Leadership of YSDP

• Meng-Kong Tham is our Conductor and Music Director. He was appointed in 1976.

• Mr.Tham is a faculty member of DePaul University's School of Music. He received his musical education at the Normal University of Taiwan and Northwestern University. He has also been on the conducting staff of Chicago's Civic Orchestra, and has conducted the Grant Park, Elmhurst Symphony and touring orchestras.

• Mr. Tham was named DePaul's School of Music first Coordinator of World Music in 1998. His interest in and knowledge of the music of many cultures and periods is reflected in the repertoire learned and performed by Youth Symphony of DuPage's musicians. His love of teaching young musicians and challenging us to achieve is clearly demonstrated by our musical teamwork and the wonderful quality of our music.

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• A 7 to 15 member Board of Directors, parents of current and former members, leads and manages The Challenge of Excellence experience. The YSDP Board of Directors, helped by many parent volunteers, is responsible for arranging rehearsals and concerts, financial managment, fund-raising, public relations and promotion of concerts, auditions and the Solo Competition.

• Youth Symphony of DuPage is funded through membership fees, grants from area instiutions and contributions. Free-will donations are encouraged at our traditionally admission-free concerts in December and May. The March concert does have an admission charge.