Grantee Database

LOS ANGELES YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Grant Year

2023-24

Grant Program

General Operating Support

Award Amount

$38,499.00

Project Description

With the support from the California Arts Council, Los Angeles Youth Symphony Orchestra will continue paying staff salaries, teaching artists fees, expenses to operate the year-round LA Korean Youth Orchestra program which targets the Korean-American children in Koreatown, who are under-resourced, and Wesley Youth Orchestra program which serves the multi-ethnic children, and the LAYP Orchestra Band Choir project as an intensive summer music program.

Organization Summary

The Los Angeles Youth Symphony Orchestra (dba LAYP Orch Band Choir) provides performance opportunities and year-round music education to youth through three core programs: the LAYP Summer Festival Honor Ensembles, the LAYP Chamber Music Series, and the LA Korean Youth Orchestra.

The LAYP Summer Festival Honor Ensembles include Orchestra, Band, and Choir. Students participate in an intensive summer program that culminates in performances at venues such as Thayer Hall at the Colburn School and Walt Disney Concert Hall. In response to growing regional interest, LAYP implemented a hybrid model, allowing students from Los Angeles, San Diego, and Bakersfield to join rehearsals via Zoom. Conductors and faculty—some based in other states—led sessions remotely. After weeks of online collaboration, students gather in person for final rehearsals and performances, presenting works by composers such as Bruch, Dvořák, and Sousa.

The LAYP Chamber Music Series emphasizes small ensemble and solo performance opportunities throughout the year. Students receive coaching from professional teaching artists in both in-person and online settings. This hybrid approach has enabled continued participation for students traveling with their families—some joining rehearsals from hotels, airports, or rest areas. Chamber concerts at intimate venues like Thayer Hall cultivate musical independence, listening skills, and a strong sense of ensemble.

The LA Korean Youth Orchestra offers low-cost music education to under-resourced youth in Koreatown. Through a three-tiered curriculum—Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced—students study strings, winds, and percussion. Classes are held on weekends and after school, with a nominal fee of $50 per month, making orchestral training accessible to families with limited resources.

Together, these programs foster inclusive and high-quality arts education that bridges cultural and geographic boundaries.

Organization

LAYP Orch Band Choir

Address

760 S. Westmoreland Ave. RM 10

LOS ANGELES

91342-7310

County

Los Angeles

Region

South – Los Angeles & Orange

Phone

(323) 243-6079

Congressional District

California Assembly district 53

State Assembly District

District 53

State Senate District

District 24

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