Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniella Valdez.
Daniella, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am always excited to share my story of how I started with music because music came to me through my family and my elementary school. Growing up music was always in the house, in the car, attending concerts, weddings, parties; it was always there. I was in 4th grade and I was already taking piano lessons and I remember hearing the 5th grade orchestra rehearse in the hallway. I almost lost my hall pass privileges because every day I would go and peek into their rehearsal. I couldn’t wait to start 5th grade just to be in orchestra. Public school music shaped me, kept me excited about going to school, made forever friends and taught me the art of discipline. Once I started playing my violin I never stopped. It was through all my experiences that I decided to major in Music Education and to start a career in String Education. I’ve been teaching for eighteen years in different schools in Texas and Illinois. It was in 2006 when I joined the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras as a conductor. I am currently the Director of String Ensembles with CYSO, I conduct the Preparatory and Accelerando String orchestras.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have been fortunate that my road in music, in the arts for that matter, has been pretty smooth with a few bumps. There has been some challenges such as being the poor college student for several years and rejections from auditions and jobs. I have to say the biggest challenge has been working through the obstacles that present themselves in public education. I have had to learn some tough lessons and always remind myself what is best for our students and use that as the inspiration. However, I do feel that those challenges are what makes us better teachers, artists, humans.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras – what should we know?
The Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras serves nearly 600 students ages 6-18 through four full orchestras, three string orchestras, jazz orchestra, multiple steel orchestras, and supplemental programs including chamber music, masterclasses, and music composition seminar.
In 2006, I began as the conductor for Preparatory Strings. Since then I established a high school level string group and now I oversee all the string ensembles with the CYSO. One of the most exciting parts of being part of the CYSO is the opportunity to connect with the youth and families all across the city, suburbs and different cities in Illinois and Indiana. CYSO also has a Community Engagement Program and has many partnerships some include Chicago Public Schools and The People’s Music School. This allows us to engage with students in underserved areas.
I feel what sets the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras apart from other organizations is that the musicians that are part of the organization receive superb instruction from Chicago’s most respected professional musicians, perform in the world’s greatest concert halls, and gain the self-confidence and discipline necessary for a successful future.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
There is always going to be voices in our heads asking us whether we can do something or not, questioning whether we are ready to take on a new challenge or can/should we take the risk. It can be scary and intimidating to plunge forward into new and uncharted territories, especially knowing we can mess up. What I have learned is to take the risk and to embrace healthy failure. I found this to be especially relevant as a Latina professional in a field dominated by white men. This lesson has helped me to be courageous to change the script or change the title of the book.
Challenging the script and navigating spaces in the field that are not usually reserved for people like me was challenging. I wanted the experiences and knew my presence in the position could open up possibilities for others. I also realized I was not limited to only doing what I did before. Those experiences were stepping stones to what I am doing now.
Contact Info:
- Address: Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras
410 S. Michigan, Suite #833
Chicago, IL 60605 - Website: cyso.org
- Phone: 312- 939-2207
- Email: info@cyso.org
- Instagram: @ChiYSO
- Facebook: @chicagoyouthsymphonyorchestras
- Twitter: @ChiYSO
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