In this entry-level orchestral program, students learn the basics of string ensemble playing and how to work with a conductor while preparing for performance in a nurturing and musically exciting environment.
- How: Program consists of rehearsals and performances. Rehearsals are weekly; they include sectional coaching by experienced and accomplished professional musicians and full rehearsal under the direction of Samvel Chilingarian. Performances include 2 public concerts per year and multiple community playing opportunities.
- Who: Beginning string players, aged 7-13. Minimum requirement is one year of private lessons continued throughout participation in VYMA. Auditions are for the purpose of placement only, and are conducted with the same encouraging teaching style that characterizes VYMA rehearsals.
- When: Two 14-week sessions. Weekly rehearsals are Tuesdays 4:30-6:30 p.m., September to June.
- Tuition: $290 per session. Limited scholarships available.
In this intermediate level orchestral program, students acquire orchestral skills playing abridged and standard repertoire. Open to all instruments.
- How: Program consists of rehearsals and performances. Rehearsals are weekly; they include sectional coaching by experienced and accomplished professional musicians and full rehearsal under the direction of Samvel Chilingarian. Performances include two public concerts per year and multiple community playing opportunities.
- Who: Intermediate level instrumentalists, aged 7-17. All instruments welcome. Minimum requirement is two years of private lessons continued throughout participation in VYMA. Auditions are for the purpose of placement only, and are conducted with the same encouraging teaching style that characterizes VYMA rehearsals.
- When: Two 14-week sessions. Weekly rehearsals are Tuesdays 4:30-6:30 p.m., September to June.
- Tuition: $290 per session. Limited scholarships available.
In this advanced level orchestral program, students pursue further passionate musical training performing from the standard repertoire.
- How: Program consists of rehearsals, performances and mentoring opportunities. Rehearsals are done weekly with close coaching under the direction of Samvel Chilingarian. Performances include two public concerts per year and community playing opportunities. Mentoring opportunities include community service in the outreach program, the VYMA Music Project.
- Who: Advanced level instrumentalists, aged 14 and over. Minimum requirement is three years of orchestral experience and continued private lessons throughout participation in VYMA. By audition or invitation only.
- When: Two 12-week sessions. Weekly rehearsals are Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 p.m., September to June.
- Fee: $200 per session. Scholarships available with priority given to those participating in the outreach mentoring program.
In this program, students develop the unique skills and musical sensibilities necessary for performing in small ensembles without a conductor.
- How: Program consists of coaching and performances. Coaching is done under the guidance of professional VYMA coaches where students work together in trios and quartets, playing with the same group over an entire year. Performances include two public concerts per year and many community playing opportunities.
- Who: Open to all instrumentalists who can be matched with students of similar musical and technical level. Auditions required for students new to VYMA.
- When: Two 12-week sessions. Weekly rehearsals are set according to the schedule availability of each chamber group and their assigned coach.
- Tuition: $250 per session. Limited scholarships available.
In this program, students have the opportunity to expand their musical experience by learning basic jazz repertoire and improvisation.
- How: Program consists of rehearsals and performances. Weekly rehearsals are led by renowned jazz instructor Richard Simon. Performances include two public concerts per year and many community playing opportunities.
- Who: Open to all instrumentalists enrolled in the Verdugo Youth Orchestra.
- When: Two 10-week sessions. Weekly rehearsals are Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 p.m., September to June.
- Tuition: $190 per session. Limited scholarships available.
In this program, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an exceptional music experience that is multifaceted and fun!
- How: The camp consists of daily rehearsals and one performance. Rehearsals include orchestra, jazz ensemble, chamber music, choir, conducting fundamentals, master class, music theory, jazz theory, sight reading techniques, fun with music history, rhythm fundamentals and handbells! Students participate in all classes offered. One public concert is performed at the end of the 2-week camp.
- Who: Open to all instrumentalists with a minimum of one-year instrumental instruction. Auditions are for placement purpose and only required for students not currently enrolled with VYMA.
- When: July 12-23, 2010, Monday through Friday, 2-6 p.m.
- Tuition: $290 Limited scholarships available.
VYMA Music Project
This entry level afterschool program is an outreach program. It introduces students to orchestral and vocal music in a nurturing and musically exciting environment. Students learn the basics of string ensemble playing and how to work with a conductor as well as singing in a choral ensemble.
- How: Program consists of rehearsals and performances. Choral and orchestral rehearsals are weekly; they include sectional coaching by experienced and accomplished professional musicians, full orchestra rehearsal under the direction of Samvel Chilingarian and choral rehearsals. Performances include 3 public concerts per year and community playing opportunities.
- Who: Students grades 1-6 in selected Title I school. Requirement is to be enrolled in the PasadenaLEARNs after school program. No musical background required.
- When: Three 10-week sessions. Weekly rehearsals are Wednesdays and Fridays 3:30-5:30 p.m. for orchestra and Thursdays 3:30-5:30 p.m. for choir, from September to June.
- Tuition: Free; instruments provided.
VYMA Music Project is inspired by El Sistema, the immensely successful model of music education that produced Gustavo Dudamel, now Director of Los Angeles Philharmonic. The Music Project was initiated by VYMA in partnership with Pasadena Unified School District LEARNs. One Title I PUSD school, Longfellow Elementary was selected as a pilot school in 2009. It will be continued in 2010-11 as it proved a success. The program aims to provide very young children with a free systematic and high quality classical music education by creating children/youth orchestras. Given further funding, the program can be expanded to all PUSD elementary after-school programs, and, in the long term, to middle and high school levels.
Benefits of the program: Research indicates that early music instruction has multiple positive benefits on the development of a child (social, academic and musical).
VYMA Music Project is part of a larger effort to create children/youth orchestras by LA Philharmonic in LA County and by the New England Conservatory on a national scale as El Sistema-U.S.A. Children served by VYMA/Longfellow are part of this regional and national network of children/youth orchestras and not simply an isolated music program. The VYMA Music Project at Longfellow put the City of Pasadena on the musical landscape map, joining a growing number of cities across the U.S. and countries around the world in emulating a music program with a profound social impact.
Quick Facts about Longfellow School
- Location: 1065 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA
- Demographics: 78% socioeconomically disadvantaged; 26% English Learners; 26% African American, 60% Latino, 14% White, Asian, Filipino
- Project Partners: VYMA and PasadenaLEARNs
- Participants: 80 Longfellow students, grades 1-6, enrolled in LEARNs. With few exceptions, most have never played an instrument.
- Curriculum: Music theory, music history, orchestra and choir
- Program: 8 hours per week, Mondays and Fridays (6 hours, instrument/orchestra) and Thursdays (2 hours, choir)
- Scope: 2009-2010 is the pilot project at Longfellow Elementary; provided appropriate funding, will expand to other PUSD schools in subsequent years
- Budget: $80,000 for instruction; $25,000 for instruments
- All 80 instruments are provided