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Fort Worth Youth Orchestra Alumni Series: Laura (Dunning) Woolsey

When students learn to perform music in an ensemble, they learn the value of creative collaboration, and how to do it well. For Laura (Dunning) Woolsey, her experience with the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra (FWYO) was the beginning of a lifelong journey of creativity and innovation.


Laura played oboe and English horn in FWYO, beginning in the String Orchestra (1987-1988) before advancing to the Youth Orchestra (1990-1994). While she majored in Math and Computer Science at TCU after graduating high school, music remained at the heart of her college life. Laura performed in TCU's Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Basketball Band, and in TCU's Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Germán Gutiérrez (who would later become FWYO's Music Director!) During college, Laura began playing French horn in addition to her original instruments and now performs with countless ensembles in the Kansas City area.

"To say that music has continued to be a huge part of my life and that FWYO played a major role in developing my passion for music is an understatement!"

Laura worked as a computer programmer for many years before changing course to found Memory Forward in 2007 - a service based in Austin, TX dedicated to organizing and digitizing family and business photos and videos. Through her work, she's able to preserve precious memories for future generations.


Laura (Dunning) Woolsey traveling with FWYO
Laura (Dunning) Woolsey traveling with FWYO

Reflecting on her time with FWYO, Laura credits the experience with instilling essential life skills such as discipline, commitment, and the joy of creating something beautiful alongside others. She fondly recalls the friendships she formed through music, especially the unforgettable moments shared while traveling. She says, "The best friends in life are the ones who connect with you through creating music together, especially when traveling and experiencing novel things. Who could forget the pot of eel soup we were served for our first meal in Taiwan?!" Looking back, Laura is deeply grateful for the educators and staff who have dedicated their time to FWYO.

"It is really quite astounding how many young musicians have been through this program over its 60-year history, and the reach and impact those students have had on the world due to the skills they developed through music."

Recently, Laura joined FWYO for our 60th Anniversary Concert as a member of our Alumni Orchestra! About the experience, Laura said, "I was blown away by the talent of the young musicians sitting next to me and the quality of the ensemble as a whole. I teared up as I finished the last notes of Finlandia (a perennial favorite of my own days in the FWYO) and we all stood to acknowledge the roaring applause. It was a privilege to play under the baton of John Giordano, a man I’ve admired from the days of my older sister’s participation in YO especially knowing it might be one of his last podium appearances. I felt very lucky to be there and 100% glad I made the effort to make it work with my schedule. I’m already looking forward to the next reunion!"

"Having participated in music around the country, I hope the people of Fort Worth realize how lucky they are to have the educators, the support, and the talent they have in their community."

Are you an FWYO alum? We’d love to hear from you! Here are a few ways you can get involved:


 

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 ten programs - including four major orchestras, two wind ensembles, a jazz band, Early Childhood Music, FWYO Suzuki School, and chamber programs - 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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