Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, whose mission is to provide music education and performance opportunities for youth with demonstrated musical ability, was founded as a single orchestra, the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, in 1972 by a group of parents, educators and musicians who valued music education and the outcomes it could provide. The program cultivates learning and creativity, as well as, social and motivational skills in 480 talented young musicians, performing in two full orchestras, three string orchestras, a wind ensemble, a flute choir, and 6 jazz combos. 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 Wind Symphony and multiple other local music ensembles.