HOLA’s Music Program provides HOLA youth with introductory through advanced music instruction, rock bands, a choir and weekly drum, piano, guitar and saxophone lessons. Instruction is sequential and students are encouraged to progress from a beginning level to advanced private instruction. Exceptional students are assisted in preparing audition pieces for acceptance into various music festivals, performing arts schools and universities. Annual recitals showcase the accomplishments of HOLA’s young musicians to audiences city-wide.
Program Goals:
Foster commitment to project/goal completion
Accelerate and sustain proficiency in the performing arts
Encourage self-expression and improve self-confidence among disadvantaged youth
Promote post-secondary education and arts-related employment opportunities
YOLA at HOLA
In 2010, HOLA partnered with the Los Angeles Philharmonic to bring orchestral music to underserved children in Los Angeles. The Youth Orchestra LA (YOLA) at Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), YOLA at HOLA, is the second site of Gustavo Dudamel’s signature program. YOLA at HOLA is a free music education program that provides participating students with intensive after-school orchestral instruction and academic tutoring.
YOLA is inspired by El Sistema, the Venezuelan music education system that nurtured Los Angeles Philharmonic Music Director Gustavo Dudamel. Each year, El Sistema provides hundreds of thousands of children with free musical instruments and music instruction, so that they may play in youth orchestras throughout their countries. Now in its second year, YOLA at HOLA provides 180 elementary school-aged youth with 15 hours of instruction per week, including large and small ensembles, mentors and daily academic tutoring. View the 2012 YOLA Brochure.
Rockband HOLA’s home-grown rock band, Project 11, is comprised of eight middle and high school students. They perform original songs written by several of the band members, as well as some classic rock and roll tunes. Project 11 has performed at venues throughout Los Angeles, most recently at the Levitt Pavilion MacArthur Park.
Choir Now in its fifth year, HOLA’s community choir is 180 strong. A core group of 20 students rehearse weekly and perform on a regular basis with YOLA at HOLA. As part of the music education component of YOLA at HOLA, all members of the youth orchestra receive regular choir instruction.
Performances Quarterly recitals showcase the accomplishments of HOLA’s young musicians to audiences city-wide. Each year, Holiday of the Heart features performances by our young musicians before an audience of over 500 HOLA supporters. During the past year, YOLA at HOLA students have performed all over the city, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Levitt Pavilion MacArthur Park, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels and the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Mani has performed with world renowned opera companies throughout Europe. As a child she studied with the great dramatic baritone and teacher Tito Gobbi, and internationally renowned coach Maestro Luigi Ricci. She spent several years as a guest vocalist in several international venues and she now resides in Los Angeles with her husband. Nearly five years ago Mani found a home to share her passion for music with LA's underserved youth at HOLA. As HOLA's Artistic Music Director Mani has dedicated herself to giving every child a chance to explore their love of music. Mani's Introduction to Music class exposes HOLA's youngest members to the joy of music, while her Rock Band provides a creative outlet to HOLA’s aspiring musicians. In 2008, HOLA recognized Mani with the Hero of the Heart Award at the annual Holiday of the Heart gala.
Growing up in the Detroit area, Christine was fortunate to begin her musical studies at the age of fourteen with Motown studio horn player Joe Buono. She went on to study horn performance at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL with Gail Williams (formerly of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra) and William Barnewitz (formerly of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra). While working on her Bachelor of Music degree at Northwestern, Christine was a program director for Youth Organizations Umbrella, Inc., a youth development agency that provides services and leadership to meet the emerging needs of young people and their families. After graduation, Christine moved to Montréal where she received a Master of Music degree from McGill University, studying Orchestral Performance with Montréal Symphony principal horn, John Zirbel.
In 2009, Christine was chosen as one of ten fellows to participate in the inaugural "Abreu Fellows Program" at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. The program is named after José Antonio Abreu, the founder of El Sistema, the world-renowned Venezuelan music and youth development program. During her year-long fellowship, Christine studied the El Sistema movement in the United States and Venezuela. She is now a member of the ever-expanding network of Abreu Fellows who are mentoring other leaders and teachers while developing their own local programs consistent with the original intent of El Sistema. With YOLA at HOLA, Christine has been able to adapt and implement best practices from the El Sistema movement to the particular needs and strengths of the HOLA community. In just its second year, YOLA at HOLA has 180 students enrolled.
Jon's musical background is one of diverse academic training and live performance experience, including studies on saxophone, guitar, piano, clarinet, flute, bass, electronic sampler and banjo. He holds a B.M. in Music from the University of Washington and a M.F.A. in Jazz Reeds from the California Institute of the Arts. At these institutions, he studied composition and theory with John Rahn, Jonathan Bernhard and Robert Wannamaker and improvisational studies with Larry Koonse, Vinny Golia, Charlie Haden and Wadada Leo Smith. In addition to these academic pursuits, Jon has been an active performer in numerous projects in each of the cities he has lived.
Jon maintains a busy working schedule in Los Angeles with a handful of personal musical projects that have been on tour throughout the United States and Europe. He is also a regular member of bands led by Vinny Golia, Bennie Maupin and Mike Barone. Jon’s passion for reaching out to the community and educating young minds in the ways of music has led him to design and teach multiple improvisation and listening based curricula that he’s employed throughout Los Angeles. In addition to teaching piano at HOLA, he also works with a college preparatory creative ensemble through the California Arts Partnership.
Claire is passionate about creating community through the arts. She has an M.A. in Teaching and CA Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from USC, a B.A. in music from Pomona College, and training in the Orff method of music and movement education. She spent three years as a Teaching Artist in music in the Lawndale School District with P.S. ARTS, where she taught general music using the Orff method. Claire has also taught individual and group violin and viola lessons to students in East LA, South LA, West LA and points in between. She performs regularly with her klezmer band, The Shpil, and enjoys spending time in her garden. Over the past two years, Claire has been elated to discover El Sistema and dive headfirst into its implementation in the LA area - first with the Lawndale Youth Orchestra, and now as Early Childhood Specialist with YOLA at HOLA.
Brandon has begun a promising career as both a singer and choral conductor. Hailed by the Orange County Register for having “notable purity of tone,” Brandon has sung with such prominent ensembles as Chanticleer, the Oregon Bach Festival Chorus, the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players, Seraphic Fire, and the John Alexander Singers. He has been a featured soloist with the New World Symphony, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the University of California, Berkeley Symphony. He is a former faculty conductor at the San Francisco Girls Chorus, artistic director of San Francisco men's ensemble Musaic, and a faculty member at the University of California, Berkeley Young Musicians’ Program. He has also conducted ensembles at the University of Michigan and the University of Southern California. Currently, Brandon is completing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Music at the University of Southern California. Additionally, he is on the voice and choral faculty at Fullerton College and is the Director of Music at Anaheim United Methodist Church.
Leah is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and has a bachelors degree from San Francisco State University in Liberal Studies with emphasis in literature and oral performance. Her joy for learning and eagerness for education led her to pursue a degree that would enable her to eventually become an elementary school teacher. From book reports to pre-algebra, Carter works with 5th and 6th grade YOLA musicians helping them finish their homework each day. Having studied piano for over 15 years, Leah’s passion for pedagogy and her love of music are beautifully combined in her work at YOLA. In the near future Leah plans to continue her education in pursuit of a multi-subject teaching credential, and looks forward to someday having a class of her own.
Blake is a proud native of Louisville KY. He has been a performer, educator and student in the Los Angeles area since 2009. He first came to LA to continue his education at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, pursuing a Doctorate of Music Arts degree in Tuba Performance. Blake quickly became very involved in the music scene in Los Angeles as a freelance performer, recording artist and teacher. He joined the inaugural faculty of YOLA at HOLA during the summer of 2010 as Brass Specialist/Wind Ensemble Teacher.
Blake recently won the Principal Tuba chair in the American Youth Symphony. He has also performed with the Downey Symphony, Claremont Concert Orchestra, Montage Civic Orchestra, Victoria Symphony of Victoria TX, Lexington Brass Band and the Saxton’s Cornet Band. Before moving to LA, Blake served as Teaching Assistant to the tuba euphonium performance studio at The University of Texas at Austin while completing his Masters of Music in Tuba Performance. Blake earned his Bachelors of Music in Music Education from the University of Kentucky in 2007, where he had an emphasis in Tuba Performance and Jazz Bass.
Scott grew up in a small town in Northern California. At a young age he was exposed to a wealth of music from the busy local scene and his father's extensive jazz and blues record collection. At the age of 16, his parents finally succumbed to the constant pestering for drum lessons. From then on it has consumed his every moment. Scott studied Jazz Drum Set and Classical Percussion at California State University, Chico and received his Master's Degree from the California Institute of the Arts. While at Cal Arts he immersed himself in the Jazz and World music programs, focusing on African drumming and Indian classical music.
Scott has been a dedicated percussion instructor at HOLA for the past six years.
Ben has been working to give kids a chance since 2008, when he became a founding teacher and program coordinator for Kid City South Park, a program in downtown LA that reaches disadvantaged youth with positive after-school activities. At Kid CIty, Ben tutored students in academic subjects, created a rock band, jazz band and all-girl pop group and organized activities to encourage youth to be involved with bettering the community. As the fourth/fifth grade academic tutor with YOLA at HOLA, Ben is especially passionate about integrating arts with academics in order to engage students in learning and connect their music education with academic success. Ben is dedicated to providing his students with tools that will allow them to effectively communicate their ideas and explore their passions.
Emily has been a clarinetist and keyboardist for over 19 years and recently moved to Los Angeles after receiving her Bachelor of Music in clarinet and organ performance and her Masters in Secondary Education from Vanderbilt University, where she also served as the teaching assistant for the music theory department. During her graduate school experience, she focused specifically on the effectiveness of non-profit music organizations in the Nashville area. Emily has performed and taught internationally across Europe and Asia, including London, England and Guangzhou, China, working with elementary through college-aged students. Her philosophy is that every student, regardless of background or ability, should have the opportunity to grow and be confident through a community of music. She is now pursuing her passion and career in working for non-profit organizations that serve underprivileged youth through music. She currently teaches for Education Through Music—Los Angeles, which places general and vocal music back into elementary schools. She is also a teaching artist for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, where she works with elementary school music programs and youth orchestras across the greater Los Angeles area. Emily is the Wind Ensemble Director and Woodwind Specialist for YOLA at HOLA
Dawn Seward Bertani is an accomplished cellist and music educator. She found her passion for music and the cello before her 10thbirthday, and built her own cello at the age of 13 while studying with a luthier in Germany. She received her Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, studying with Nathaniel Rosen. During this time, Dawn had the opportunity to study abroad at the Musikhochschule Stuttgart in Germany, where she formed a string trio that toured Germany and Italy. Dawn later received her Master of Music in Cello Performance from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach, where she studied with David Garrett of the LA Phil.
As an educator, Dawn has personal and professional experience and training in Waldorf and Suzuki methods, which she infuses into her classroom in order to support each child holistically. Dawn is currently a tenured section cellist in both the San Bernardino and Redlands Symphony Orchestras. In addition to being the Cello Instructor for YOLA at HOLA, Dawn is also the cello, bass, and chamber music coach at Highland Hall, a Waldorf School; and she teaches and inspires students of all ages from her private cello studio in Mission Hills.
Nikki is a southern California native from Long Beach, CA. She has two degrees in Viola performance. Her Master's in Music is from Northwestern University and her Bachelor's in Music is from Cal State Long Beach. She is a part-time faculty member at Santa Ana College, where she is an applied music instructor and is the Conductor of the SAC Chamber Orchestra. She has taught underserved youth with both the Wilmington and Watts/Willowbrook branches of Boys and Girls Club and with The Music Factor. She is a teaching artist and strings teacher for YOLA @ HOLA. Nikki is a strings coach for numerous schools throughout LA and Orange County, including Long Beach Poly High School and Northwood High School in Irvine. She has also worked with SCSBOA Honor Orchestras, as both an adjudicator and a viola coach, and she teaches privately in Long Beach. She performs regularly with the Southeast Symphony, the Santa Monica Symphony, and works as freelance performer and teacher throughout LA and Orange County.
Rebeccais very honored and excited to be a new member of the YOLA at HOLA team this year. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies with a concentration in general science from California State University, Northridge.Rebeccaalso holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with an English Learner Authorization. As a student teacher,Rebeccahas taught in a fifth grade classroom and in a kindergarten classroom. For three years,Rebeccaworked as a private tutor for two elementary school students. In 2010, she spent the summer helping high school students prepare for the California High School Exit Exam, as well as develop study and vocational skills. During the dayRebeccaworks as a teacher’s assistant at a nearby school in grades 1, 2 and 3. She is dedicated to the success of each of her students and strives to create lifelong learners.
Mark was born into music. His older brothers, father and grandfather all played music. Born and raised in California, Mark grew up in a multi-ethnic neighborhood in Los Angeles. Being a mix of African American, Lebanese and Danish heritages, Mark explored the cross cultural aspects of his rich heritage. At home, Mark was introduced to many different instruments and styles of music, developing an early ear for World Music sounds. Mark started playing guitar, flute and saxophone, but by the age of 17, he focused solely on the guitar.
Mark has been involved in the Los Angeles music scene since the early 70’s. He has performed or recorded with innumerable world musicians. His collaboration with Ras Michael as both guitarist and musical director took him on tour all over the nation. Mark then decided to focus on his own band, The Blue Nile X-press (The BNX). He has recorded two albums with his current group.
Mark formed an educational program, Music Makes You Smarter, which has already been implemented in many school programs in the Los Angeles area. He has been on staff at HOLA for the past 6 years. Besides his wonderful work at HOLA, Mark also volunteers his time as band leader/guitarist, producer and sound engineer for organizations such as the Starlight Foundation, Projects AIDS benefit, and the Martin Luther King Day Parade.
The YOLA at HOLA students were treated to a wonderful surprise on a dreary Wednesday afternoon: a visit from LA Phil cellist David Garrett. YOLA at HOLA teacher Ms. Dawn has been studying with David and he was kind enough to accept her invitation to visit YOLA at HOLA. David played two pieces and David [...]
On a sunny Saturday in April, over 650 youth participated in the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) at Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) Community Concert. The Concert was part of the YOLA Neighborhood Project (YNP) Day, a gathering of over 1500 children to celebrate community through music. The Concerts were held at the First Congregational [...]
Jafeth, 5th grader, flute How did you find out about YOLA at HOLA? I went with my cousin to the Expo Center where there is another YOLA orchestra. I saw the orchestra play and decided I wanted to do that to. I applied to HOLA and I got in! How did you decide to play [...]
Bryanna, 2nd Grader, Violin How does music make you feel? I love getting to play in a big group and going to concerts. When I get to do those things, I feel happy and excited. What else do you like to do? I love reading imagination books – books about fairies and princesses. I like [...]
Thank you to the UTA Foundation for coordinating a day of fun for HOLA’s YOLA at HOLA students. Nearly 30 UTA employees braved the rain and came to HOLA on St. Patricks Day to celebrate with our young musicians. The group worked on arts and crafts projects and the volunteers were treated to a wonderful [...]
In a recent Newsweek article about Gustavo Dudamel, members of the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela talked about their visit to HOLA: Dudamel’s efforts to conjoin his past with his future legacy were thrown into stark relief on a recent afternoon at Heart of Los Angeles, a nonprofit after-school program for underprivileged kids in [...]
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Leah Johnson: This is an Awesome Accomplishment!!! You are truly dedicated and remarkable and ...
Tony Brown: What an amazing experience for the kids Matt, thanks so much!!! Way to go HOLA...
Charlotte Schmidt: Matt, You are the best Sailor, and the finest instructor I have ever had the ple...
Schulz49: How dare not to give to others, that only we can give. Matt Schuz...
Info: It is a privilege to serve and is a duty to act upon it ...