The East Texas Youth Orchestra stands for recognition during a concert in February. (Courtesy) 

East Texas Youth Orchestra has announced leadership changes, including the departure of Executive Director Jill Hardin.

Felix Torres, the ensemble’s music director, will assume the new title of artistic director and serve as executive director, Phil Ketchum, board president, said in a news release.

“We are restructuring staff and board assignments to help continue strong growth,” Ketchum said. “We will also be adding a director of development this season to help us foster even stronger relationships with supporters in the community.”

Hardin plans to spend more time with her family.

“I am looking forward to weekends free to travel with my son, who is a competitive shooter, and to California to see my daughter play cello at college,” she said in a statement released by the orchestra. “I will also be returning to our family business which I helped start 34 years ago.”

Ketchum praised Hardin, saying her “tireless devotion to the orchestra has created a legacy that will serve East Texas youth for years to come.”

He credited Hardin with growing enrollment, increasing financial support and collaborative relationships, and adding a Jazz Academy.

This year the ensemble performed in Austria as its first concert overseas.

Hardin said she is confident East Texas Youth Orchestra will continue to grow and run smoothly.

“The organization is a well-oiled machine with musicians, parents, conductors and board members working together for the good of our community and its musicians,” she said.

East Texas Youth Orchestra began in 1955 as Tyler Youth Orchestra, a violin ensemble. In 2014, Tyler Youth Orchestra changed its name to East Texas Youth Orchestra to reflect its expanded geographic reach.

Besides the East Texas Youth Orchestra, the board oversees an ensemble for beginning musicians and one for intermediate musicians.