Sarasota Orchestra Receives Grant from the Bishop Parker Foundation

February 9, 2024 – Sarasota

Sarasota Orchestra has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Bishop Parker Foundation. This substantial award will help advance Sarasota Orchestra’s mission to engage, educate and enrich the community through high-quality, live musical experiences by supporting Manatee County students’ participation in the Sarasota Youth Orchestras (SYO) program. This acclaimed education program offers a learning experience for young musicians unparalleled in our community. 

“We are honored to receive this considerable grant from the Bishop Parker Foundation,” said Sarasota Orchestra President and CEO Joseph McKenna. “Their deep commitment to Manatee County is exemplified by this generous support. We look forward to partnering with the Bishop Parker Foundation, as this gift will significantly enhance Sarasota Orchestra’s efforts to keep music and music education accessible to everyone in our community.”

Since 1959, SYO has made lasting impacts on the lives of thousands of young people from Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties. The program provides comprehensive after-school instrumental training and performance experience to young musicians at all levels. Open auditions for area students are held annually for placement in one of the eight ensembles, which range from beginner to advanced. Students progress through each level until they reach the Youth Philharmonic, the most advanced group. They master the skills and techniques of musical playing in addition to developing self-motivation, leadership and personal growth, which they carry with them for a lifetime. Grant funding from the Bishop Parker Foundation allows SYO to provide Manatee County students of all socio-economic backgrounds the means to participate in music education.

To learn more about Sarasota Orchestra’s 2023-2024 season and education programs, visit www.SarasotaOrchestra.org.