FWYO Celebrates 35 TMEA All-State Musicians at 2026 Convention

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 than 70,000 Texas students participate in the rigorous TMEA audition process. Musicians advance through multiple rounds of competition, performing challenging, standardized excerpts for expert panels of judges. Only a small percentage ultimately earn chairs in TMEA’s elite All-State ensembles, which are nationally recognized for their exceptional musical standards and artistry.

This year’s results underscore the extraordinary dedication, discipline, and talent of FWYO students, as well as the vital support of their families, school directors, and private teachers. Earning a place in an All-State ensemble is not only a personal milestone for each student, but also a testament to the strength of the students' training and artistic community.

FWYO is also proud to celebrate alumnus Alejandro Gómez Guillén, who returns to the TMEA stage this year as conductor of the All-State Philharmonic Orchestra. Alejandro is a former member of FWYO (2000–2002) and previously served as Concertmaster of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra. He later returned during the 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 seasons to conduct Side-by-Side concerts while serving as Associate Conductor of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. His presence on the podium represents a powerful full-circle moment for FWYO and an inspiring example for today’s students.

“We are incredibly proud of our All-State musicians and of Alejandro’s leadership on this prestigious stage,” said FWYO leadership. “These accomplishments reflect years of hard work and a deep commitment to musical excellence.”

FWYO extends heartfelt congratulations to all 35 All-State musicians for representing both the organization and the Fort Worth community with distinction at this year’s convention.

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Attending TMEA?

Be sure to visit FWYO at our booth in the Exhibit Hall to learn more about our programs, connect with staff and alumni, and celebrate the students who continue to set the standard for excellence.

Ways you can help our students continue to thrive:

• Make a gift today to support our mission to bring in top instructors, provide state of the art performance opportunities, and care for our beloved home at Orchestra Hall!

• Interested in volunteering or serving in a leadership capacity? Let us know by sending an email to info@fwyo.org

• Are you an alum? Register now at https://www.fwyo.org/alumni to stay connected.

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About FWYO:

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