Eighty-one graduating seniors earn more than $3 million in college scholarships. As the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra closes another remarkable season, we are proud to celebrate our graduating Class of 2026—81 talented young musicians whose dedication, leadership, and achievements have left a lasting mark on our organization. Collectively, this year's graduates have earned more than $3 million in college scholarships and will continue their education at universities across the c

Mrs. Mercedes T. Bass joined fellow arts patrons, community leaders, and supporters of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra (FWYO) for an evening of music and celebration at the FWYO's Finale Concert & Celebration honoring founding conductor John Giordano on May 3, 2026. Presented by Mrs. Mercedes T. Bass and Mollie & Garland Lasater, the event brought together many familiar faces from Fort Worth's arts and philanthropic communities to celebrate Giordano's extraordinary legacy and

May 3 concert at TCU features Giordano conducting Youth Orchestra in special tribute appearance. April 20, 2026 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FORT WORTH, TX — The Fort Worth Youth Orchestra (FWYO) will honor Maestro John Giordano at its Finale Celebration on May 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM at Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU. A founding conductor of the FWYO (previously known as the Youth Orchestra of Greater Fort Worth), Giordano played a defining role in shaping the organization’s early id

For a young musician, stepping forward as a soloist is both thrilling and terrifying. It means standing alone with your instrument and relying on months (or perhaps years) of preparation. This year, the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra's Concerto Competition gave students the opportunity to show their courage, artistry, and growth. Across two competitions — the Young Artists Competition for Youth Orchestra members, and the Young Performers Competition for Philharmonic Orchestra mem

Fort Worth, TX — February 2026 — The Fort Worth Youth Orchestra (FWYO) is proud to celebrate 35 students who have earned placement in a Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State ensemble, one of the highest honors available to student musicians in the state of Texas. These students represent FWYO at the 2026 TMEA Convention, February 11–14, joining peers from across Texas for rehearsals and performances at the highest level of youth music-making. Each year, more tha

November 17, 2025 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FORT WORTH, TX — Celebrate the season with the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra (FWYO)! From timeless classics to joyful collaborations, our young musicians spread warmth and wonder across North Texas. Explore our lineup of holiday performances below and make the FWYO part of your festive traditions. FREE! Holiday Jazz at the Square December 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM – Sundance Square Kick off the season’s festivities with FWYO’s Jazz Band perfor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Fort Worth, TX - November 11, 2025 The Fort Worth Youth Orchestra (FWYO) will host its second annual Jazz for Toys for Tots Benefit Concert on Saturday, December 6 at 7:30pm at TCU’s Van Cliburn Concert Hall. This event will bring together young artists, professional jazz musicians, and the U.S. Marine Corps in a celebration of service, community, and holiday spirit. The event is free with a new, unwrapped toy donation, and reservations are required. FWY

Betty Utter FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Fort Worth, TX - November 7, 2025 The Fort Worth Youth Orchestra (FWYO) proudly joins the national arts community in celebrating Betty Utter, co-founder of the FWYO, as the League of American Orchestras announces the creation of the Betty Utter Community Impact Award . The new national honor recognizes the visionary behind the League’s Youth Orchestra Division and co-founder of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra, whose belief in the power of yo

September 25, 2025 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FORT WORTH, TX — The Fort Worth Youth Orchestra proudly announces its 2025–2026 season,...

Victoria Saucedo Victoria Saucedo's journey as a bassoonist in the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra (FWYO) began with something simple but...

Each year, the FWYO Parents' Guild honors graduating seniors through a scholarship program that celebrates not just musical achievement,...

Each fall, more than 70,000 high school musicians across Texas undergo a highly competitive audition process through the Texas Music...

We're thrilled to welcome Jennifer Martin as the new conductor of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra's Junior String Orchestra (JSO)...

The skills Oscar Animas honed through years of orchestral training - focus, problem-solving, and high standards - are the same ones...

Amanda Musser with the JSO For 15 years, Amanda Musser has led the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra's Junior String Orchestra (JSO) - inspiring...

Looking for a way to keep your student engaged this summer? Join us at Orchestra Hall for FWYO’s Suzuki Summer offerings—tailored to meet...

When students learn to perform music in an ensemble, they learn the value of creative collaboration, and how to do it well. For Laura...

For many student musicians, the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra (FWYO) is a gateway to a lifelong love of music. For Luellyn Dollard, it was...

January 28, 2025 - For Immediate Release FORT WORTH, TX - The Fort Worth Youth Orchestra (FWYO), a cornerstone of Fort Worth’s cultural...

David Warren - Director of Artistic Operations The Fort Worth Youth Orchestra (FWYO) is proud to highlight the incredible journeys of our...