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History of the Coastal Youth Symphony of Georgia “Successful ideas have many mothers and fathers,” JoAnn Davis, secretary of the Coastal Youth Symphony, notes. “However, it was the late Anne Fuller, wife of Brunswick leader Colonel Thomas Fuller, who brought strings instruction to the Glynn County school district. Mrs. Fuller lived to see the classes begin, but died before the youth symphony became reality. Having those classes in the school system sparked community interest.”
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Elizabeth Freyer, visionary president of the Coastal Symphony of Georgia Board of Directors at the time, challenged board member Ted Davis to organize a youth symphony. Ted accepted the challenge, working with his wife, JoAnn, other board members, and the school system. Beverly Fetter stepped forward to serve as the youth orchestra manager and Lynn Fogarty was recruited to serve as the conductor. The first concert was held in December 2005 at the Glynn Academy Memorial Auditorium. Forty-two students participated, ranging from 6th graders through high school sophomores in the Glynn County school system.

Lynn Fogarty continued as the Coastal Youth Symphony conductor through the 2006-2007 season. When she stepped down, Ray Clark, band director for Jane Macon Middle School and a staunch supporter of the youth symphony, picked up the baton to serve as CYS conductor through spring 2010.

The Coastal Youth Symphony grew to include Camden and Ware counties, with home-schooled students joining students from Brunswick High School, Camden High School, Glynn Academy, Glynn Middle School, Jane Macon Middle School, Kingsland Elementary, Needwood Middle School, and St. Mary’s Elementary School. Participants range in age from 10 to 18. The Coastal Youth Symphony is privately funded by the Coastal Symphony, the Symphony Society and donations from people and organizations who believe in these students and in music as an integral part of life.

Maestro Luis Haza joined the Coastal Youth Symphony during the summer of 2010. December 12 marks his first performance as the Coastal Youth Symphony conductor and music director.

Coastal Youth Symphony of Georgia
PO Box 603

Brunswick, GA 31521

 Email Peggy Golden, President, info@coastalgeorgiayouthsymphony.org