SARASOTA, Fla. (May 13, 2024) – Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, donated $2,000 to Sarasota Youth Orchestras. For more than 60 years, the program has been providing young musicians in the surrounding counties with musical instruction, performing opportunities and chances to study and perform classical music with their peers.
Thousands of young people have become better musicians through the Sarasota Youth Orchestras, and many have gone on to perform with Sarasota Orchestra or other major symphony orchestras throughout the country. Eight different youth orchestras rehearse weekly from September through April. Each ensemble performs three concerts each year, culminating in a final Spring Showcase performance.
Students progress through the program from string ensembles up through full orchestras. Auditions are held each year, and the application window has just closed for the 2024-2025 season.
Alyson Rozier is the director of education for Sarasota Orchestra. “We are so grateful to Neal Communities for supporting our program and local students,” said Rozier. “We are able to off-set tuition expenses for students through the generosity of donors and foundations, and we are thankful for the assistance in keeping the costs reasonable for families.”
Tuition for the Youth Orchestra program is $330 per student, plus a $25 application fee. The tuition is a fraction of the cost to Sarasota Orchestra per student, so donations and grants are essential to keep the program running. Sibling discounts are available, and full tuition scholarships are awarded based on family need.
With a philanthropic culture and a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” Neal Communities has given more than $8 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to the communities where they live, work and build.
For more information about Neal Communities, visit NealCommunities.com.
