For young musicians in Rockwall and surrounding communities, the Greater Rockwall Youth Symphony (GRYS) is more than just an orchestra—it’s a place where talent meets purpose. Founded three years ago by Amanda Casper, GRYS gives student musicians unique opportunities for growth while fostering a culture of service. Through its philosophy of “service through music,” the symphony brings live performances beyond the concert hall, connecting students with the community in meaningful ways.
From a Dream to a Movement: The Story Behind GRYS
Founder Amanda Casper always envisioned a life in music, but she never expected that vision to take the form of a nonprofit youth orchestra serving hundreds of students. As a young musician growing up in New York, Amanda trained at Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music, performing in elite youth orchestras such as the New York Youth Symphony and Inter-School Orchestras. Music was more than a passion—it was a lifeline.
“I was often bullied and didn’t have many friends in school,” Amanda shares. “But I found self-esteem, friendships, and purpose through music.”
After completing her conservatory training at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Amanda shifted paths, pursuing a career in clinical social work to help underserved communities. Yet music continued to call her back. While teaching in South Florida, she worked with inner-city students in low-income areas, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of music education.
When she later moved to Rockwall to pursue a Master’s degree at SMU, Amanda saw a major gap in youth orchestra opportunities east of Dallas—especially for students who didn’t fit the mold of traditional programs.
“The vast majority of students in a typical youth orchestra can afford private lessons, quality instruments, and access to opportunities,” she explains. “That isn’t the case for over 80% of our GRYS students—many of whom rely on full or partial tuition assistance.”
So, the day after graduating with her Master of Music in French Horn Performance from SMU, Amanda founded GRYS—a youth symphony built on inclusion, mentorship, and service.
A Symphony of Service: Connecting Music and Community
Since its inception, GRYS has brought live music to those who need it most, performing at senior facilities, veterans’ events, and for nonprofit organizations such as:
✔ Meals on Wheels Senior Services
✔ Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Texas
✔ Children’s Advocacy Center
✔ Rockwall Art League
✔ Rockwall Women’s League
✔ The Rotary Club
✔ Senior Services Alliance
✔ Professional Women’s Alliance
✔ Soroptimist International of Rockwall
Beyond these performances, GRYS enhances local events—from ribbon cuttings with the Chamber of Commerce to private donor gatherings—creating opportunities for students to share their talents while engaging with the community.
Amanda emphasizes that music is more than just performance—it’s empowerment.
“I love seeing a student’s face light up when they overcome a musical challenge,” she says. “That sense of pride and accomplishment stays with them, building confidence they can carry into any career.”
Through her years as a music educator, Amanda has seen firsthand how youth orchestra experiences shape students’ futures. Musicians she has mentored have gone on to perform in Marine Corps bands, tour Europe in professional brass ensembles, and even work at the Kennedy Center. Others have pursued careers in law, medicine, and engineering, crediting their time in youth orchestras as a critical part of their personal and professional growth.
Growth & Expansion: A Youth Orchestra for All
GRYS has grown significantly from its early days. Originally open to high school students, it now welcomes musicians as young as six, with programs designed for younger learners.
The symphony has:
🎻 Worked with over 200 students
🎻 Held 92 chamber music performances and 15 full orchestra concerts
🎻 Expanded to include intermediate and beginner programs
🎻 Offered summer camps for year-round musical growth
🎻 Welcomed instruments not typically included in youth symphonies—like pianists, harpists, and saxophonists
GRYS students come from seven counties, traveling each week for rehearsals at St. Benedict’s Anglican Church, which generously donates its space.
And unlike many youth orchestras, GRYS ensures that all students—regardless of background—can participate. Thanks to generous donors and sponsors, 58% of students receive full scholarships to make the arts accessible.
Symphony of Color: A Collaboration of Art and Music
GRYS also fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration. For the past two years, it has partnered with the Rockwall Art League to host Symphony of Color, a multimedia event celebrating the intersection of music and visual art.
📅 This year’s event
“Midnight in Paris,” will take place on May 2nd, featuring:
🎨 Live performances by GRYS musicians
🎨 An art showcase by Rockwall artists
🎨 A French-inspired dinner, raffle, and auction
🎟️ Tickets are available at Symphony of Color 2025 – Midnight in Paris — Greater Rockwall Youth Symphony
Leading up to the main event, GRYS will host a Kickoff Concert on February 28 at The Center in downtown Rockwall (108 E. Washington St.). This event will offer a sneak peek at the upcoming gala, featuring performances from GRYS musicians and an exclusive visual art showcase.
“This concert is a wonderful way to showcase the synergy between music and the visual arts,” Amanda explains. “Our students will set the stage for a night of artistic inspiration, and we can’t wait for the community to experience this incredible collaboration.”
🎟️ Tickets are available at Symphony of Color 2025 – Midnight in Paris — Greater Rockwall Youth Symphony
The People Behind GRYS: Board Leadership & Support
GRYS is backed by a dedicated board of community leaders who help drive its mission forward. Over the years, key supporters have included:
- Ben Sumrak – Fine Arts Director, Rockwall ISD, and a founding board member who connected GRYS with students, educators, and rehearsal space.
- Eileen MacNaughton – Kimbrough Middle School’s Orchestra Director, an early supporter of GRYS.
- Russ Porter – Owner of Rockwall School of Music, GRYS’s first major sponsor, funding the inaugural full orchestra concert series.
Amanda emphasizes that relationships built GRYS.
“The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce introduced me to many future board members and key partners,” she says. “We wouldn’t have been able to launch GRYS without these incredible supporters.”
The Future of GRYS: How You Can Help
Looking ahead, Amanda’s biggest goal is sustainability.
“I want GRYS to serve students for generations to come,” she says. “That means building deeper relationships with local businesses, corporate foundations, and arts organizations.”
The best way to support GRYS? Attend a concert!
“Come see the love and passion our students put into their music,” Amanda says. “Once you hear them perform, you’ll understand why GRYS is so important.”
GRYS also welcomes donors, sponsors, volunteers, and partnerships with homeschool and private school communities.
Get Involved
To learn more, visit GreaterRockwallYouthSymphony.org or contact Amanda Casper at (561) 870-4891 / [email protected]
By supporting GRYS, you’re not just investing in music—you’re shaping the future of young musicians and the cultural landscape of Rockwall. 🎶
