The Fort Worth Youth Orchestra (FWYO) is proud to highlight the incredible journeys of our alumni, especially when those alumni are staff members! Many young musicians dream of a career in the arts, but performing isn't the only way to make an impact. David Warren is a clarinetist whose passion for music led him to a career in performing arts management.
David was a member of the Youth Orchestra from 2002-2005. After earning degrees in Clarinet Performance from the Eastman School of Music (BM) and Texas Christian University (MM), he performed professionally in orchestras, chamber ensembles, and as a soloist. He also taught private lessons to students ranging from beginners to college-level musicians. As his career developed, he was drawn to the production and administrative side of the performing arts. Now in his ninth season as the Director of Artistic Operations at FWYO, David plays a vital role in making music happen - giving today's musicians the same transformative experiences that he had years ago.
"As a member of FWYO, I first experienced the power of a symphony orchestra from within. This broadened my appreciation for the complexities of music, spurred my pursuit of artistry, and laid the groundwork for my career on the production side of the performing arts."
From coordinating rehearsals to managing logistics for concerts and tours, arts managers like David ensure that musicians can focus on what they do best - making music.
Arts management plays a crucial role in sustaining the cultural institutions that enrich our communities. It requires creativity, problem-solving, and a deep love for the arts. David's experience as a musician allows him to approach his work with a unique perspective, understanding both the artistic and organizational sides of music making. One of his favorite FWYO memories was the 2004 tour to Central Europe. Now, he's helping shape those experiences for the next generation.
"Creatively collaborating with others toward a common goal is powerful, and when the product is music, it can be deeply moving."
David is a perfect example of how a passion for music can evolve into a meaningful career and lifelong engagement in the performing arts. We are grateful to have him as part of our team!
Are you an FWYO alum? We’d love to hear from you! Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Register as an alumni at https://www.fwyo.org/alumni
Join us in the 60th Anniversary Alumni Orchestra on Feb. 22, 2025 at TCU. Tickets available here closer to the date.
Have a great story or experience to share in a feature like this? Shoot us a message at alumni@fwyo.org!
Interested in serving in a leadership capacity or volunteering? Fill out this survey and get in touch with us by sending an email to alumni@fwyo.org!
About FWYO:
Celebrating 60 years of extraordinary music education during the 2024-2025 season, the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra has won local, national, and international recognition as one of the finest youth orchestra programs in the United States. Through eight programs - including four major orchestras, two Wind Ensemble's, FWYO Suzuki School, Chamber Programs, and Jazz - the FWYO delivers high quality musical instruction to nearly 500 students ranging in age from four to eighteen years, and represents communities throughout North Texas.
Founded by a community group headed by Betty Utter and under the direction of conductors Ezra Rachlin and John Giordano, the FWYO was founded to promote and inspire the continuing development of musical talent in qualified area youth through intensive education in classical orchestral rooted music and performance. The programs offers students the opportunity to further develop their talent as well as their leadership skills, self-discipline, confidence, and pride in personal achievement. Many of the nearly 20,000 alumni of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra program have gone on to become members of major symphony orchestras, music educators, or leaders in their fields.
The Orchestra's accomplishments include international concert tours in Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the Far East; music festivals in Switzerland and Washington, D.C.; and numerous other concert appearances across Texas and the Southwest. Its most recent tour in 2024 was to Spain with performances in Barcelona, Valencia, and Cullera. The Youth Orchestra has also been honored to perform with artists such as Van Cliburn, Jose Feghali, Yakov Kasman, Tamàs Ungàr, and John Owings, and composers Morton Gould and Samuel Adler. In 2021, the FWYO also received 2nd in the Youth Orchestra Division of the prestigious American Prize and 3rd place in the 2024 American Prize. The Wind Ensemble also won 1st place in the American Prize Youth Band division in 2024.
Under the leadership of Music Director Dr. Germán Gutiérrez since 2000 and Executive Director Andrew Reynolds since 2021, the FWYO has become one of North Texas’ most prestigious performing arts organizations. In addition to its educational programs, the FWYO owns and operates historic Orchestra Hall in Foster Park that has been home to numerous performing arts organizations since 1975.
Press Inquiries: Lauren Arie - larie@fwyo.org / 817-923-3121 x18
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