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The Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (YOLA)

Heart of Los Angeles is the oldest site for Gustavo Dudamel’s signature program, The Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (YOLA). YOLA is a free after-school youth orchestra program inspired by the Venezuelan El Sistema movement.

Through ensemble-based classical music instruction and performance opportunities, students learn and perform a sophisticated repertoire of classical compositions arranged for full orchestras, chamber groups, and sections. Students receive free instruments and instruction from professional artists, ensemble and orchestra rehearsals, and specialized music classes.

Each week, YOLA students participate in up to eight hours of sectional, ensemble, and orchestra rehearsals, specialized music classes, and more. This El Sistema-based program provides young musicians with free instruments and instruction by outstanding teaching artists. Along with proficiency in the orchestral repertoire, the program centers on life skills such as collaboration, responsibility, teamwork, communication and expression.

Students perform at Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. They also become part of a community of musicians, touring around the world and meeting members of the LA Philharmonic, other youth orchestras, and the Maestro himself: Gustavo Dudamel.

How to Apply

Age Range: Ages 7-18

  • New students must be in or entering grades 2 through 12.

Program Dates: Full school year, beginning in fall (August). Summer programming is also available for enrolled students, but not required.

Registration Timeline: New student applications should be completed in spring, for the following school year. 

  • Families will be notified of their status by mid-July, with classes beginning in late August. 
  • Students may express interest throughout the year, and will be evaluated based on experience and availability of space.

Requirements:

  • Complete an online application
  • Attend an informational session
  • Attend an “Instrument Petting Zoo” event – students can play and try different musical instruments and share their preferences
  • Students with experience playing the following instruments may audition for ensemble placement:
    • Strings: violin, viola, cello, bass
    • Winds: oboe, flute, clarinet, bassoon
    • Brass: trumpet, french horn, trombone, tuba, euphonium
    • Percussion: all orchestral percussion

Program Directors