On June 3rd, LAMusArt celebrated the achievements of three of its Tuition-Free Music Ensembles at the Tuition-Free Music Ensembles Concert, the opening event of our Courtyard Stage Season Two. The performance was met with cheers from friends, family, and supporters - a perfect way to begin our summer!
The concert series commenced with an introduction by LAMusArt's leaders, Executive Director Tahnee Freda and Programs Manager Jose Fletes. As anticipation mounted, the LAMusArt Youth Orchestra soon began to fill the Courtyard with a medley of iconic film music pieces from composers John Williams, Klaus Badelt, and Beethoven. The medley marks the Youth Orchestra’s first performance since June 2022, and the first performance under Teaching Artist Eric Linnes-Bagley's direction.
Next up was the LAMusArt Jazz Ensemble, led by Dr. Isaac Lopez. The graduating seniors in the ensemble began with "Midnight Rumble," followed by the rest of the musicians joining in with "Sube." Dr. Lopez encouraged the audience to dance along, and the courtyard was electrified by a cacophony of Latin Jazz rhythms from congas, saxophone, and bass. The musicians bowed to thunderous applause from the audience before joining the crowd to cheer on the new LAMusArt Choir.
The LAMusArt Choir took the stage with an introduction by their director Shalese Sedgwick Murphy, who took the post earlier this year. The Choir's concert entitled "What a Wonderful World" started with a touching rendition of "Oh What A Beautiful Morning" from Oklahoma! The group later showcased beloved classics like “Do Re Mi” from The Sound of Music, and “California Dreamin’” by The Mamas and the Papas, and new favorites like “Fireflies” by Owl City. Audiences were impressed by the talents of the young soloists and the group as a whole. The concert ended with a lovely rendition of "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. Shalese Sedgwick’s directorial debut with the LAMusArt Choir brought the house down as the LAMusArt community beamed with pride and appreciation.
The night concluded with a word from the Programs Manager, Jose Fletes, who thanked the community for their continuous support for the arts and commended the students for their dedication to creative paths.
The concert proved to be an outstanding triumph, brilliantly highlighting the immense talent of LAMusArt's Tuition-Free Music Ensembles. The ensembles will return for instruction in June.
Interested in joining an ensemble? Register here.
To view photos from the event, click here.
