On behalf of DYAO’s Board of Directors, conductors, and staff, I hope this finds each of you safe and healthy. The world around us has clearly changed in the last few weeks and we all find ourselves in uncharted waters. We acknowledge the upheaval to everyone’s lives and our hearts go out to those who are struggling.
Here at DYAO, we are working hard to address the short term needs and impact that COVID-19 is having on our educational programs and the community. In order to comply with CDC and local government regulations, we need to extend our programming suspension through the end of our regular season. This means both of our spring concerts will, unfortunately, be canceled. Our orchestra rehearsals and our upcoming gala will continue online with an adjusted format.
We will be communicating this week with our students and families about an online programming format during our regular rehearsal times. Our conductors, guests from the Colorado Symphony, and staff are working to put together musician development sessions on topics like effective practice techniques, audition preparation, and much more.
Our employees are safe and working remotely. Email is the best way to reach us (individual staff email addresses can be found on our website; otherwise use info@dyao.org). Our team will do their best to answer questions and continue providing high-level service to our patrons. We simply ask for grace and understanding during this time, as responses might take longer.
We remain focused on the future and ensuring that DYAO continues to be a source of opportunity for Colorado’s young musicians. As of now, our 2020-21 auditions will continue as planned. If we need to move the auditions to a virtual format, we will communicate with everyone involved. Next season’s plans are well underway with exciting concerts and projects such as our plan to open our Season of Unity with Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.
In the coming days and weeks, we will share additional music resources and uplifting links on our social media channels. Our hope is to continue using music to create community. Music has the power to uplift, heal, and unite.
This is an unprecedented time, but the DYAO family is strong and we will navigate this together. Thanks to all of you, we know that DYAO will always play its part in our community. We are ever grateful for your continued support which is more important now than ever.
May you and your family stay in good health and we look forward to gathering again!
Sincerely,
Kelly Waltrip, Executive Director
