YOLA at HOLA with Gustavo Dudamel

Saturday morning I had the delightful opportunity to volunteer at Heart of Los Angeles, HOLA, for an event with Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, YOLA, for a rehearsal with the LA Phil Orchestra conductor, Gustavo Dudamel.  This event celebrated the 2 year partnership between HOLA and YOLA. 

HOLA, is located in the Rampart District of L.A. across the street from Lafayette Park and the citiy's part and  beautiful recreation center built as a public/private partnership between HOLA and the city with funding from Every Child Foundation.  HOLA has 4 buildings on the corner of Lafayette Park Place and 6th and serves 2400 children in after school programs with 90% coming from the immediate neighborhood.  Their programs include home work first then recreation, music and arts.  They have been doing this for over 20 years

YOLA at HOLA engages 180 first-through sixth-graders in intensive instrument instruction, singing, ensembles and daily tutoring. Parents and volunteers are key partners in the success of the program.

On Saturday morning a team of volunteers and parents under the direction of HOLA and YOLA staff members arrive at 7:30 AM to move all the chairs, music stands etc. from HOLA across the street to the gym at the recreation center.  The children arrived and set in two groups:  the woodwinds and brass 3rd year group began practicing while the strings and first year group began playing as well...each with their own conductor.

The 6 year olds with their beginning violins began rehearsing outside to be a part of the welcoming ceremony for Gustavo.  When he arrived, he walked through a crowd of all the children singing and playing the bongo drums to welcome him and his toddler son, whom he carried.  Then the 6 year olds played and sang and welcomed him...along with the dignitaries present.  He then moved into the gym where all the musicians had reassembled and they played for him....then he gave them instruction and leadership on the meaning of their music...then he conducted each group. 

Twas an exciting day for the children and for us spectators as well.  Gustavo brings heart and emotion to the music and the musicians feel it and respond with Gusto!

Gustavo Dudamel

Gustavo arrived carrying his son and greeting by the singing children.

Gustavo is greeted by the dignitaries includingTony Brown, Executive Director of HOLA.