Thousands of years ago in ancient China, Confucius declared music as one of the six major arts discipline. Since then the Chinese people have always valued music as part of their cultural tradition and daily living. With the injection of western cultural influences into the Asian cultural tradition in the last several hundred years, many Asian, including the Asian-Americans in the United States, have studied and took a great appreciation in the study of western music.

This of course includes the Asian-American Community in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metropolitan area. With the ever-increasing number of Asian-Americans in this area, the Asian-American youths have also increased tremendously. The number of Asian Youths that took up the study of instruments are large and in a notable number. Some have also gained success and recognition in their local schools as well as in competitions. However, they were only able to play music form the western classical repertoire. In view of the lack of information and environment available to cultivate the Chinese cultural music tradition as well as music form other Asian countries for our youths, a group of music lovers, parents and concerned individuals have organized the "Dallas Asian American Youth Orchestra". Through participation in this orchestra, they wish to provide an environment for all youths, not only the Asian-American young people, in the community to display their artistry. Also, to inherit, to learn and to develop Chinese and other Asian music traditions as well as to promote these music traditions to the American Community.

On October 10, 1998 this dream became reality! A well-organized concert of professional quality was presented at the Garland Performing Arts Center. Rave reviews were everywhere, reassuring many needs for such a quality orchestra for our youths. After several months of organized reviews and meetings, the "Dallas Asian American Youth Orchestra" was formed. On December 10, 1998 the orchestra officially became a non-profit tax-exempt arts organization in the state of Texas.


With your help and support, we wish this meaningful organization will secure a solid foundation and will continue to bring music of professional quality to our community for many generations to come.