During the 2008-2009 season, the FSO has had the privilege of serving our military in multiple ways to include: free concerts at Pope AFB and Fort Bragg, representing Fayetteville at past and future BRAC Relocation Fairs, extending our educational programs to Ft. Bragg Schools, and working with the FACVB to record “Historically Patriotic”, a CD of patriotic favorites performed by the FSO.  It is a goal of the FSO to continue to cultivate a strong relationship with our area’s servicemen and women in appreciation for all they do for our community and country. 

Military Appreciation Concert – Pope AFB, NC – May 9, 2009
An estimated 250 people gathered on the field across from the Wing Commander’s Headquarters for an afternoon of complementary entertainment by The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, May 9, 2009.  FSO Conductor, Fouad Fakhouri, treated the audience to a lively selection of pops, classical and traditional patriotic favorites.  This event was a part of Fayetteville's 31 Days of Glory, a month long celebration of Memorial Day during the month of May. 

Special thanks to our sponsors Tom Keith & Associates, Fayetteville Area New Car & Truck Dealers Association, Moore Exposure and Coldwell Banker Commercial United Realty who made this concert possible.

Operation Celebrate Freedom VII – Fort Bragg, NC – July 4, 2009
FSO was the closing act for this afternoon of musical tribute for our nation's birthday! Activities included Country National Recording Artists Julianne Hough and Jason Michael Carroll, a freefall demonstration by the Golden Nights Parachute Team, Ft. Bragg’s popular flag ceremony, fireworks, food and beverages. FSO performed a variety of patriotic pieces as well as the 1812 Overture for a crowd of about 45,000 people!

BRAC RTF Relocation Fair, September 2008 and September 2009 – Ft. McPherson, GA
Last year, the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra had the opportunity to perform at the BRAC Relocation fair at Ft. McPherson, GA.  The purpose of the fair is to welcome the families who are relocating to Ft. Bragg and the surrounding counties, and provide information for a smooth transition to North Carolina.  This year we have been asked again to perform.  A string quartet will be entertaining the future residents of the area and representing Fayetteville with pride. 

Education Programs
This year, the Fayetteville Symphony was able to take our Education Program into the military school systems on Fort Bragg.  Classroom instruction of instruments and classical music was held at McNair Elementary School.  Also, a FSO quartet brought their instruments to life for a group of about 90 elementary students at Throckmorton Library in April.  

Historically Patriotic
In July, 2009 Historically Patriotic – A Patriotic Recording by the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra was released.  The CD, produced by the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, is a compilation of patriotic favorites performed by the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra including “Lafayette”, an original composition of Maestro Fouad Fakhouri, Fayetteville Symphony’s Music Director/Conductor.  The CD was partially funded by a grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County to help promote cultural tourism in the region.  CD’s are available only through the FACVB for $10 each.  http://www.visitfayettevillenc.com/