DESTIN, FL (May 12, 2025) – Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Sinfonia Youth Orchestra (SYO) capped off its 2024–2025 season with an uplifting and memorable Spring Concert entitled “Out of This World” on Sunday, May 4, at Destin High School. The free concert series featured nearly 100 student musicians performing intergalactic-inspired music across two concerts showcasing all levels of the SYO music education programs.
Kalle Guerrero, a homeschool student and French horn player, was named the 2025 recipient of the Grace Fulcher Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to a Sinfonia Youth Orchestra senior who demonstrates exceptional leadership and service. Guerrero’s involvement spans a wide range of impactful activities including founding a homeschool co-op, mentoring peers, and supporting individuals with disabilities—all while excelling musically.
Two additional scholarships were introduced this year, each carrying a $500 award. Ava McCallister, a violinist from South Walton High School, was selected by teaching staff to receive the Exemplary Character Scholarship, which honors a student who consistently demonstrates integrity, compassion, and resilience. The inaugural Talented Musician Scholarship went to Zaki Beckler, a tuba player from Gulf Breeze High School, in recognition of his musical excellence and creativity throughout his time in the program.
The 2025 Sinfonia Youth Orchestra graduating class includes nine talented student musicians from across the region: Zaki Beckler (tuba, Gulf Breeze High School), Sheamus Drummond (percussion, Destin High School), Sage Floyd (violin/oboe, homeschool), Kalle Guerrero (French horn, homeschool), Sunny Kelley (clarinet, Destin High School), Tyler Lewis (trumpet, Crestview High School), Dalton Lester (bassoon, Baker High School), Ava McCallister (violin, South Walton High School), and Elisha Whiddon (trumpet, Baker High School).
“These students are not only talented musicians—they’re future leaders, educators, and creators,” said Sinfonia Youth Orchestra music director Margaret Gordon. “Their contributions have helped shape our ensemble and their impact will be felt long after they graduate.”
“Education is the cornerstone of Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s mission,” added Demetrius Fuller, Sinfonia Gulf Coast music & artistic director. “Honoring our seniors and awarding scholarships reflects our commitment to shaping not only great musicians but great citizens.”
Since it was established in 2007, Sinfonia Gulf Coast has served more than 220,000 children in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. SYO programs include the Symphonic Orchestra, for intermediate to advanced (All-State level) middle and high school student musicians who play strings, winds, brass, and percussion; Sinfonietta Strings, open to beginning string students; and Intermediate Strings, open to intermediate string players. SYO will open auditions for 2025-2026 in June.
For information on how to audition for the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra or to support its education initiatives, contact Margaret Gordon at mgordon@sinfoniagulfcoast.org or call (850) 460-8800.
