MOSAIC invites young musicians to join the 2026–2027 ensembles

Young musicians have the opportunity to become part of the 2026-2027 Youth Philharmonic ensembles. -COURTESY PHOTO

Young musicians looking to take their skills to the next level are invited to join MOSAIC at The Heights Center for the 2026–2027 season, with opportunities available for both developing and advanced student musicians.

MOSAIC (Musical Opportunities Supporting the Arts In our Community), The Heights Center’s comprehensive youth music education program, is currently accepting students for two of its ensembles: the MOSAIC Youth Philharmonic, its most advanced orchestral ensemble, and the MOSAIC Advanced String Ensemble, designed primarily for middle school musicians ready to strengthen their ensemble and performance skills.

Auditions for the MOSAIC Youth Philharmonic will be held Monday, Aug. 31, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Heights Center, 15570 Hagie Drive in Fort Myers. No audition is required for the Advanced String Ensemble, and registration is now open for the 2026–2027 season.

Together, the two ensembles provide a pathway for young musicians to grow from developing ensemble players into accomplished orchestral performers. Students receive instruction from professional musicians, teaching artists and conductors while gaining additional opportunities to rehearse, perform and collaborate with other dedicated young musicians from throughout the area.

“Our goal is to meet young musicians where they are and give them opportunities to continue growing,” said Melissa Barlow, director of arts and community programs at The Heights Center. “Whether a student is ready for the challenge of a full symphony orchestra or wants to build the skills that will prepare them for that next level, MOSAIC provides an environment where they can learn from outstanding musicians, challenge themselves and develop confidence as performers.”

Young musicians have the opportunity to become part of the 2026-2027 Youth Philharmonic ensembles. -COURTESY PHOTO

Young musicians have the opportunity to become part of the 2026-2027 Youth Philharmonic ensembles. -COURTESY PHOTO

The MOSAIC Youth Philharmonic offers advanced students the experience of performing in a full symphony orchestra. Musicians rehearse and perform challenging orchestral repertoire under the direction of experienced conductors and alongside other accomplished young musicians. Students interested in the Youth Philharmonic must audition for placement.

The MOSAIC Advanced String Ensemble provides an opportunity primarily for middle school string musicians who are ready to move beyond beginning ensemble work and further develop their technique, musicianship and performance skills. The ensemble also serves as a natural bridge for students who may eventually be ready to audition for the Youth Philharmonic. No audition is required.

Both programs are designed to complement and enhance students’ participation in their school music programs. MOSAIC values the work of Lee County music educators and provides students with additional instruction and performance experiences that reinforce the skills they are developing at school.

In The KNOW:

2026–2027 MOSAIC Enrollment Information:

MOSAIC Youth Philharmonic Auditions

MOSAIC Advanced String Ensemble

About The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center

COURTESY IMAGE

Harlem Heights is a low-income community in south Fort Myers, Florida.   The Heights Foundation’s mission is to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, promotes education and wellness, nurtures family and community development, and provides the benefits of enrichment and the arts.

Heights Early Learning serves more than 85 babies through 4 years old.   The Heights Center serves 150 children in AfterSchool and over 150 kids in Summer Camp.    The Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 200 children from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 79% Hispanic, 15% African-American, and 6% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 50% below the county average. As a result, families cannot easily access family support services in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs within the neighborhood.