Give In-School Music Classes to Los Angeles Youth

This was a summer of significant milestones at ETM-LA, starting with end-of-year school concerts and finishing with a debut on one of the most iconic stages in the world.

Just as the school year came to a close, ETM-LA's Summer Music Program opened, welcoming students from our Title 1 partner schools to one of two locations - North LA (Burbank) and Central LA (South Gate) - for two weeks of hands-on instruction in general music/singing, ukulele, strings, and band, with all instruments provided. Each session culminated in a showcase performance for families, and the impact was captured by one student's reflection: "I remember the first time I learned how to play the violin, and I will always remember [my music teachers] Mr. Ortega and Ms. C.”

Teachers also had their own programming to build their skills and strategies going into the new school year. ETM-LA partnered with YOLA to host an intensive weeklong Summer Teacher Training Academy, bringing together more than 60 music teaching faculty, teaching artists, and local educators. Each day consisted of three 90-minute sessions led by ETM-LA Instructional Supervisors, YOLA Admin, and guest presenters, and included topics such as Classroom Management Through Engaging Instruction; Integrating Spanish Folk Songs into the Music Classroom; Engaging Families: Conducting Effective Ensemble Parent Meetings Presentations; and more. 

One first-year teacher described the Academy as “incredibly helpful and engaging,” while another respondent said they felt “very confident and supported” going into the year. Empowering our teachers is critical to delivering high-quality music education and impacting their students.

On top of these busy weeks of learning and training, excitement was building towards a momentous opportunity: 

In August, ETM-LA partner school students made their Hollywood Bowl debut as part of “Celebrating Gustavo at the Bowl,” honoring Gustavo Dudamel's 17 years of transforming Los Angeles’ classical music culture as the LA Philharmonic's Music & Artistic Director. ETM-LA’s Orff Ensemble performed “Hymns of the Heart” by Academy Award-Winning Composer Michael Giacchino (Disney’s The Incredibles, Coco, Up, Ratatouille) and lyrics by Poet Amanda Gorman (The Hill We Climb, Change Sings). Performing alongside Dudamel, the LA Philharmonic, and LA Children's Chorus, our young artists shone brilliantly in this World Premiere to the Bowl's 25,000 audience members.

Our students’ journey from the classroom to the world stage is a testament to ETM-LA’s mission of in-school music education for all students, regardless of background or ability. Participating and performing in this historic event showcased the power of providing access to musical learning for all youth, and inspired dreams of pursuing music: "I want to be a part of the LA Phil because life would just be music." 

This programming is made possible because of the sustained support of donors like you, and this summer demonstrated the mighty impact that can be made with a strong community. We will continue to come alongside our communities in ensuring yearlong, sequential, and comprehensive music education as a right for all students. To date, ETM-LA has directly reached over 180,000 total students and guided over 10 schools during the past 4 years to graduate from our model. This year, we will be serving approximately 18,000 students across 39 schools and five school districts.

Thank you for being a champion for equitable and accessible in-school music education, and for helping ETM-LA move our mission forward!