GDYO really cared about each student for their great development as young musicians.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE GDYO EXPERIENCE OR MEMORY? DO YOU FEEL THAT GDYO HAD AN IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?

My favorite memory was the lock in night of rehearsal in senior year. Our Conductor Mr. Giangiulio casually approached students with games, and fun musical talks. My memory of that night was so sweet and connected!

Watching his connection with students really impacted my musical career to be an educator. GDYO really cared about each student for their great development as young musicians. I think this was very special to me and it is still for all young musicians. 

TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOU’VE BEEN UP TO SINCE GRADUATING FROM GDYO.

I have continued my study as a violinist at UNT and earned a BM in Performance, had an opportunity to play in local orchestras, and became a very busy mother of twins shortly after that. I have been teaching and running a violin studio at home, teaching students nearby school districts. I am married to the lead pastor of Frisco One Way Church and we have planted the church, heavily involved.

This year, I was appointed to be the new orchestra director at The Covenant School of Dallas, and I am super excited to build the new program there.

WHAT LIFE ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF SO FAR AND WHY?

My musical path was created with help from my community. I am proud of all the musicians, colleagues, and students.

TELL US ABOUT SOME OF YOUR PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL GOALS FOR THE FUTURE.

I want to be a well balanced musician and educator for life (in family, work and the church) 

I want to build a good orchestral program at the Covenant.

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Christ and my local musical communities. I love sending students to contests and auditions and love seeing them put in hard work on their skills. That inspires me so much as a teacher.

ANY HOBBIES, FUN FACTS OR LIFE HIGHLIGHTS OUTSIDE YOUR CAREER YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

After a long wait, I recently traveled to the Netherlands and had an opportunity to visit famous museums such as Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum, Rembrandt House etc. It was surreal to experience original pieces. I love to take walks with our 2 year old aka “HUG DOG’’ Goldendoodle Hadore on off days.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO CURRENT GDYO STUDENTS?

Explore your learning as a young musician, try to have fun memories in rehearsal and concerts with GDYO members. This will be positive motivation when you have down time in individual practice. You all have natural interests so appreciate the beauty that will come through your singing through your instrument. Enjoy! Music is the happy place!

THANK YOU YEIBON CHANG FOR STEPPING INTO GDYO’S ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT!

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW WOULD BE INTERESTED IN SHARING THE ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT OR WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE GDYO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, CONTACT CHARILYNE ROJAS AT CHARILYNE@GDYO.ORG.

FOLLOW US @GREATERDALLASYO & ON OUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION FACEBOOK PAGE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS, & UPDATES – INCLUDING OUR ANNUAL HOMECOMING CONCERT & RECEPTION, FREE FOR ALL ALUMNI & FAMILIES!