The mission of the Youth Symphony of Denton is to offer an exceptional musical experience to students in Denton and the surrounding areas, providing opportunities for artistic growth and development through the performance of standard orchestral repertoire. We aim to deepen students' musical understanding as they progress through the various ensembles, fostering both technical skill and artistic expression. Our program welcomes musicians of all levels, from beginner to advanced, in a supportive and enriching environment.
History
Hyunseok (Hank) Chang and Damia Cleaver first met while teaching private lessons at a local middle school. During a break, they struck up a conversation and discovered a shared vision of establishing a Youth Orchestra in Denton. After discussing and planning their idea, they began searching for a venue to hold rehearsals. The First United Methodist Church of Denton, with its established Fine Arts program, generously offered to host the orchestra and include it in their community initiatives. An informational meeting for parents was held, attracting approximately 40 families, which led to the formation of two orchestral ensembles. Auditions were held, and the students were placed into the Preparatory Orchestra (18 students) and the Symphony Orchestra (31 students). The inaugural concert took place on November 2, 2019.
Following the third concert of that season, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted in-person gatherings, and the orchestra shifted to online meetings for the remainder of the season. This challenge prompted the decision to operate independently in the following year. The organization established a Board of Directors, secured 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, and has since grown to serve over 90 students across four distinct ensembles.
Students in the top orchestra have performed major works by composers such as Beethoven, Dvořák, Ravel, Respighi, Vivaldi, Bach, Brahms, Sibelius, Saint-Saëns, Vaughan Williams, Schubert, and others. The program offers annual summer camps, collaborating with distinguished clinicians from the Dallas, Fort Worth, and Richardson Symphonies, as well as faculty from UNT and TWU. A new chamber music program was launched in 2024, and students have enjoyed regular field trips to Dallas Symphony Orchestra performances.
Currently, rehearsals take place at Schultz Elementary and in the Music Building at the University of North Texas. In the summer of 2023, the orchestra had the honor of traveling to South Korea, where they performed with the Daegu International Youth Orchestra at the renowned Suseong Artpia. In 2025, the orchestra toured London and Paris, further enriching its cultural exchange and performance opportunities.
The orchestra has made remarkable strides since its inception, and its founders are eager to see what the future holds.
Following the third concert of that season, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted in-person gatherings, and the orchestra shifted to online meetings for the remainder of the season. This challenge prompted the decision to operate independently in the following year. The organization established a Board of Directors, secured 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, and has since grown to serve over 90 students across four distinct ensembles.
Students in the top orchestra have performed major works by composers such as Beethoven, Dvořák, Ravel, Respighi, Vivaldi, Bach, Brahms, Sibelius, Saint-Saëns, Vaughan Williams, Schubert, and others. The program offers annual summer camps, collaborating with distinguished clinicians from the Dallas, Fort Worth, and Richardson Symphonies, as well as faculty from UNT and TWU. A new chamber music program was launched in 2024, and students have enjoyed regular field trips to Dallas Symphony Orchestra performances.
Currently, rehearsals take place at Schultz Elementary and in the Music Building at the University of North Texas. In the summer of 2023, the orchestra had the honor of traveling to South Korea, where they performed with the Daegu International Youth Orchestra at the renowned Suseong Artpia. In 2025, the orchestra toured London and Paris, further enriching its cultural exchange and performance opportunities.
The orchestra has made remarkable strides since its inception, and its founders are eager to see what the future holds.
|
“Music, especially classical music, are the letters from God, which God delivered to the great geniuses. Every time I read the letters, I find different meanings. I hope I can share this with the young musicians” |