Administrative Staff Biographies and Contact Info
Peter Hellyer
Executive Director
Peter has long been associated with the DYAO, starting in the late 90's as a percussionist and a peer mentor, and most recently as the Orchestra Manager. Peter earned a Master of Music degree in Percussion from Temple University in 2005 and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Denver in 2003. In 2002 he was recognized by the University of Denver as "The Most Outstanding Senior in Performance." Along with his duties with the DYAO, he is also a percussionist with the Fort Collins Symphony and regularly performs with the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra and Colorado Symphony. As Executive Director, Mr. Hellyer's primary responsibilities are managing the budget and finances, fundraising, developing and implementing long-range and strategic plans for the organization, working closely with the Board of Directors, managing staff, and overseeing operations.
Deborah De La Torre
Assistant Director
Deborah De La Torre, Assistant Director, joined DYAO in July 2008 and is
responsible for marketing, development, outreach, and event management. She has an MBA from Regis University in Denver, Colorado and a BA in Music
Composition from the University of Miami in Florida. In addition to her many years of work as a pianist and music instructor, she founded and operated an international art and film festival in West Michigan, receiving a Special Tribute by the Michigan State Senate in 2004 and numerous other
business awards for her efforts. Ms. De La Torre has served as an
adjudicator in film and music competitions, served on many nonprofit boards,
and collaborated in community service activities. She has worked as a
corporate recruiter, motivational speaker, marketing consultant, private
instructor and adjunct faculty member.
As Assistant Director, Ms. De La Torre's responsibilities include grant
writing, donor management, marketing, advertising sales, public relations,
ticketing, and front of house event management.
Alexander George
Orchestra Manager
Alexander George, Orchestra Manager, joined the Denver Young Artists
Orchestra Association in 2009. He is responsible for the operation of three
student orchestras, the chamber music program, and the beginning strings
program. Dr. George is also an affiliate faculty member at Metropolitan
State College of Denver, where he teaches applied horn and music theory
courses. He has performed with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. In 2007, he premiered Thom Ritter George's
Concerto for Horn with the Idaho State Civic Symphony. Dr. George was
awarded a Bachelor of Music degree from the Curtis Institute of Music, a
Master of Music degree from Duquesne University, and a Doctor of Musical
Arts degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
As the Orchestra Manager, Dr. George's primary responsibilities include
managing all operational aspects of the orchestras, chamber music program
and beginning strings program. For orchestra matters, Dr. George is your
first point of contact.
