches. FRYO also hosts a yearly concerto competition for members of the Philharmonic, with the winners of the competition having the opportunity to perform as soloist with the Philharmonic at the annual FRYO concerto concert.

For the 2010-2011 season, FRYO is providing four performance groups plus chamber music opportunities for student members. The Symphonia, an intermediate level orchestra co-directed by Mr. Tom Mitchell and Mr. Nick Marini, and the Philharmonic, an advanced level orchestra under the direction of Mr. Elijah Wirth, have full instrumentation. Ms. Sharon Zearfoss conducts the FRYO Wind Ensemble, a unique ensemble with woodwinds, brass and percussion. The Concert Strings is a beginning string orchestra directed by Mr. Petr Skopek. Membership is through audition, with students having played their instruments for a minimum of one year.

We rehearse on Monday evenings at Ballenger Creek Middle School, 5525 Ballenger Creek Pike, Frederick, MD 21703. Rehearsals are 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. for the Concert Strings and Wind Ensemble, 6:00 to 8:00 for the Symphonia, and 6:45 to 9:00 p.m. for the Philharmonic.

Click on Becoming a Member above for more information about joining our orchestras.

For information, call (301) 695-1187. FRYO P.O. Box 3197 Frederick, Maryland 21705 The Frederick Regional Youth Orchestra is a member of American Symphony Orchestra League. FRYO is supported in part by grants from the Maryland State Arts Council, The Frederick Arts Council and by generous community support. Copyright 2003-2011, Frederick Regional Youth Orchestra, all rights reserved.

This web site was last updated December 21, 2011.  Comments to improve the web site, suggested additions, editorial comments, contact Jon Russell.