SOUTH LA / EXPO CENTER

The EXPO Center Youth Orchestra, in partnership with the Harmony Project and EXPO Center, is the pilot program for the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Youth Orchestra Initiative (YOLA).
Students rehearse for three hours each Saturday morning and have multiple chances to perform around Los Angeles. An additional ensemble will be added to the program in October 2009.

Instrumental instruction is offered in group classes twice weekly, and on Saturdays through the orchestral component. Instruction is currently offered in Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet, Trombone and Percussion

The Community Program functions on a 40-week calendar:
Fall Session: 16 weeks (September to December)
Spring Session: 16 weeks (Mid-January to May)
Summer Festival: 8 weeks (June and July)

New students are required to complete a 16-week Musicianship Course before choosing an instrument and beginning their instrumental instruction. In this course, students learn basic music skills and the elements of an orchestra, receive ear and listening training, and gain an understanding of the commitment required of the Harmony Project.

Parent involvement begins in the Musicianship Course, and is both encouraged and required throughout the entire program. Various workshops are held for parents during the Summer Festival including Recorder and Music Understanding.

The instruments and the program are free to all participating students as long as they uphold their contract with the Harmony Project to take care of their instrument, practice and attend classes and rehearsals. Students in the Harmony Project's EXPO Center Program come mainly from within a 5-mile radius of the EXPO Center and represent more than 60 public, private and charter schools in South Los Angeles.