The USF College of Design, Art & Performance and The Florida Orchestra have formed a new partnership to elevate music education, inspire artistic expression and strengthen community engagement.
As part of the collaboration, the USF Symphony Orchestra, which is composed of 70 undergraduate and graduate students, will work directly with two internationally acclaimed conductors from Florida鈥檚 largest professional orchestra. and will serve as artists-in-residence at USF, providing students professional-level ensemble experiences that will help shape them as musicians and prepare them for future success.
鈥淣ot only does this initiative strengthen mentorship and raise performance standards for both institutions, it also provides a space where learning, artistry and inspiration coalesce to create lasting bonds between the university, the orchestra and the community we serve,鈥� said Chris Garvin, dean of USF College of Design, Art & Performance.
Francis and Gallo will conduct the USF Symphony Orchestra in a series of free performances at the USF School of Music鈥檚 Peter and Cynthia Zinober Concert Hall. Additionally, students have the opportunity to work side-by-side with TFO musicians and attend masterclasses led by internationally renowned guest artists.
For Kellie Mccann, an oboe player and fourth-year student double majoring in industrial engineering and music studies, the orchestra鈥檚 mix of disciplines reflects how music builds community. 鈥淓veryone contributes their own sound and background, but the goal is always something greater than ourselves,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a level of communication and trust that happens without words. When it all locks in, it鈥檚 one of the most rewarding feelings you can experience as a musician.鈥�
The partnership reaches far beyond music to expand the student experience. Music becomes a bridge between the orchestra and fields like engineering and sciences to foster collaboration across disciplines. Upcoming initiatives will include innovative projects that bring students and faculty together from diverse areas of study, along with new works and commissions inspired by diverse themes.
鈥淭he Florida Orchestra is passionate about connecting everyone in Tampa Bay to our beautiful music,鈥� Francis said. 鈥淐reating this new, expansive partnership with the 黑料老司机 allows us an unprecedented opportunity to both share our expertise with the next generation and to learn from these marvelously talented young musicians. This fantastic partnership reflects the very heart of our mission throughout Tampa Bay: to inspire and educate through the unifying power and beauty of music. I am grateful to everyone at USF and TFO who worked hard to bring us all together for this one-of-a-kind partnership.鈥�
"This collaboration with USF is part of our mission to encourage life-long musical learning,鈥� Gallo said. 鈥淕etting to make music with USF鈥檚 student musicians has been an absolute joy. Their talent, curiosity and eagerness to explore new ideas bring such vibrant energy to every rehearsal. It鈥檚 truly inspiring to watch them grow into their own voices and to imagine together what the future of orchestral music might sound like."
鈥淭here are few human experiences that can compare to performing in an orchestra,鈥� said Oliver Cole, a cello player and master鈥檚 student in music performance. 鈥淵ou become part of something much bigger than yourself working under maestros who鈥檝e led world-renowned orchestras. At first, my initial reaction was one of nervousness and anxiety; but that feeling faded into that of higher expectations for myself and the orchestra.鈥�
Raul Marcano, a clarinetist and second-year master鈥檚 student in performance, echoed that sentiment. 鈥淲orking with Michael Francis and Chelsea Gallo has pushed us to elevate our preparation and approach to orchestral rehearsal. They鈥檝e set a high bar, and the group has really responded to that challenge.鈥�
The USF Symphony Orchestra will perform next on Nov. 20. The series is free and open to the public, with advance reservation required. Additional free performances are scheduled for March 5 and April 30. This underscores the College鈥檚 ongoing commitment to making the arts accessible to the entire Tampa Bay community.
USF Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Chelsea Gallo
Thursday, November 20, 7:30 pm, Peter and Cynthia Zinober Concert Hall, USF Tampa
As part of the partnership, USF Students can receive complimentary tickets to The Florida Orchestra performances including its concerts on the USF Tampa and St. Petersburg campuses. Public tickets are also available for purchase.
*Available while supplies last.
About the College of Design, Art & Performance
As the creative center of the 黑料老司机, the College of Design, Art & Performance provides an enriched, creative, and professional environment for tomorrow鈥檚 leaders in architecture, design, art, art history, dance, music, and theatre. The college embraces opportunities to embed new and existing arts programming in the rapidly growing regional communities, serving as an integral engine for socioeconomic progress through its research, advocacy, and engagement.
About the School of Music
The USF School of Music in the College of Design, Art & Performance is a leader for innovation and transformation. The curricula are forward-thinking and focused on the needs of students, embedded in the College and one of the most artistically active areas in Florida. There are many incentives that attract music students to USF, including distinguished faculty, splendid ensembles that perform regularly at state, regional and national music events, an innovative and forward looking music education program, an exceptional jazz studies program, a commercial music program that is focused the music of today, and an environment that boasts a wide range of excellent cultural activities.
The Florida Orchestra鈥檚 mission is to INSPIRE | EDUCATE | UNITE through the power of music. Celebrating our 58th season in 2025-26, The Florida Orchestra is the largest professional orchestra in the state and the only arts organization that bridges the bay. TFO is home to 70 full-time professional musicians and conductors, under the artistic leadership of internationally acclaimed Music Director Michael Francis. Each season, the orchestra performs more than 100 concerts in venues throughout Tampa Bay, including a wide range of classical, popular, film and family-friendly music, as well as performances with global stars. TFO programs bring the transformative power of music to schools, youth and senior centers, to underserved areas and to those who would not have such opportunities otherwise. Through concerts and education/community programs combined, TFO serves more than 150,000 residents each year 鈥� nearly half through free or low-cost programs. For tickets and information: . The Florida Orchestra is a non-profit 501(c)3 EIN: 59-1223691 CH#1830.