# Lifestyle Medical Systems, Inc. --- url: https://miamigardens.com/listing/lifestyle-medical-systems-inc/ author: David published: 2025-10-20 modified: 2025-10-24 type: listing --- # South Florida Youth Symphony: Inside the Miami Nonprofit Where Generations of Musicians Got Their Start Long before they played for the U.S. Marine Band or the U.S. Army's "Pershing's Own," before they took the stage with the Miami Symphony or recorded with Frank Sinatra Jr., a generation of America's professional musicians sat in folding chairs at rehearsal somewhere in Miami, holding instruments they were still learning to master. The place a remarkable number of them got their start: the [South Florida Youth Symphony](https://sfysmusic.org/). For more than 60 years, the SFYS has been quietly building the careers of musicians who go on to perform in the country's most respected orchestras and conservatories. It's one of Miami's longest-running cultural institutions, and one of its least loud. [](https://sfysmusic.org/) South Florida Youth Symphony performing at Concerto Under the Stars. Photo via sfysmusic.org. ## A 60-Year Pipeline of Miami Musicians Founded in 1964, the South Florida Youth Symphony has trained generations of student musicians under the leadership of Executive Director Marjorie Hahn, who has been at the heart of the organization for decades. The symphony just closed its 61st anniversary season and is preparing for its next chapter. The alumni list reads like a tour of America's serious music ensembles. Richard A. Zogaib went on to play in "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band. Joe Lovinsky served as Principal French Horn for the U.S. Army's "Pershing's Own" Band for 25 years and now teaches at Shenandoah Conservatory. Anna Lampidis is a professional oboist in North Carolina and a member of the music faculty at Wake Forest University and Salem College. Giovanni Garcia has performed with the Florida Grand Opera, the Miami Symphony, and Frank Sinatra Jr. What these careers have in common isn't a single trajectory. It's a launchpad: a Miami nonprofit that gave them their first real ensemble experience. "I will never be able to adequately express my gratitude, and I would not be where I am today, without the wonderful encouragement and training received from the SFYS." Joe Lovinsky, Principal French Horn (ret.), U.S. Army's "Pershing's Own" ## What the Symphony Does Today The SFYS runs year-round programs for student musicians ages 3 through 22. Students rehearse in real ensembles, perform in public concerts, and develop the kind of discipline that translates well beyond music. Many of them, of course, go on to make music their career. The flagship program of the year is the annual [Summer Camp](https://sfysmusic.org/event/summer-camp-2026/), a four-week intensive that runs at the Pawley Creative Arts Center on Miami Dade College's North Campus. The 2026 edition starts June 22 and welcomes students from across South Florida. Tuition includes a sibling discount, and scholarships are available, including a dedicated Special Needs Scholarship Program. [](https://sfysmusic.org/event/summer-camp-2026/) SFYS students during rehearsal. Photo via sfysmusic.org. Beyond the camp, the calendar includes regular concerts, auditions for placement in seasonal ensembles, and major events. This November, the SFYS will host the [Liberty Gala: 250 Years of American Music](https://sfysmusic.org/event/liberty-gala-250-years-of-american-music/), a black-tie celebration at the Miami Shores Country Club marking America's semiquincentennial through the lens of its musical heritage. ## A Mission Built on Access The SFYS mission states it directly: the organization exists to empower student musicians "without regard to race, orientation, gender, disability, or religion." That isn't decoration on the website. It's reflected in the program design itself, which welcomes students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds across South Florida. Scholarships are available for families that need them, and the Special Needs Scholarship Program ensures students with disabilities have a clear path into the program. The organization has earned recognition for its work, including a community service award and a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Community partners like the Homestead-South Dade Kiwanis Club have supported the symphony's free summer offerings. [](https://sfysmusic.org/history/) From the symphony's 50th Anniversary celebration. Photo via sfysmusic.org. ## How to Get Involved For families with a young musician in the house, the most direct path is to [register for Summer Camp 2026](https://sfysmusic.org/payments/summer-camp/) before spots fill up. For musicians looking for year-round participation, the [programs page](https://sfysmusic.org/programs/) details ensembles by age and skill level, and seasonal auditions are open at multiple points in the year. For community members who want to support the work, the SFYS welcomes [donations](https://sfysmusic.org/donate/), sponsorships, and ticket purchases for upcoming concerts. The organization runs on a mix of tuition, grants, and individual giving, and every supporter helps another student get on stage. You can reach the South Florida Youth Symphony directly at (305) 238-2729 or visit [sfysmusic.org](https://sfysmusic.org/) for the full season schedule, faculty bios, and registration details. Looking for a summer program with real musical depth in South Florida? [Register for Summer Camp 2026](https://sfysmusic.org/event/summer-camp-2026/) For a Miami institution that's been operating for over 60 years and produced musicians who play for the President of the United States, the South Florida Youth Symphony stays remarkably grounded in its core mission: putting an instrument in a kid's hands and giving them a real ensemble to play it in. --- *Source: [Miami Gardens](https://miamigardens.com/)*