Today we’d like to introduce you to Cathy Hernandez.
Cathy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been in the arts management industry for over 20 years and love every aspect of it. I received my B.A. in Music from the University of North Texas and my M.S. from Drexel University with a Masters in Arts Management. A GDYO alumna of 1990, I grew up playing in the orchestra and still treasure my time spent in GDYO. Post-graduation, I spent 25 years working in the art industry around the country. In 2016 Dallas called me home and I found my way back to GDYO.
I am now coming into my fourth season as Executive Director for GDYO. During my time as an Executive Director, I secured the organization’s first grant from the National Endowment of The Arts, expanded GDYO’s jazz program, increased the parent’s guild size and retained all staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the last four years, I have increased annual giving for the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra by 40%.
Additionally, I have served on numerous local, state, national and international boards and committees including; South Arts board (Development Committee Chair), International Performing Arts for Youths (IPAY) board, Texas Nonprofit Theaters board, Development Committee for Association of Arts Administration Educators (AAAE), State Advisory Board for VSA Arts of Texas and the Latino Advisory Committee for U.S. Congresswoman Kay Granger.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of the biggest struggles of my professional career has been the COVID-19 pandemic. As a live youth orchestra, it has been challenging to reimagine how we will continue to deliver our program content amidst the current circumstances. Whether it is through virtual concerts or smaller ensembles, the past few months have been full of problem-solving to adjust to the new normal. Additionally, keeping donors engaged while personal portfolios are down having also been an obstacle. We are continuing to remind the community of the importance of the arts and its power to bring us together during uncertain times.
Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra (GDYO) – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra specializes in providing music education and performance opportunities for youth with demonstrated music ability. GDYO’s musicians socialize with a diverse group of highly talented peers from over 50 communities in the Dallas Metroplex. Our students also have the opportunity to interact with professionals from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Wind Symphony and multiple other local and national music ensembles. One thing that makes our organization unique is that we have one of the only youth jazz orchestras in the country. We pride ourselves in offering talented young musicians with the resources they need to excel in the arts.
Additionally, we are proud to serve the community in ways that are welcome to all young musicians and families. We have increased efforts directed towards encouraging diversity, inclusion and accessibility in order to engage GDYO’s local community. GDYO provides subsidized programming within the Dallas Independent School District by offering music programs within DISD as well as offers community engagements and performances.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success by living my true purpose and having a positive impact on the lives of the people around me. I have always had a passion for music education and grew up playing at the Sammons Center of the Arts. To me it means everything to be able to come back to the Dallas community and leave my mark on GDYO to even better the organization. By securing grants, expanding programming and increasing donor engagement, I feel like I am one step closer to achieving my definition of success.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3630 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219
- Website: https://www.gdyo.org/
- Phone: (214) 528-7747
- Email: info@gdyo.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greaterdallasyo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreaterDallasYouthOrchestra
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