“When music and the human spirit connect, the lives of mankind and womankind are enriched.”
Our Beginning
The Dr. Francis G. Bulber Youth Orchestra, known as FGBYO, has been committed to providing unique opportunities for music study to school-aged students in the Lake Area since our humble beginnings in 1994. What began as a small group of violinists participating in the Governor’s Program for Gifted Children has grown and expanded into a multifaceted organization with several distinct programs. These programs include the Petite Sinfonietta (Beginner), the Concert String Orchestra (Intermediate) , the Pat Chaffin String Ensemble (Travel), and the Symphonic Youth Orchestra (Advanced). We also have a growing classical guitar program, percussion program, and hold the annual Midsummer Music Madness summer camp. Our longevity has allowed graduates of the orchestra to now return as interns and instructors.
Our Program
Exceptional instructors are at the heart of our organization. At FGBYO, students learn from musicians with years of playing and teaching experience. Our instructional staff includes music educators from Calcasieu Parish schools, current music instructors, and future music instructors serving under master teachers. Our interns gain invaluable knowledge and experience that prepares them for future instruction.
With regular semester classes, as well as a two-week summer program, students interested in violin, viola, cello, string bass, and classical guitar can hone their skills through classroom instruction and performances. Students at every skill level are welcomed to the program and challenged to move further along their musical journey.
FGBYO works in concert in with the McNeese State University W.A. and Dorothy Hanna Department of Performing Arts, who provide our rehearsal and concert facilities, as well as interns. McNeese State University, with FGBYO, is the only site in Louisiana with National String Project Consortium accreditation. The NSPC is designed to address the critical shortage of string teachers by offering assistantships to undergraduate string education majors and string study opportunities for children. Our students come from all over the surrounding five-parish area to meet twice weekly for instruction. Our members include public, private, and home school students from 8 years old to high school graduation.
“Orchestra rocks!”
— Gemma Cambell, FGBYO Alumnus and Intern
Our Mission
When music and the human spirit connect, the lives of mankind and womankind are enriched. It is the mission of the Dr. Francis G. Bulber Youth Orchestra, founded in August of 1994, to teach about great music and its role in human history as well as to teach applied music by providing education and performance experiences in an orchestra environment.
Our Goals
To foster the growth of a musically literate population
To facilitate teamwork
To develop thinking skills that promote analysis, synthesis, and integration
To develop listening skills
To allow students to develop leadership abilities
To provide success-oriented performance opportunities
To encourage the development of self-discipline and self-motivation
Community Outreach
FGBYO maintains a strong relationship with the Lake Area community. The Pat Chaffin String Ensemble is our outreach arm. Throughout the year, ensemble members perform at many community events and gatherings. Past involvement includes Gallery Promenade, Spring Art Walk, Holiday Art Market, community ribbon cutting, and numerous assisted living facilities.
We are funded through grants administered by the Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana, the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, the City of Lake Charles, and the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau. We also receive generous donations from local businesses and private donors.
