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North Palm Youth Symphony
The North Palm Youth Symphony is a 501(c)3 educational organization dedicated to providing students a world class string education and orchestral experience in an inclusive, positive and nurturing environment.
"We are multiracial, multicultural, multiethnic. Inclusivity is what we are. We take young artists in where they are and elevate them from there. We uplift our students through rich, vibrant and positive instruction. If a child has the desire to learn, our door is open."
- Victor Fernandez
Victor Fernandez, Artistic Director
Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Victor Fernandez came to the United States in 1995. He holds four degrees, a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance, Bachelor's degree in Music Education, Master's degree in Music Education from Florida State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from American College of Education. He previously served as orchestra director at Leon High School and Raa Middle School, conductor for the Tallahassee Youth Orchestra program, orchestra director at Booker Middle School, conductor of the Sarasota Youth Symphony Orchestra, orchestra director at The Conservatory School and music teacher at Beacon Cove Intermediate. Presently Mr. Fernandez serves as artistic director for the North Palm Youth Symphony.
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He has served and been actively involved with the Florida Music Education Association board and the Florida Orchestra Association board as district chairperson and All-State orchestra coordinator. In 2012, Mr. Fernandez was honored with being selected as Sarasota County’s Teacher of the Year. In 2016, he was honored with being selected as Palm Beach County’s Hispanic Teacher of the Year by the Palm Beach Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. In 2017, he was honored with being selected as a Dwyer Award winner for Palm Beach County Schools. In December of 2020, he was chosen as the Palm Beach Symphony’s Instrumental Music Teacher of the Year. Most recently, Mr. Fernandez has been chosen as Beacon Cove’s Teacher Of the Year, North Regions' Teacher Of the Year and North regional Finalist for Palm Beach County School's District-wide Teacher Of the Year award (October, 2021). Most recently, Mr. Fernandez has been chosen as Beacon Cove’s Teacher Of the Year, North Regions' Teacher Of the Year and North regional Finalist for Palm Beach County School's District-wide Teacher Of the Year award (October, 2021).
He is an active performer on violin and viola, frequently serving as guest conductor and clinician for All-County orchestra events throughout the state of Florida. In addition to being an active performer, Mr. Fernandez has contributed a number of teaching articles to the Florida Music Director magazine.
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Profoundly influenced by Venezuela's El Sistema philosophy and the teachings of the former Dr. Jose Antonio Abreu, Mr. Fernandez is an ardent supporter of the arts. As a community organizer, Mr. Fernandez spearheaded the relaunch of All-County Orchestra in 2017 with his colleagues after a 40 year hiatus, giving hundreds of students across Palm Beach County rich performing and growth opportunities. In order to support and enrich student lives, Mr. Fernandez has built strong community partnerships with the Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach, the Palm Beach Symphony, Young Singers of the Palm Beaches, and others. Through the wonderful outreach work of CMSPB, Mr. Fernandez and his middle school orchestra both performed and listened to the Escher Quartet, the Miro Quartet, the Dover Quartet, the Harlem Quartet, The Ehnes Quartet, PMP Alumn, the Hermes Quartet, Ms. Jennifer Koh, Mr. Arnaud Sussmann, Mr. Colin Carr, Ms. Carol Wincenc, Mr. Orion Weiss, Mr. Clive Greensmith, Ms. Cynthia Phelps, Mrs. Toby Perlman and Mr. Itzhak Perlman.
With 33 years of string playing experience and 16 years of orchestral experience building string programs and teaching grades K-12 in Florida Public Schools , Mr. Fernandez is uniquely positioned to lead the North Palm Youth Symphony, and work with young musicians in a positive, encouraging and nurturing ensemble environment while leading rigorous, active and engaging rehearsals.
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Click here to view Mr. Fernandez's Cultural Council for Palm Beach County's Artist Profile.
