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Fort Worth Youth Orchestra Alumni Series: Victoria Saucedo

Victoria Saucedo
Victoria Saucedo

Victoria Saucedo's journey as a bassoonist in the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra (FWYO) began with something simple but powerful: access. As a member of the FWYO's Philharmonic Orchestra from 2017-2019, Victoria experienced the benefits of opportunity, mentorship, and music education, developing the skills that would prepare her for life beyond the stage. With the help of FWYO's financial aid fund and college readiness program, she gained the confidence to navigate the college application process and set her sights on a future in law.


For Victoria, access started with support. She received financial aid for the full cost of her tuition each year she participated in the FWYO, which she says made it possible to stay involved in music without placing a financial burden on her family. She also took part in the FWYO's college readiness program, which connected her with a writing consultant and advisor who helped her workshop and refine her college essays. These two areas of support opened the door for Victoria to attend Texas Christian University, where she earned a bachelor's degree with a major in Political Science and a minor in Philosophy. Today, she's a law student at UNT Dallas College of Law.

"Being part of a high-level ensemble taught me that with consistency and preparation, I could rise to meet any challenge. That mindset has carried over into law school, especially when preparing for difficult exams."
Victoria as a high school student, performing on her bassoon.
Victoria as a high school student, performing on her bassoon.

Victoria is quick to credit her conductor at the time, Nick Nixon, with helping shape her confidence. Victoria says that even during stressful rehearsals, he never lost patience and always believed in what they were capable of achieving. That kind of mentorship, she says, helped build her confidence not only as a musician, but also as a student navigating bigger goals.


Like many high school students, Victoria had moments of uncertainty about her academic future. FWYO provided something steady—rehearsals, community, and the shared pursuit of musical excellence. The demands of FWYO also taught her time management: rehearsals required discipline, and so did schoolwork and test prep. But having structured time commitments helped her stay organized, plan ahead, prioritize, and build in time to reflect and reset.

"What I gained [from the FWYO] was discipline, collaboration, confidence, and exposure to high expectations."

Though Victoria no longer plays the bassoon, the experiences of the FWYO still echo in her life today. Performing in the orchestra helped her stay composed under pressure, think critically in real time, and collaborate with people from different backgrounds—skills that still serve her today. Even without pursuing music professionally, she carries the habits and lessons from the FWYO into her life as a law student.

"Organizations like the FWYO build soft skills that are crucial in any field, especially law, where working under pressure and delivering strong performances matter just as much as they do on stage."

Victoria's story is a reminder that music education is critical in helping young people discover their potential, prepare for future success, and carry those lessons into every arena of life. From bassoonist to law student, Victoria proves that the investments made in students today help shape the leaders of tomorrow.


Are you an FWYO alum? We’d love to hear from you! Here are a few ways you can get involved:

About FWYO:

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Celebrating 60 years of extraordinary music education during the 2024-2025 season, the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra has won local, national, and international recognition as one of the finest youth orchestra programs in the United States. Through ten programs - including four major orchestras, two wind ensembles, a jazz band, Early Childhood Music, FWYO Suzuki School, and chamber programs - the FWYO delivers high quality musical instruction to nearly 500 students ranging in age from four to eighteen years, and represents communities throughout North Texas.


Founded by a community group headed by Betty Utter and under the direction of conductors Ezra Rachlin and John Giordano, the FWYO was founded to promote and inspire the continuing development of musical talent in qualified area youth through intensive education in classical orchestral rooted music and performance. The programs offers students the opportunity to further develop their talent as well as their leadership skills, self-discipline, confidence, and pride in personal achievement. Many of the nearly 20,000 alumni of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra program have gone on to become members of major symphony orchestras, music educators, or leaders in their fields.


The Orchestra's accomplishments include international concert tours in Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the Far East; music festivals in Switzerland and Washington, D.C.; and numerous other concert appearances across Texas and the Southwest. Its most recent tour in 2024 was to Spain with performances in Barcelona, Valencia, and Cullera. The Youth Orchestra has also been honored to perform with artists such as Van Cliburn, Jose Feghali, Yakov Kasman, Tamàs Ungàr, and John Owings, and composers Morton Gould and Samuel Adler. In 2021, the FWYO also received 2nd in the Youth Orchestra Division of the prestigious American Prize and 3rd place in the 2024 American Prize. The Wind Ensemble also won 1st place in the American Prize Youth Band division in 2024.


Under the leadership of Music Director Dr. Germán Gutiérrez since 2000 and Executive Director Andrew Reynolds since 2021, the FWYO has become one of North Texas’ most prestigious performing arts organizations. In addition to its educational programs, the FWYO owns and operates historic Orchestra Hall in Foster Park that has been home to numerous performing arts organizations since 1975.


Press Inquiries: Lauren Arie - larie@fwyo.org / 817-923-3121 x18

 
 
 

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