Welcome Meryl Gunter, Senior Manager of Institutional Giving

Fort Worth Youth Orchestra is pleased to welcome Meryl Gunter as Senior Manager of Institutional Giving, bringing more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership, fundraising, consulting and organizational development experience—and a personal connection to FWYO and its mission.

Meryl is no stranger to the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra. She was an FWYO parent when her son participated in the orchestra during high school, an

experience she remembers as an important part of his growth as a young musician and

of their family's life. With three now-adult children who are or have been musicians,

music and the arts have long held a special place in her family.

"Having experienced FWYO first as a parent, I know the impact an organization like this can have—not only on a young musician, but on an entire family. I'm excited to help build the resources and partnerships that will make those experiences possible for the current generation of musicians." - Meryl Gunter

Professionally, Meryl has spent much of her career helping North Texas nonprofits,

schools and community organizations find the resources they need to fulfill their

missions. She has contributed to securing more than $120 million in grants and

contracts from government agencies, foundations and corporate partners. Most

recently, she served as Director of Advancement for Clayton Youth Enrichment, where

she led institutional fundraising, strategic partnerships, marketing and communications.

Her previous experience includes grant and leadership roles with SafeHaven of Tarrant

County, Big Thought and Fort Worth ISD, as well as consulting with more than 50

nonprofit and faith-based organizations.

“Meryl's extensive experience in fundraising, together with her deep connection to young people and the arts, will be a tremendous asset as we continue expanding FWYO’s reach and impact. We look forward to all that her leadership will make possible for young musicians across Fort Worth.” - Andrew Reynolds, Executive Director

Joining FWYO brings together several threads of Meryl's life: her professional

experience in fundraising and nonprofit strategy, her commitment to young people, her

love of the arts, and her own family's experience with the FWYO.

Outside of work, Meryl enjoys creating art, traveling, exploring new places and spending

time with her three adult children and a household that includes two dogs and a cat.

Please join us in welcoming Meryl back to the FWYO family!

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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, representing 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 offer 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, located in Foster Park, which has been home to numerous performing arts organizations since 1975.

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