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 a 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.

FRYO currently provides five performance groups plus other opportunities for student members. The Symphonia, an intermediate level orchestra and the Philharmonic, an advanced level orchestra, have full instrumentation. FRYO Jazz, an ensemble with standard jazz instrumentation of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass,drum set), that performs big band music. In addition, there are two ensembles for less experienced players: the FRYO Wind Ensemble, a unique ensemble with woodwinds, brass and percussion, and the Concert Strings, a beginning string orchestra. Membership is through audition, with students having played their instruments for a minimum of one year.

Click on  Auditions  above for more information about joining our orchestras.

For information, email Auditions@fryo.org, call (240) 347-FRYO(3796), or mail your inquiries to 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, Community Foundation of Frederick County and by generous community support.