Youth Symphony of Denton Conductors
Hank Chang
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Mr. Chang, the Conductor for the Symphony Orchestra, was educated in violin and viola performance, and in orchestral conducting in Korea, Europe, and at the University of North
Texas. He has studied with many prominent musicians in each country. His musical career spans 25 years, including playing viola in symphony orchestras, teaching strings at universities, organizing international music festivals and conducting orchestras of different levels. He has recently been conducting the Ascolti Korean Chamber Orchestra in his native Korea and has worked for many years with the Sunsim Benedict Youth Orchestra. Mr. Chang very much enjoys working with students and has wanted to start a Youth Symphony in Denton since he moved back to America in 2017. He wants to share his deep love of classical music with the students of the Denton area. Mr. Chang is married to See-Eun, who is a choir director, and they have two violin playing boys, Johan and Daehan. |
Damia Cleaver
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Mrs. Cleaver has been a private instructor for the past 20 years, and has taught as a private instructor in the Denton school district for the past ten years.
As the Executive Director of the Youth Symphony, Mrs. Cleaver is the mind behind the Youth Symphony. She works in all the areas behind the scenes to make the Youth Symphony a success. She also serves as the conductor/instructor for the Preparatory/String and Beginning Orchestras. Mrs. Cleaver loves working with all students, helping them have a strong start to their musical lives. Mrs. Cleaver is a native of Denton and is married to Victor, who plays several instruments including percussion, guitar, bass, and piano. They have two grown children, Emily and Matthew. |
Rob Amberson
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Mr. Amberson serves as Conductor for the Philharmonic Orchestra and Concertmaster of the Denton Community Orchestra. He was educated in violin performance and theory at the University of North Texas, with continued studies with violinists Robert Davidovici and Igor Borodin.
Mr. Amberson has taught violin, fiddle, and viola privately over 30 years to students of all ages. He has also taught strings in group format as well as tutoring music theory and improvisation. He has performed in symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, theater orchestras, stage bands, bluegrass bands, polka bands, strolling - the more diverse the music, the better. Mr. Amberson believes a successful musician is simply "someone who plays and enjoys music", and that musical study contributes to all of life, whether it is as a professional, or as an enthusiastic amateur. Mr. Amberson and wife Karen, a piano teacher, are passionate about sharing the joy of music with students. They have three grown daughters and three grandchildren. In their free time they enjoy their gardens, chickens, many animals, crafts, and birdwatching. |
