For many student musicians, the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra (FWYO) is a gateway to a lifelong love of music. For Luellyn Dollard, it was also the start of her distinguished career as a professional flutist - including 21 years as a member of the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C.
Luellyn was a member of FWYO throughout her high school years (1984-1987). Since her school did not have an orchestra program, FWYO provided her first full orchestra performance experience.
"My only experiences with orchestra had been a few weekends in Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) groups. It was wonderful to have an orchestra to play in every week"
She credits FWYO with broadening her musical world, exposing her to new repertoire, and helping her develop the skills and confidence to pursue music professionally. A particularly fond memory was the 1987 international tour to England, Scotland, and Wales - her first time traveling outside the country.
Luellyn went on to earn a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from the University of North Texas, followed by a Master of Music in Flute Performance from Northwestern University. After graduate school, she performed one season with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago before auditioning for, and subsequently joining, the U.S. Navy Band in 1993. Over her two decades of service, she performed as a soloist on six national tours, was a member of the U.S. Navy Band “Windjammers” Wind Quintet, and spent her final five years as the principal flutist of the Concert Band.
"At FWYO, I got to hear and perform with amazing musicians, learn new repertoire, and develop my abilities and confidence. Our conductor was so supportive and encouraging, it made me feel like it was possible to pursue music as a career."
Though now retired, Luellyn remains active in the music community. She performs as a sub with the Austin Symphony Orchestra and plays in both a local community band and local community orchestra. She is also Vice President of the Austin Flute Society, a nonprofit that provides educational and performance opportunities for flutists and offers a scholarship lesson program.
Luellyn's story is a testament to the lasting impact of FWYO in shaping professional musicians and lifelong music advocates. Whether on a national stage or in her local community, she continues to inspire others through her artistry and dedication to the flute.
Luellyn's involvement with the FWYO didn't end in 1987! She performed in the 60th Anniversary Alumni Orchestra on February 22, 2025. About the experience, Luellyn said, "I was so glad I decided to participate in the 60th anniversary celebration! Going back to FWYO’s orchestra hall, where I rehearsed 40 years ago, brought back so many good memories. I’m looking forward to future alumni performances and hope to see even more of my old friends there next time."
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
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 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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