L.A. Phil guts East L.A. branch of Dudamel’s Youth Orchestra program months before his departure

by

Due to budget reductions, the Los Angeles Philharmonic is scaling back its youth orchestra program in East Los Angeles, a program strongly supported by departing conductor Gustavo Dudamel. This will involve staff reductions and changes to daily activities.

Last week, the nonprofit sent an email to parents explaining that they would need to make major changes to the programs offered at Esteban E. Torres High School because of unexpected financial difficulties.

Since 2007, the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) has provided free music lessons to kids and teens, ages 5 to 18. Supported by the L.A. Phil, YOLA gives students free instruments and the chance to play in an orchestra. Currently, YOLA has programs in Inglewood, East L.A., Rampart District, and Westlake/MacArthur Park. The only program facing potential cuts is the one at the Torres site in East L.A., which serves 165 students.

The program is being significantly changed. Students will now have only two days of instruction instead of four, with the focus shifting from teaching to rehearsal. All the teaching artists have been let go, and only two conductors will remain to lead the program. These changes will primarily affect older students. Unfortunately, the program for younger students—those in the Sprouts and Explorers groups—is being drastically reduced, and they may be offered the chance to continue at a different YOLA location.

Inspired by El Sistema, the music program where he received his early training in Venezuela, Dudamel has led this initiative. After serving as the L.A. Phil’s conductor since 2009, he will be stepping down in June 2026.

Jules Levy, a teaching artist who was recently let go, estimates that these changes will significantly cut back on students’ learning, reducing it by around 80%.

According to Levy, a YOLA instructor since 2019, students will simply play in the orchestra without any prior training in music theory, history, or vocal performance. He explained that all traditional music education – including studio classes, private lessons, master classes, and even small group sectionals – will be eliminated.

Levy taught double bass at Torres, working with students of all ages. As a graduate of the program’s original class, he credits it with his success, and feels deeply for current students who are losing that same opportunity. He described having to explain the program’s changes to his students, noting their confusion and sadness as the community faces yet another unexpected shift.

According to Levy, this community includes students from East L.A., many of whom have recently experienced the deportation of family members – parents, cousins, and others – by ICE. It’s a particularly vulnerable part of Los Angeles.

The changes were revealed just days before the teaching artists decided to form a union with the American Federation of Musicians.

The L.A. Phil told The Times they are working hard to help students and staff affected by recent changes, offering options like transferring to other YOLA locations and providing transportation assistance where they can.

We’ve always aimed to connect people through music and live shows, and we’re still fully committed to the families, musicians, and staff who make up the YOLA community,” said a representative from the L.A. Phil.

When Karla Juarez, a parent at YOLA Torres, learned about the program cuts, she immediately started organizing a community response. She created an Instagram account, @saveyolatorres, and has been using it to share messages and build support for saving the program.

“We’re determined to keep this program going,” said Juarez. “As parents, we’re sticking together and doing everything we can to support our children and their futures.”

Her two children are involved in the program: her 8-year-old son, who played percussion with Sprouts, and her 13-year-old daughter, Romina Sanchez, who plays cello in the symphony orchestra. Juarez explains that while her daughter has always loved music, YOLA has helped her become more confident.

Sanchez was heartbroken to learn about the program cuts, explaining, “Music means so much to me, and YOLA feels like a second home.” She was also upset about having to return her cello, which she’s played for three years.

The 13-year-old musician is trying to find a way to get a new cello, either by saving her money or finding a rental option. She works two jobs to help her family, but they still can’t afford music lessons. She believes every child should have access to opportunities like this.

Juarez expressed gratitude for the program being free, but stressed the importance of it fulfilling its promises for the children involved. She worried that the program’s current actions were damaging the reputation of Gustavo Dudamel, explaining that it had inspired hope in the children, and now that hope was being taken away.

The YOLA Torres site will remain open and functioning normally until December 12th, after which service reductions will begin.

Read More

2025-11-25 21:31