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YOLA at Camino Nuevo

Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) at Camino Nuevo is designed to increase equitable access to high-quality music education by giving students the tools, instruction, and opportunities they need to thrive. The program supports students’ cognitive, social-emotional, and personal growth while preparing them for long-term success in music and beyond.

Formed in October 2018 in partnership with the LA Philharmonic, YOLA at Camino Nuevo is YOLA’s fourth site and the only one that offers both intensive in-school and after-school instruction. The program is rooted in El Sistema, the model that shaped LA Philharmonic Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, and provides free, comprehensive music education to CNCA students from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade.

 

“In an orchestra, musicians learn to make beautiful music and everything that goes with that including study and discipline—but within the context of the entire orchestra. None of us make music by ourselves. The orchestra is a perfect metaphor for the community.”
– Gustavo Dudamel

 

 

Program Mission

YOLA provides transformational and equitable access to music education for young people from marginalized communities, to support their personal development, their communities, and beyond.

 

Program Structure

In-School Instruction

  • Kayne Siart (TK–8th Grade): General music, elementary orchestra, middle school band and orchestra

  • Dalzell Lance (9th–12th Grade): High school band

After-School Program (YOLA at Camino)

  • Available to CNCA students in 2nd grade and up

  • Hosted at Kayne Siart, but open to students from all Camino Nuevo schools

Class Offerings at Kayne Siart:

  • Starting in 2nd grade: Violin, choir, musicianship/theory, percussion, recorder

  • Starting in 3rd grade: Viola, cello, double bass

  • Starting in 4th grade: Flute, clarinet, trumpet, French horn, trombone

  • Elective offerings include: Mariachi, video game & movie music, improvisation

Coming Fall 2025:

  • YOLA at Cisneros will launch with programming for 2nd and 3rd grade students

 

Student Progression and Opportunities

Our program scaffolds music instruction across a TK–12th grade journey. Students start by learning music fundamentals, then move on to instrumental training and ensemble participation in middle and high school. Students regularly perform in recitals, concerts, and festivals to showcase their growth. Instruction covers everything from reading counts and notes to mastering music theory and ensemble performance.

YOLA students also gain access to:

  • YOLA Institute

  • YOLA Camp

  • YOLA National

  • College Prep workshops

  • Special events and masterclasses

 

Performances & Experiences

YOLA students have had the opportunity to perform and travel internationally, including performances at the:

  • Walt Disney Concert Hall

  • Hollywood Bowl (including with Natalia Lafourcade)

  • Super Bowl

  • National Gallery (Washington, D.C.)

  • International locations including London, Tokyo, Paris, Lisbon, and Bogotá

We are proud of the many stages our young musicians have graced, and we look forward to seeing Camino Nuevo students follow in their footsteps.

 

To learn more about YOLA at Camino Nuevo, contact our Program Director, Jonathan Terry, at [email protected].