Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA)

# Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) Youth Orchestra Los Angeles is the Los Angeles Philharmonic's signature education initiative, launched in 2007 under Gustavo Dudamel and inspired by Venezuela's El Sistema. YOLA provides young people ages five through eighteen with free instruments, intensive music instruction, and opportunities to perform on stages in their communities and around the world - YOLA musicians have received more than six million hours of instruction since the program began. ## What You'll Do - Receive a free instrument and free, intensive instruction from professional teaching artists - Rehearse weekly in sectionals, ensembles, and orchestras at one of four sites: the Beckmen YOLA Center in Inglewood, YOLA at HOLA (Rampart District), YOLA at Torres (East LA), or YOLA at Camino Nuevo (Westlake/MacArthur Park) - Perform in community concerts, with advanced ensembles appearing on major stages - including with the LA Phil - Build musicianship alongside academic support and leadership development ## Who Should Apply Los Angeles-area students ages 5-18, especially from the communities surrounding the four sites; no cost is ever charged for instruments or instruction. Families join by completing the YOLA Interest Form on the LA Phil website or emailing YOLA@laphil.org, and enrollment is coordinated site by site. ## Outcomes YOLA students earn years of tuition-free, conservatory-caliber ensemble training inside one of the world's great orchestras' institutions; top YOLA musicians have performed at the Super Bowl, the Hollywood Bowl, and on international tours with LA Phil artists.