Music Fest

The Florida State University College of Music proudly presents Music Fest featuring Javacya Arts Conservatory, the FAMU DRS Youth Orchestras and Dance Company, Florida Society Youth Orchestras, and Javacya Elite Chamber Orchestra in concert on May 23, 2023, at 7 pm, at the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall at Florida State University. Predominantly African American young classically trained artists, this rare showcase spotlights the home-grown talent under the tutelage of Javacya Arts Conservatory.  Some of the more noted prestigious alumni of Javacya include The Mad Violinist, Joshua Henderson of the Warp Trio, Congressman Gallop Franklin, II, thriving business genius Dominique Ard’is, Julliard alum Kayla Williams, Samantha Crawford, Hope Ward, and young composer Kenneth Hills, Jr. At 6:50, the festive evening begins with a Prelude featuring the decorated Cairo High School Chorus under the direction of Dr. Erikka Edwards, followed by Gadsden County’s own award-winning violinist Phillip Rumlin-Bond, the 15-year-old concertmaster of the Javacya Elite Chamber Orchestra. Phillip will play an excerpt from Partita in E major, BWV 1006, which is the last set of 3 Sonatas and 3 Partitas written by Bach in 1720 and Quit Dat Fool’nish, originally written for saxophone by African American Composer William Grant Still. After opening remarks, the FAMU DRS Orchestras, combined with members of the Florida Society Youth Orchestra and the Southside Orchestra program, will perform their favorite children’s repertoire. Works by Vivaldi (featuring Bryce Looney, Phillip Rumblin- Bond, Kazdn Harrison, Zion Daniels), Tchaikovsky, (also featuring Bryce Looney), a Trumpet Concerto by Arutunian featuring Julian White, ll, and special guests Darryl Tookes and Mary Bush-Smith, will be accompanied by the Javacya Elite Chamber Orchestra.  This will be a star-studded evening and a memorable night “on the town.” Understanding that many members of Javacya Elite Chamber Orchestra were once students playing their favorite children’s repertoire and have developed into advanced performers is powerful. Javacya has spent forty-three years helping children and families achieve discipline and joy that lasts for a lifetime. Young Dylan Baez, age 7, will play Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Tickets can be purchased at javacyaarts.com. Credit or debit cards only for at-the-door purchases. No cash can be accepted. The ticket office will open at 6:00 pm.