It's meant a lot to me. I've been in it for three years now and it's a big part of my life. It's definitely helped me grow as a musician and prepare me for playing music once I'm out of high school. Getting to play in a full orchestra is such a fun and unique experience that I've been blessed to be able to have. It's boosted my confidence as a player, letting me play better and stronger.

DYAO has given me a space to learn beautiful music alongside amazing musicians that I would normally not get to work with regularly. I have learned so much from this amazing experience, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this orchestra.

DYAO has meant a lot to me the past two years. Joining the orchestra has given me the chance to experience some of the best repertoire alongside incredibly talented musicians. Additionally, I believe that DYAO has done a great part in uplifting me and has inspired my passion for equity in classical music! DYAO has fostered my development as a musician and has set me up in a direction to pursue music to the highest level that I can.

DYAO fostered my love for music, given me some of my closest friends, and helped me create so many lasting memories. It is so special to get to be apart of a group where everyone is putting in 100% effort all the time and striving to achieve a high level of musicianship. It pushes me to be the best version of myself, which reflects even outside of music. I am truly grateful for all that DYAO has done for me.

DYAO has been such an important part of my musical experience in high school and I’m so thankful that I’ve been a part of their programs. From concerts with the Colorado Symphony to playing Beethoven 9 last season, to meeting all of the incredible people and musicians in DYAO, it’s been amazing to be exposed to such high level symphonic music at the start of my musical career.

DYAO has given me the opportunity to practice music that interests and challenges me. Even though I have only been in DYAO for one year, I feel that I have experienced significant growth as a musician through my time in the orchestra. Being able to perform with such talented musicians on a weekly basis helped me realize that I want to pursue a music major in college. I also found an excellent community in my section that made every rehearsal enjoyable. Go double bassists!

Playing in DYAO has been the most significant musical growth period of my life and the program has taught me the most about music out of any I've been in.

DYAO is a powerful and exceptional community of driven young musicians who collaborate in pursuit of a beautiful collective goal. My favorite thing about youth orchestras is the excitement that comes with playing orchestral masterpieces for the first time— and playing them well! That creates an unmatchable stage energy which never fails to invigorate my love of music and performance.