THE LA MIRADA SYMPHONY EMPOWERS STUDENTS THROUGH MUSIC EDUCATION
Building the Future With Our Youth
Engaging Students: Learning Through Performance
“So often, a child doesn’t realize something is possible until they experience it firsthand. The La Mirada Symphony wants to be that experience to show the youth they can become anything they want to be if they really want to.”
David Derks, President, La Mirada Symphony Association
The La Mirada Symphony Youth Program engages middle and high schoolers in active music participation by connecting them with the symphony.
The La Mirada Symphony Youth Program gives audiences opportunities to not only hear the sounds of all the instruments on stage, individually and collectively, but also encourages on-stage participation with the symphony through instrumental musical performances. Many students have been inspired in past seasons to play instruments themselves and are ready to add music to their curriculum at school.
The La Mirada Symphony Youth Program was created in 2001 to enhance curriculum, inspire, educate and entertain all students in the Norwalk/La Mirada School District and home-schooled children in the local area, which includes South Los Angeles County and North Orange County.
Approximately 30 to 40 honor band musicians from the district are given the fantastic opportunity to play their instruments on stage with the adult orchestra at the youth concerts.
“As an educator, music has always played an important role in the total education of young people,” said Pat Ruiz, Chairperson Emeritus, The La Mirada Symphony Youth Program. “This kind of program is not an ‘extra’ in our children’s curricula, but a necessity.”
A recent study of students in the Chicago Public Schools by brain researchers at Northwestern University, detailed in Neuroscientist and Education Week, stated that students who participated in instrumental music performances scored significantly higher than their non-band peers in standardized tests.
The La Mirada Symphony Youth Program is made possible through generous gifts from individuals and corporate sponsorships.
Youth Program
We produce concerts with our musicians tailored for the youth to optimize learning in a fun environment.
On Location
Over 2,000 grade schoolers from the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District attended a free concert performed by the La Mirada Symphony at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
Learning About A Symphony
During their visit, students spent time with conductor Alan Mautner who discusses the structure of a symphony. Each section of the symphony participates by playing individually to illustrate how they fit into a composition.
Talent on Display
The Youth Enrichment program performance is a showcase for the district’s Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) program.
Audience Participation
Conductor Alan Mautner created a program to pique the interest and enthusiasm of the young people present. Members of the audience ’volunteer’ to join on stage and ‘enhance’ “Fiddle Faddle” by Leroy Anderson with small instruments, much to the pleasure of the students present.
Digital Programming
As the world begins to change, and communication and learning evolve due to technology, the La Mirada Symphony has embarked on a new mission to expand our reach to a global audience through digital platforms. Stay tuned for more information on our new endeavor!
Your support Can Open The Door to Possibilities
The journey to a career in music begins with positive experiences that reinforces a young person that anything is possible. Our Youth Programs offers a unique tool for students interesting in performing on stage with an orchestra.
Donations
Donations help sustain our Youth Program. Any amount positively impacts our mission statement to educate our youth. Donations may also be made via PayPal to lamiradasymphony@aol.com. If you have a gift you would like to donate to our opportunity drawings, please get in touch with us at the same email address.
Become A Part Of The Experience
The La Mirada Symphony depends on donations from friends like you. Your tax-deductible gift helps the symphony deliver inspiring, free concerts to thousands of local residents in Southern California.
Thank you for your support!
Our City + Corporate Supporters
OUR VISION
The La Mirada Symphony maintains its policy of offering free quality concerts to the residents of Southern California.
The La Mirada Symphony is a California 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. Your donation today is tax deductible. Our Federal ID number is #94-3223735. Thank you for supporting the performing arts.
Our Mailing Address
La Mirada Symphony Association
P.O. Box 117
La Mirada, CA 90637-0117
Email: lamiradasymphony@aol.com
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A Message from David Derks, President of La Mirada Symphony Association 
Meet Our Conductor Alan Mautner
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