Central Florida Community Arts is a non-profit 501(c)(3) Musical Arts organization that believes every artist of every age should have a cultural platform to connect, serve, & perform!
Mission
Central Florida Community Arts creates a cultural platform where every person can join an artistic family and connect, serve and perform to advance the arts in Central Florida.
Connect, Serve, & Perform
We strive to tie everything we do into one or more of our three main purposes: connecting, serving, and performing.
Connect – Connecting is about building relationships. We aim to create a family that allows people to use their talents and abilities – to be able to sing, play instruments and perform together, all while building lasting connections.
Serve - Our heartbeat is serve and to give back to the community. To do this, we partner with local non profits and charities and perform at their fundraisers or for the clients they serve, at no cost.
Perform – Members of our Choir, Orchestra and Children & Youth Arts programs all have the opportunity to perform in seasonal productions. We also offer music lessons, workshops and classes at our School of Performing Arts, and thereby equip local artists to do what they do, even better!
History
After years of music making, the founders of Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts), Joshua Vickery and Jonathan Cole, came to the realization that Central Florida does not offer many cultural platforms for EVERY musician to use his or her talent. Therefore, in September of 2010, they decided to begin the journey of creating an incredible community arts program. They began reaching out to influential people in the Central Florida area and every one of them responded with overwhelming support – thus, Central Florida Community Arts was born. Since then, many people have been working hard to make this dream become a reality – the organization was molded into a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity and a Board of Directors and a team of staff members were both developed.
Success in the new venture came early – after a successful Kick Off in February 2011, CFCArts performed their inaugural concert to over 1,200 people in May of 2011, with a choir of over 130 singers and an orchestra of over 35 players. That choir has since reached 275 members and their last concert reached nearly 3,200 patrons. CFCArts now also has a 70-piece community orchestra, 80 kids registered in their program for school-age children, and a pro-level vocal group called Legacy!, that acts as the organization’s vocal ambassadors to the community. CFCArts has served over 40 non-profit community organizations by performing at their fundraisers or for their clients at no cost, and hosted a musical summer camp program for nearly 100 children, half of which were from local foster care programs, homeless shelters and the Boys & Girls Club – those underprivileged youths were enrolled for free, in order to introduce them to the arts. Most recently, CFCArts has opened a School for Performing Arts in order to offer affordable lessons and workshops in applied arts to Central Floridians of all ages.
CFCArts’ success continues, they are confident about their vision and look forward to the future.
Meet the Team
Joshua earned a B.A. Degree in General Education/Music at Palm Beach Atlantic University and has been a Worship Pastor, Fine Arts Director, and Executive Director of Central Florida Christmas Celebration. He has lead adult and youth choirs and orchestras with memberships exceeding 250 and has been a producer, director, and vocal coach in many of his ministry and educational roles. He is a member of the Young Nonprofit Professional Network and a Member Partner of Visit Orlando. He is currently employed as a casting director with Walt Disney Entertainment.
DeAnne has a background in purchasing, telecommunications, and project management as a defense contractor. She has been an educator for traditional and honors students and currently works as an educational therapist for The Master’s Academy. DeAnne has a B.A. in English from Florida Atlantic University and a M.A. in Human Resources from Rollins College.
Katherine received her degree in elementary education and taught music and theater at The First Academy and began a upper school theater program at Orlando Christian Prep. She has directed over 40 shows including Oklahoma, Annie, Aladdin and Cinderella. Katherine has also been a performer and trainer coordinator at Walt Disney World.
Sharon holds a B.S. degree in Occupational Therapy and was an OT for 23 years, primarily as a Staff Therapist in Home Health and Psychiatry, as well as a Rehab Manager in an Outpatient Rehabilitation setting. The skills she gleaned from that career include interpersonal human relations, structure & organization, creative writing and problem solving, all of which have served her well during her tenure at CFCArts.
Michelle is a fifth generation Floridian who has spent most of her life immersed in the arts. She started dancing at the age of 2 and singing and playing the flute at the age of 9. She was a member of the University of Central Florida Marching Knights for four years and is currently is finishing a degree in Event Management at UCF.
Rob has been a member of the professional artist community of Central Florida for over 10 years, during which time he has performed, created, and directed intimate atmosphere shows for local theme parks, as well as spectacle stage productions for large audiences. Rob is currently a performer and creative consultant for Odd-O-T’s Entertainment, and an Entertainment Show Quality Specialist for Walt Disney World.
With a degree in Music Education and a focus on Instrumental Conducting, Justin has taught music at all levels, directed marching bands, conducted choirs and orchestras, and served as the Director of Music and Fine Arts for a large United Methodist Church in Pennsylvania. Originally from Pittsburg, PA, Justin currently works as an Entertainment Manager at Walt Disney World.
Nathan works in Walt Disney World entertainment, where he is a stage manager at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He spent the previous 6 years at Magic Kingdom, where he managed a variety of entertainment offerings from parades to shows to special events. He also works as a Lead Entertainment Manager with Walt Disney Creative Entertainment on many special events.
Lauren is a junior at the University of Central Florida, majoring in Psychology and intending to minor in Marketing. She danced for twelve years, and was in her Advanced Drama theater group in high school. Lauren has a great appreciation for the arts and hopes to be more involved in them again in the future.
Anne Marie spent her youth in Virginia and attended George Mason University, where she studied English before moving to Florida 10 years ago. As a child she studied cello and piano, and found her love of voice in middle school. Her passion for music is perhaps only surpassed by her pride for her family.
Nikki graduated with Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees and then taught Middle and High School choirs for 8 years. She currently works at Walt Disney World as a casting director at the American Idol Experience and by teaching choral workshops, and performs with the Frog Choir at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Nikki is also the worship leader at Renew, a church in Ocoee FL.
Jana began playing piano at age 3 and was tested for perfect pitch when she was 5. She studied piano and theory at MacPhail Conservatory. The child of a Minister, Jana grew up playing and singing in churches, and as an adult served for many years as Music Minister in several churches in Florida. Jana currently works full time for a consulting company, and enjoys music as a sideline.
A Native Floridian, Brandon began singing and playing piano at a young age. He was a member of the Bach Festival Children’s Choir. He directed his first choir at age 15 and has continued to direct choirs and ensembles since. He was an All-State Musician in 2003 and graduated from Seminole State College, where he studied Music. He currently works in Entertainment at Walt Disney World.
Jacob has been a professional actor/singer/dancer for over 15 years, and teaches voice and conducts locally in his spare time. He has worked as a singer/actor with some of Central Florida’s best ensembles and theaters, including the Orlando Philharmonic. Jacob was the assistant director for Mad Cow Theatre’s production of MACBETH, assistant director for THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Garden Theatre, and holds a degree in instrumental music education from Auburn University with a concentration in wind band conducting.
Playing since age 6, Gale studied piano for 11 years from private teachers and at Cadek Conservatory Chattanooga. She started accompanying high schools choirs and ensembles when she was in ninth grade and has served as church accompanist at South Seminole Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN, and First Baptist Oviedo, FL. Gale works full time at Siemens Energy, Inc.
John is a current Graduate Student at UCF, earning his Master of Arts in Choral Conducting. John earned his Bachelor of Music in Pipe Organ Performance from the Florida State University. He is the current Music Director at Atonement Lutheran Church in Orlando and was recently hired as an accompanist for the Theater Department at UCF.
Kyle Mattingly graduated from UCF with a B.A. in music performance and then worked with the UCF Conservatory Theatre as a staff accompanist. He was a director of music for a church for several years – writing, arranging and directing amateur and professional musicians and singers. He currently works as a musician at Walt Disney World and as a freelance performer, arranger and director.
Melanie has been singing in church and school choirs for many years. She has extensive knowledge and experience in childhood education through her involvement in summer camps and work in a day care center. Melanie believes in encouraging children to explore the arts so they can develop and obtain the tools and confidence needed to succeed in any area they love.
Kelli grew up with a strong music background, received B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from Oklahoma State in 2003, and is an advocate for music in schools. She has been working with CFCArts since March 2011 and was on the inaugural staff for their Children/Youth Arts program. Credits include Ragtime-A Tribute, Annie, Jr., Spirit of the Season, and Once Upon a Vacation.
Monica Carlile has been in the Orlando entertainment scene since 2000. She has worked in all of the theme parks, Capone’s Dinner Theater, Arabian Nights and for numerous corporate events in several different roles. Monica absolutely loves this organization and the chance to choreograph for the community’s children.
Michael Dombrow has taught, directed, and composed for schools and theatres throughout the Washington, DC area for the past 12 years. He is currently a Casting Director for The American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and is very excited to be a part of the Central Florida Community Arts family.
Brittany, along with her twin sister, has been in the dance studio, with her mother as their dance teacher, since age 3. She grew up participating in dance competitions, St. Charles Dance Company, and the St. Louis Muny. She had had had the privilege to dance for Andy Williams, Six Flags St. Louis, and Princess Cruise Lines.
A graduate of the University of Mobile with a degree in Musical Theatre, Jordan is an accomplished singer, dancer and actor. He has been in multiple productions as a performer, as well as part of the staging and choreography teams. He has performed at the White House, at local theme parks and on cruise ships. He currently teaches voice, dance and acting at Next Generation Kids.
Brenda is an elementary music specialist with Orange County Public Schools. She holds both her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Music Education from the University of Florida where she focused primarily on choral education and vocal performance. She began with CFCArts singing in the adult choir and this is her first season working with the children’s group.
Matthew is a Florida native and a graduate of the UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. He spends his days working with the talented team over at The American Idol Experience at Walt Disney World. CFCArts has brought Matthew back to his love of being “behind the scenes,” both as a stage manager and a technician.
John holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theatre from the University of Central Florida and a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Mississippi. He is currently an Entertainment Manager at Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort.
A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2006 (B.A. Theater), Sean pursued his career goals with the Walt Disney Company immediately thereafter. Today, as an Entertainment Manager at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, CFCArts provides Sean the opportunity to continue his passion for the stage outside of work.
Rob has been a member of the professional artist community of Central Florida for over 10 years, during which time he has performed, created, and directed intimate atmosphere shows for local theme parks, as well as spectacle stage productions for large audiences. Rob is currently a performer and creative consultant for Odd-O-T’s Entertainment, and an Entertainment Show Quality Specialist for Walt Disney World.
Nathan works in Walt Disney World entertainment, where he is a stage manager at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He spent the previous 6 years at Magic Kingdom, where he managed a variety of entertainment offerings from parades to shows to special events. He also works as a Lead Entertainment Manager with Walt Disney Creative Entertainment on many special events.
A graduate of the University of Mobile with a degree in Musical Theatre, Jordan is an accomplished singer, dancer and actor. He has been in multiple productions as a performer, as well as part of the staging and choreography teams. He has performed at the White House, at local theme parks and on cruise ships. He currently teaches voice, dance and acting at Next Generation Kids.
Nikki graduated with Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees and then taught Middle and High School choirs for 8 years. She currently works at Walt Disney World as a casting director at the American Idol Experience and by teaching choral workshops, and performs with the Frog Choir at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Nikki is also the worship leader at Renew, a church in Ocoee FL.
Mark is currently a Producer for the American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Prior to Disney, he was the Assistant Artistic Director for Seaside Music Theater. Mark holds a BA in Speech Communication and an MFA degree in Musical Theater, and is a proud member of Actors Equity Association.
Jonathan Cole is the co-founder of Central Florida Community Arts and is currently working on his Master’s Degree in Worship Arts from Liberty University. He grew up in the Central Florida area with a passion and love for the arts that started at a young age, while learning to play piano. He is grateful to be a part of an incredible organization such as Central Florida Community Arts.
DeAnne has a background in purchasing, telecommunications, and project management as a defense contractor. She has been an educator for traditional and honors students and currently works as an educational therapist for The Master’s Academy. DeAnne has a B.A. in English from Florida Atlantic University and a M.A. in Human Resources from Rollins College.
Chad is a Certified Financial Planner, and partner of Integrated Wealth Solutions of Raymond James in Orlando. His passion for music began at the age of 10 when he took his first drum lesson, and has been playing ever since. He enjoys playing drums for his church, as well as drums and percussion for the performances of the Central Florida Community Choir.
Lesley has 15 years background in executive management. She is President of Greenslade Group, serving nonprofit organizations with business development and fundraising. Lesley attended Moorhead State University for Business Administration and has a Certificate of Nonprofit Management from Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business.
Patrick is an attorney for the State of Florida and the Federal Middle District of Florida. A graduate of Seton Hall Law, he concentrated in the field of intellectual property and has been very involved in copyright, trademark, and entertainment law – his work in these fields in particular have prepared him for work with Central Florida Community Arts.
Rob has been a member of the professional artist community of Central Florida for over 10 years, during which time he has performed, created, and directed intimate atmosphere shows for local theme parks, as well as spectacle stage productions for large audiences. Rob is currently a performer and creative consultant for Odd-O-T’s Entertainment, and an Entertainment Show Quality Specialist for Walt Disney World.
Sarah Mattingly has been on staff at Northland, A Church Distributed since 1998 and among many hats she wears there, she serves as their Director of Events. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Organizational Communication. A native Central Floridian, Sarah has a love for this community and is excited to watch the arts flourish!
Joshua earned a B.A. Degree in General Education/Music at Palm Beach Atlantic University and has been a Worship Pastor, Fine Arts Director, and Executive Director of Central Florida Christmas Celebration. He has lead adult and youth choirs and orchestras with memberships exceeding 250 and has been a producer, director, and vocal coach in many of his ministry and educational roles. He is a member of the Young Nonprofit Professional Network and a Member Partner of Visit Orlando. He is currently employed as a casting director with Walt Disney Entertainment.
Julie Castañer is the co-owner of Castañer Insurance Agency with her husband, Carlos. She has worked in the insurance industry for over 25 years. This experience is what she brings to the board at Central Florida Community Arts, but her passion of singing and love of the arts is what drives her to get involved.
Mark is currently a Producer for the American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Prior to Disney, he was the Assistant Artistic Director for Seaside Music Theater. Mark holds a BA in Speech Communication and an MFA degree in Musical Theater, and is a proud member of Actors Equity Association.
Mary is President of The Recchia Group, a strategic marketing consulting practice. She previously held marketing leadership roles with The Walt Disney Company, RKO Broadcasting & the March of Dimes. She has held volunteer roles at Heart of Florida United Way, Adult Literacy League, & has been Past Chair of Orlando Regional Small Business Chamber of Commerce & of the Orange County Board of Zoning Adjustment.