Mission

The mission of TODA is to support, train and encourage the success of Texas orchestra directors and music teachers and to instill a love of music in every Texas school and community orchestra.

Purpose

The purpose of this association shall be to promote the development of orchestras by providing for the professional growth of orchestra directors through annual sponsorship of new music reading sessions, clinics, workshops and exhibits.

Historical Summary

TODA was founded by Harry Lantz, Geroge Robinson and LaFalco "Corky" Robinson, all Past Presidents. 

In the May 1962 edition of the Southwestern Musician, Harry opened his "TMEA Orchestra Division" column with the following words:

An innovation has been made in the orchestra division. An orchestra directors association similar to TBA and TCDA will meet in San Antonio on August 2-3, 1962. This association will meet in conjunction with the TCDA and overlap the TBA. This being our first venture into this type of clinic, we are grateful to TCDA for the opportunity to share their hotel facilities, exhibit space, etc... with us.  Since the bandmasters association meets the first part of the week, we hope that any band directors who are active in, or interested in, orchestral work will prolong their stay and attend.

As a result, the first annual Convention of TODA was held on August 2-3, 1962 along with the Texas Choral Directors Association at the Gunter Hotel in San Antonio, TX.  The rest is history!