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Tuesday, 02 December 2025
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Written by Sheila D. Barker
This December, musicians from across the region will gather onstage for one of the most anticipated youth arts events of the season—the Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra’s Winter Concert, presented Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. inside Huff Concert Hall at Methodist University, 140 Robert Johnson Dr.
The performance will showcase the remarkable talent and dedication of young musicians across five ensembles: the FSYO String Orchestra, FSYO Concert Band, FSYO Chamber Strings, FSYO Cello Choir, and the String Sinfonietta. More than just an afternoon of inspiring music, this concert is a celebration of growth, artistry, and the power of youth in the arts.
Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the door.
For students, families, and lovers of live classical music, this concert offers a unique glimpse into the heart of the Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra —a program designed to enrich music education and provide young musicians with opportunities to share their artistry with the community. Unlike a single orchestra, FSYO is comprised of five ensemble groups, each tailored to different age groups, instruments, and experience levels. Through weekly rehearsals, sectional work, guest instruction, and live performance opportunities, students develop not only in musicianship but also in leadership, discipline, and collaborative artistry.
Participating in FSYO extends a musician’s training far beyond private lessons or school ensembles. Students learn to perform as members of a team, listening, blending, supporting one another, and rising to musical challenges together. With rehearsals held weekly for each ensemble, students refine their technique, deepen their musical interpretation, and gain valuable experience in preparation for public concerts such as this winter's performance.
The Winter Concert highlights each ensemble’s unique sound, from the soaring harmonies of the String Orchestra to the bold vibrance of the Concert Band. Chamber Strings will bring intricate, expressive repertoire to the evening, while the Cello Choir offers a rare opportunity to hear the rich, warm timbre of an all-cello ensemble. Rounding out the lineup, the String Sinfonietta—designed for younger and developing musicians—will show how FSYO cultivates talent from an early stage, preparing students to advance into the more challenging ensembles over time.
These ensembles are guided by an exceptional roster of artistic leaders. Youth Orchestra director Miss Kristin Stiteler, a lifelong educator and accomplished performer, brings more than 26 years of experience teaching orchestra and band. Her musical background spans violin, jazz saxophone, mandolin, and more—expertise she brings directly to the next generation of musicians.
Alongside her is Dr. Daniel McCloud, Youth Band director—an active conductor, percussionist, composer, and educator. His work with FSYO extends beyond directing the Concert Band; he also assists with the organization’s flagship orchestra and composes for ensembles nationwide. His passion for musicianship and performance strengthens the program’s foundations in technique, ensemble playing, and musical excellence.
Also central to the FSYO experience are Mrs. Laurel Wachtler, director of String Sinfonietta, and Mrs. Barbara Shipp, director of the Cello Choir. Both musicians bring decades of professional performance and teaching experience to the program, along with a shared commitment to nurturing young string players. Their mentorship helps early musicians grow into confident, capable performers ready to advance into higher-level ensembles such as Chamber Strings and Youth Orchestra.
With this concert marking the culmination of a semester’s work, FSYO is now preparing to welcome new musicians. Registration for Spring 2026 is open, with auditions scheduled for January 11 and 15, 2026. Students aged 7–21 are invited to audition for placement, and tuition covers participation in all ensembles a student qualifies for. Financial aid is available for those in need, affirming FSYO’s mission to make music education accessible to all. For more information on the FSYO’s program and the auditions for the new season, visit https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/youth-orchestra/.
On Dec. 14, audiences will witness not only a performance but the remarkable journey of young artists learning, striving, and creating something beautiful together. Join the community in celebrating their achievements as the Youth Orchestra’s Winter Concert fills the hall with holiday warmth, passion, and symphonic sound.
(Photos courtesy of Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra)
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Tuesday, 02 December 2025
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Written by Anna White
Do you have a favorite Disney character? Maybe it’s courageous Elsa from Frozen, faithful and spirited Woody from Toy Story, or perhaps fun-loving Mickey Mouse. The new Disney on Ice Presents Jump In! features a lineup of over 50 beloved Disney characters ready to warm your heart and sweep you into a journey of classic Disney stories. The lineup of characters, which includes several brand-new additions, might include your favorite!
Portrayed by world-class figure skaters and high-flying aerial acrobats, the characters begin their journey with a tap on the Magical MousePad; an imaginary iPad used by Mickey Mouse and friends. The MousePad is only the beginning of a dazzling evening through familiar stories such as Frozen, Encanto, Zootopia, Toy Story, and, most recently, newly added characters from Moana 2 and Inside Out 2.
According to a press release, the performance will take viewers on a “magical adventure with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy as they use the Magical MousePad to journey to the heart of these unforgettable Disney tales.”
Attendees will “Navigate the thrilling high seas of Moana 2 and the vibrant world of Inside Out 2…Help Stitch fix a glitch as mayhem ensues across the ice, stroll the bustling metropolis of Zootopia, glide through the icy realms of Frozen, marvel at the playful universe of Toy Story, and travel to the vibrant world of Colombia with the Madrigal family in Encanto.”
Glamour-lovers will be swept off their feet watching the princess parade with Ariel, Jasmine, Rapunzel and Tiana.
Despite Disney on Ice Presents Jump In! being in its first season, the cast is already deeply connected to their characters and invested in making the show unforgettable. Andrew Austin, who plays Christof, and Katrina Lopez, who plays Jasmine, are both figure skaters who described the cast as a “family” and raved about the joy of connecting with both the characters they play and the audience they perform for.
“Being able to portray Christof’s essence is one of my favorite things to do,” Austin shared. “I remember watching Frozen when it came out, and Christof was my favorite character. It’s a character that I’ve connected with pretty deeply.”
Having played Christof for the last several years, he feels like he knows him personally and loves “seeing the little kids faces light up” when Christof appears on stage.
Austin says attendees’ volume so far this season indicates that the show is resonating with them.
“We’ve had some really loud crowds,” he explained. “They are really loving it.”
The holiday and singalong portions of the show are a particular hit. A singalong with Olaf and classic tunes like Jingle Bells elicits the Christmas spirit.
“With this show, audience participation is really encouraged,” said Austin, adding that during one singalong, a performer hands a random audience member a microphone. “Someone in the audience gets put on the spot,” he said with a chuckle. Singalongs include “Let it Go” from Frozen, “Try Everything” from Zootopia, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto, “Get Lost” from Moana 2, and many more.
Katrina Lopez, who plays Jasmine, has been skating since she was 3 years old. Now in her 8th season with Disney on Ice, she says when she first joined, it wasn’t a dream.
“I was just trying to figure out what to do with my life,” she explained. With time, she found it was the “perfect combination” of things she enjoys.
“I was a Disney fanatic growing up,” she shared. “It’s extremely fulfilling for me, just growing up and watching these iconic characters and always dreaming that I want to be a princess and go on all these adventures that these characters go on. It’s really amazing to be able to do that on the ice and then share that experience with the audience.”
She makes a special effort to spot small fans dressed as Jasmine in the audience.
“I think it's really touching to be able to see the vulnerability in the kids and just how much is ahead of them,” she explained. “We try our best to get as close to the audience as possible. It’s really fun for us as well.”
While performers bring to life old and new Disney characters, they also enchant the audience with stunning acrobatics and special effects.
“Because it’s a brand new show, everyone is really excited to see it,” Lopez shared. “We not only have Disney on the ice, but also in the air because a lot of our performers are performing acrobatics.” She said the acrobatics are a crowd favorite. Her personal favorite special effect is in the new Moana 2 segment. “We get some fire on the ice in that segment,” Lopez explained. “When I got a chance to see it for the first time, I was in shock and awe. I have to say that is my favorite special effect.”
A variety of family-friendly ticket prices are available, some including special opportunities to meet characters. Purchasing a “Follow the Stars with Moana” Character Experience ticket means visitors can “meet Moana while hearing tales of her latest adventure, plus enjoy a special appearance by Mickey Mouse.” Character Experience ticket-holders can also bring personal devices to capture special photo memories.
Though they are constantly performing in new locations and interacting with audiences across the world, Austin and Lopez see a universal appreciation for the show.
“There’s a through line of family, connectedness, finding strength within yourself, and finding love within yourself,” Austin shared. “It doesn’t matter if we’re here in the States or over in Europe or in Asia, these are things that everyone can relate to.”
“I think a foundation for everyone [who attends the show] is just loving Disney characters,” Lopez shared. “So no matter where you are in the world, all those characters will be on the ice, and it is so special that we get to bring that to people.”
Disney on Ice Presents Jump In! Will show Dec. 11, 12, 13 and 14 at the Crown Coliseum. For showtimes and tickets, visit https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/disney-on-ice-2 or contact the Crown box office at 910-438 – 4100.
(Photos-Top: Donald Duck, Mickey, Minnie and Goofy kick off the newest Disney on Ice show: Jump In! Bottom: Cast members portray characters from Disney's Moana 2. Photos courtesy of Teresa Franze)
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The sounds of the holiday season will ring through Huff Concert Hall, 5400 Ramsey St., at Methodist University as the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and Cumberland Choral Arts join forces for their annual performance of George Frideric Handel's magnificent oratorio, Messiah. 