The Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra is thrilled to announce that Caroline Kohl, Managing Director of Dallas’ Kohl Foundation, will be the inaugural honoree for the organization’s Alumni of Note Award, which was established to honor GDYO alumni who have made significant contributions to the North Texas arts community.
The Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra was founded in 1972 by a group of parents, educators and musicians who valued music education and the outcomes it could provide, with a mission to provide music education and performance opportunities for youth with demonstrated musical ability. Now entering its 47th season, GDYO has grown to serve over 465 talented young musicians, performing in two full orchestras, three string orchestras, a wind ensemble, a flute choir and a jazz combo and a jazz orchestra. GDYO musicians socialize with a diverse group of highly talented peers from over 50 communities in the Metroplex, as well as interacting with professionals from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Winds, the Dallas Opera and multiple other local music ensembles.
Kohl’s connection to GDYO began in 1991, when she participated as a young violinist in GDYO’s Dallas String Ensemble. As she continued to explore new musical and professional avenues, her passion for symphonic music, and desire to provide training and education for the next generation of young musicians continued to grow. Through her role with The Kohl Foundation, she has been an influential contributor to the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, providing more than $50,000 of support.
“It is an honor to be recognized as the first Alumni of Note, and I am pleased to be able to support the mission of GDYO. Music has always played a significant role in my life, and I feel there is an importance to continuing the tradition of symphonic music and high quality music education for generations to come.”
Kohl holds a Master’s of Philanthropy from Indiana University. In addition to her musical endeavors she spends time volunteering, recently completing more than a dozen years of volunteer work at the Dallas Museum of Art, and on the board of the Dallas Arboretum through the Junior League of Dallas (JLD). Currently, she sits on the Board of Governors for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Board of Directors for TACA – The Arts Community Alliance of Dallas. She continues to play and enjoy classical music and more, collaborating frequently through songwriting and voice with her husband Daniel, a classical and electric guitarist.
The Alumni of Note announcement and presentation will take place at the GDYO Alumni Reception and Homecoming Concert on Sunday, October 21st at the Meyerson Symphony Center. For tickets and information visit gdyo.org or call 214-528-7747.