Osceola County performing arts school orchestra to play at Carnegie Hall

Directors say they're also planning to do an east coast tour

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The Osceola County School for the Arts symphony orchestra is preparing for a big performance this summer. The group has been invited to perform at the Viennese Masters Orchestra Invitational at Carnegie Hall this June.

Students are excited for the opportunity.

"I can't even describe it. I can't even fathom what it's going to be like,” senior Daniel Casteo said. “I've never been to Carnegie Hall before, but I'm so excited to perform there.”

The orchestra is co-directed by Justin Cusick and Rueff Frazao. The two say opportunities like this come around when students put in hard work and focus.

"You know what gets you to Carnegie Hall is practice, practice, practice," Frazao said.

The group is raising money to help cover the cost of the trip. Their goal is $120,000. The funds are expected to cover the travel costs for 71 students and their instruments, eight chaperones and four directors. Frazao says the orchestra is doing an entire East Coast tour, stopping in Washington, D.C.

"It's not only a musical journey, but a cultural one," Frazao said. "I have a huge debate with our other director, Mr. Cusick, about Chicago and New York pizza. But these kids will understand. They'll see the way."

Cusick added many of the students do not have extra financial resources to fund this experience, but their talent and dedication is unlike any he's seen in musicians this young.

"We're free as directors to literally shoot for the moon, and we know that they're going to go and try to catch it."

The Osceola County School for the Arts is an audition based public school. If you'd like to help the orchestra get to Carnegie Hall, you can donate here.
 


About the Author:

Julie Broughton's career in Central Florida has spanned more than 14 years, starting with News 6 as a meteorologist and now anchoring newscasts.

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