Local Youth Ensembles
Jazz Angels
The Jazz Angels were founded in 2007 by two professional musicians and teachers that recognized a need for a unique type of music education for young people. As they reflected on their own experiences and personal introductions to music and considering the devastating decline of music education in schools, they developed a program to that gives wings to young musicians’ desires, and opportunities for today’s youth to experience and perpetuate America’s only original musical art form – jazz. On their own terms.
Still today, the purpose is to create an opportunity for young people to hear and learn about jazz, encourage them to play an instrument, and provide opportunities for them to perform. Much more than music lessons in Long Beach, this is a program that provides a rich life experience for a young musician. A unique component to The Jazz Angels methodology is to engage professional musicians as mentors who play alongside the participants, providing inspiration and instilling pride and discipline.
Join the Jazz Angels in Long Beach for your chance in the "spotlight". This group meets every Sunday afternoon/evening providing students the opportunity to learn improvisation in a nurturing, pressure free environment.
nTyme - North Torrance Youth Musicians Ensemble
The North Torrance Youth Musicians Ensemble, or nTyme (pronounced "in-time"), is an all volunteer organization founded in June 2007 by a group of parents and educators as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) California corporation. These parents and educators were moved by both their passion for music and alarm over the ever shrinking availability of music education, and formed nTyme to provide opportunities that our schools no longer offered.
They welcome all students from preschool through high school, beginners to advanced levels, and offer a variety of instrumental music programs to fit every child's music education needs. In addition, the programs are intended to help students feel good about themselves, provide leadership opportunities and instil the importance of music, team work and helping others.
Music is one of the most essential elements guaranteeing educational success for youth. Music students are successful in school and in life and we pride ourselves in providing a well-balanced musical and performance experience intended to aid in that development. Every year these groups participate in concerts and music competitions, earning numerous group and individual awards. While initially formed for the youth of the North Torrance area, nTyme has grown and now has students from all across the South Bay area and beyond.
The organization represents the collaboration of parents, educators, family and friends all working to create a positive music educational experience for our youth. The organization's motto, "Setting the Tempo for Music Education", represents the vision, passion and dream of the Music Director, Mr. Glen Kamida, and the founding Board of Directors.
Pacific Vision Youth Symphony
Formerly known as the Asia America Youth Symphony, the Pacific Vision Youth Symphony is one of the premiere youth symphony orchestras of southern California.
It prides itself in providing a unique opportunity and experience for its members. The music director, maestro David Benoit, envisioned giving youngsters an environment that was professional in as many ways as possible.
The orchestra started as a youth orchestra in 2001 as an additional project of the Asia America Symphony Association, which had a professional orchestra. The two orchestras, the professional and youth were kept primarily separate, but over the years, they saw that it was very beneficial to have some of the more advanced youth members to have the opportunity to play with the professional orchestra.
Peninsula Symphony Youth Orchestra
The Peninsula Symphony Youth Orchestra is sponsored jointly by the Peninsula Symphony Orchestra and Los Angeles Harbor College (offered as a Harbor College Extended Education course titled "Harbor College Youth Orchestra"). It provides the opportunity for young musicians to play in a high-caliber ensemble. The group rehearses and performs a generous assortment of musical material. Students are challenged to master diverse styles from classical to jazz to the bold and the new. The ensemble is open to young musicians through age 18 who play an orchestral instrument.
Richard Babcock has been Music Director of the Peninsula Youth Symphony Orchestra for the past three years. In addition, he is Music Director of the Peninsula Symphonic Winds, and Director of Orchestras for Chadwick School in Palos Verdes. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in composition from the California Institute of the Arts, and a Bachelor of Music degree with emphasis in jazz theory and secondary education at the University of Utah.
Concerts
LA Philharmonic
Redefining what an orchestra can be, the LA Phil is as vibrant as Los Angeles, one of the world's most open and dynamic cities. Led by Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, this internationally renowned orchestra harnesses the transformative power of live music to build community, foster intellectual and artistic growth, and nurture the creative spirit.
The LA Phil takes audiences on sweeping musical journeys through electrifying performances, cutting-edge music education, and innovative community engagement programs.
Pacific Symphony
Pacific Symphony, led by Music Director Carl St.Clair for the last 30 years, has been the resident orchestra of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall for over a decade. Currently in its 41st season, the Symphony is the largest orchestra formed in the U.S. in the last 50 years and is recognized as an outstanding ensemble making strides on both the national and international scene, as well as in its own community of Orange County.
In April 2018, Pacific Symphony made its debut at Carnegie Hall as one of two orchestras invited to perform during a yearlong celebration of composer Philip Glass’ 80th birthday, and the following month the orchestra toured China. The orchestra made its national PBS debut in June 2018 on Great Performances with Peter Boyer’s “Ellis Island: The Dream of America,” conducted by St.Clair. Presenting more than 100 concerts and events a year and a rich array of education and community engagement programs, the Symphony reaches more than 300,000 residents—from school children to senior citizens.