David E. Diehl was truly The Maestro. He was born to stand in front of an orchestra and bring out the absolute best in the young musicians seated in front of him. David’s work with the Dallastown Area School District strings program, private cello teaching, and leadership of the choir at York First Church of the Brethren reflected his lifelong passion for musical excellence. His ability to inspire was balanced by genuine care and concern for his students and a razor sharp sense of humor. Many of those former students are now teaching, playing professionally, or attending symphony concerts and encouraging their own children to play instruments because of what they learned from David Diehl. The David E. Diehl Fund for the York Youth Symphony Orchestra honors this legacy. With its emphasis on support for the Youth Symphony’s String/Chamber Ensemble Program, this fund will expand opportunities for students who are as passionate about music as David was. The fund’s goal is to remove barriers for any student who wants to learn, excel, and grow through participation in the Youth Symphony’s programs. David Diehl set the bar high both in his teaching and his musical leadership. He showed young people that they could push past their doubts and limitations and play better than they thought they could. That’s what this fund is about—helping to make those musical dreams and high expectations a reality for all who wish to pursue them.