Austin Youth Orchestra

Draylen Mason, 17, was killed by the Austin bomber on March 12, 2018. Draylen was a gifted musician who played with classical orchestras as well as mariachi and jazz bands. He was also a phenomenal human being—a sweet, positive person who went out of his way to help others, whether they were friends, teachers, or orchestra mates. His talent was prodigious, his spirit infectious. 

In Draylen's honor, the Austin Youth Orchestra, with whom Draylen played for four years, has established the Draylen Mason Scholarship Fund. Through the fund, AYO will set up an annual scholarship for Austin students based on financial need, so that low-income kids in Austin can enjoy the benefits of playing in a high-quality youth orchestra. Founded in 1993, AYO has been home to thousands of Austin and Central Texas children, grades 4-12, teaching, mentoring, and putting on memorable performances at venues all over the Austin area. These days, AYO has seven orchestras, from the beginning Prelude to the advanced Symphony, of which Draylen was a member.

Students who receive a $2,500 Draylen Mason Scholarship will be able to use the money to cover private lessons, the AYO tuition ($135 a semester), and other costs. AYO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so all donations are tax-deductible.    

Draylen was a remarkable young man. The Austin Youth Orchestra hopes to use his amazing life as a way to help others do what he aspired to do. On Draylen’s application to the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, he wrote, “I am a musical servant whose gift is to touch and convey a composer’s feelings and messages through my own playing.” With these scholarships, AYO will keep Draylen’s gift and his spirit alive.