Denver Young Artists Orchestra Association

A nonprofit organization

$30,777 raised by 53 donors

51% complete

$60,000 Goal

For 47 years, DYAO has nurtured the talents of the Rocky Mountain region's finest young musicians as an integral part of their musical education. As an educational and artistic affiliate of the Colorado Symphony, DYAO transforms the lives of young musicians by giving them the inspiration, support, and skills to be tomorrow's great musicians and leaders. In 2024 the organization is diversifying its programs in a variety of ways:

Demographics
1% Black/African-American
9% Hispanic/Latinx
29% Asian/Indian/Pacific Islander
47% White/Caucasian
14% Multiple Ethnicities

DYAO Musicians and families collectively speak 12 different languages. They come from 11 Colorado counties and 85 different schools. 32% of our members come from household incomes of less than $100,000.

More Fast Facts
- 18% of DYAO musicians receive tuition assistance scholarships 
- 16% of DYAO musicians receive additional financial assistance for private lesson, concert attire, instrument repair/rental, and rehearsal transportation costs through DYAO's Musical Pathways Initiative
- 50% of DYAO concert attendees use a free ticket to attend.
- 90% of In-School "Tune Up" students receive free programming including access to string instruments and group lessons



Giving Activity

Mission

The mission of DYAO is to expose young musicians and audiences to the joy and beauty of symphonic music, pursuing excellence through exceptional orchestral training, unique & diverse performance opportunities, and new pathways to symphonic experiences.

Ultimately, we seek to cultivate the next generation of musicians who will reimagine the future of symphonic music in our community.

Background Statement

DYAO was founded in 1977 under the auspices of the Denver Symphony Orchestra (now the Colorado Symphony) as a means for Colorado's most talented young musicians to rehearse and perform together under demanding professional standards. For nearly 30 years DYAO consisted of a single, 80 piece, pre-professional level orchestra along with several chamber ensembles and outreach programs. In 2005 the Board of Directors implemented a strategic plan to begin training additional students in high quality orchestral performance. Since 2005, DYAO has expanded with the addition of two training orchestras and four group violin classes at local elementary schools. Last season, DYAO served more than 250 young musicians through its combined efforts.

Although DYAO structures its programs to mirror the expectations of professional orchestras, it understands that only a small percentage of its students will pursue a career in music. Students who graduate from any of DYAO's orchestras learn skills through music that enriches their lives no matter what career path is chosen. These lessons include teamwork, dedication, mental focus, personal responsibility, and how individual pieces work together to make a larger whole.

Current Programs: DYAO is comprised of four large ensembles and several introductory in-school programs

- Young Artists Orchestra, Colorado's most advanced youth symphony orchestra consisting of approximately 90 members, performing at a pre-professional level. Students in this orchestra range in age from 12 to 23.

- Conservatory Orchestra, with members ages 10 through 18, which rehearses and performs intermediate and advanced orchestral works preparing students for membership in DYAO and beyond.

- Allegro Strings, new in the 24-25 Season, Allegro Strings is for intermediate string students, preparing them for more advanced orchestral literature and ensemble playing techniques.

- String Ensemble, in which young string players ages 7 through 13 explore string orchestra literature and develop their ensemble-playing skills.

- "Tune-Up" Group Strings Classes: The Group Strings Classes, currently present at Beach Court Elementary, Charles Burrell, and Jewell Elementary, instruct students as young as six how to play the violin.

DYAO's orchestra membership is typically between 200-250 students from 90 schools and universities. 95% of members come predominantly from the major Denver area counties including Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson. Each year a few musicians travel long distances to participate, some from as far as Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and as far as Steamboat Springs and other mountain communities.

DYAO performs regularly in Colorado's finest concert halls including Boettcher Concert Hall, Gates Concert Hall (University of Denver, Macky Auditorium (University of Colorado, Boulder), and the Lakewood Cultural Center. Every three or four years DYAO travels internationally, and in June 2019, DYAO traveled to Prague, Salzburg, and Vienna. DYAO students regularly collaborate with professional musicians through coaching sessions and concert soloists. Recent guest artists and collaborators include Central City Opera, Artistico Dance, Edward W Hardy, and Seoyoen Min. DYAO is also the only youth orchestra honored with an annual Side-by-Side concert with the Colorado Symphony, in which DYAO members perform alongside professional Symphony musicians.

DYAO is an artistic affiliate of the Colorado Symphony.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Denver Young Artists Orchestra Association

other names

DYAO

Year Established

1979

Tax id (EIN)

84-0809348

Category

Arts, Culture & Humanities

Organization Size

Medium Organization

Address

1245 Champa Street
Denver, CO 80204

Service areas

Denver County, CO, US

Arapahoe County, CO, US

Adams County, CO, US

Jefferson County, CO, US

Douglas County, CO, US

Phone

303-433-2420

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