*(Via ReelUrbanNews) – The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles/ICYOLA will bring its music to the Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall on July 1 at 3 p.m. Committed to the artistic, personal and professional development of young musicians, the orchestra will perform its 10th Annual Season Finale at the venue located in the heart of Los Angeles.
Charles Dickerson, founder and conductor of the ICYOLA, shared his enthusiasm with Reel Urban News about the young instrumentalists who comprise the celebrated orchestra.
“I have the most wonderful young people in the world that I have the privilege of working with,” said Dickerson. “I am proud of these young people and we are excited about putting on our 10th season finale.”
ICYOLA is a member of the League of American Orchestras and is a national leader in the effort to assure diversity in the arts. “Our orchestra is made up of a lot of first violins, a lot of second violins, a viola section, a cello section and a bass section,” explained Dickerson. “We began this orchestra in 2009. Nine African American young people came to me and asked if could we start this orchestra.
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“Since that time, we’ve expanded beyond just serving the African American community. Most members of this orchestra are from communities of color.”
Through its music, the orchestra has addressed several high profile social issues that challenge black life in America including the murder of Trayvon Martin and the death of Michael Brown at the hands of law enforcement. During their 10th Annual Season Finale, ICYOLA will premier Dickerson’s new piece, “This Is Why We Kneel,” a song inspired by the protests of former and current NFL players.
Get the rest of this article at ReelUrbanNews.com.
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