For over two years, Ebonie Vazquez sought a mentor of color for her 11-year-old son Giovanni, who is deeply passionate about playing the violin. She eventually discovered such a space at New Hope Presbyterian Church in Anaheim, California.
This multiethnic congregation, led by a Black female pastor, launched a string orchestra in April to support students, particularly those who face challenges accessing and affording music programs. Located in affluent Orange County, the orchestra has become a haven for young musicians.
Rev. Chineta Goodjoin, the church’s pastor, explained that the church had operated a smaller strings program for years. Inspired by her daughter Nyla’s experience playing violin with the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, founded by conductor Charles Dickerson, Goodjoin aspired to replicate the initiative in Orange County with Dickerson’s leadership.
The orchestra, now composed of about 18 members aged 9 to 20, includes violins, violas, basses, and cellos. It operates without auditions, is free to join, and emphasizes mentorship by people who reflect the diverse backgrounds of its students.
Vazquez highlighted the impact of representation in mentorship, saying it empowers students to feel supported and included. She noted that this has helped her son connect more deeply with music and his craft. Giovanni, who also plays in his school orchestra and Dickerson’s Los Angeles group, cherishes the church orchestra as a vital part of his community.
“Here, I can play classical music or relax with Imagine Dragons,” Giovanni shared, expressing his love for seeing others enjoy music. While dreaming of performing in Carnegie Hall, his primary goal is to play for those who truly value music.
Mentor Melissa Bausley, a cellist who volunteers her time, reflected on her experience as a Black woman in classical music. She noted the absence of African American teachers during her youth and recognized the significance of mentorship by individuals who share her background.
Dickerson explained that he founded the Los Angeles orchestra to address barriers faced by young musicians of color, who often felt isolated or relegated to the back row in traditional orchestras. He sees orchestras as a means to foster community, pride, and acceptance.
Rev. Goodjoin and her husband, jazz musician and music director Reggie Goodjoin, envision an orchestra where African American children excel in classical music. The program exposes students to a range of genres, from Bach to Beyoncé, as well as the works of Black composers. The orchestra is open to children of all faiths, offering a blend of sacred and secular music.
The initiative has already yielded positive outcomes. Parents have shared stories of children rediscovering their love for music. One boy, previously discouraged by feeling out of place in his school orchestra, found joy and belonging in the church program.
Carol Nealy, whose 9-year-old son Johnathan plays the violin, emphasized the church’s role in nourishing the community through spirituality, food, and music. She believes the program will have a generational impact by normalizing instruments like the violin for children in her community.
Elizabeth Moulthrop, executive director of El Sistema USA, affirmed the natural fit of music programs within churches, noting their role in fostering expression and offering access to transformative opportunities like scholarships and summer music camps.
Dickerson sees these orchestras as a means to uplift young people and provide pathways to better futures. He emphasized the importance of fostering pride and social acceptance through music, particularly for young musicians navigating societal challenges.
Reflecting on the historical role of Black churches as community hubs, Dickerson highlighted their legacy of fostering progress in areas like banking, journalism, and sports. He praised the church’s ability to create spaces where initiatives like symphonic orchestras can flourish, saying, “All praise to God.”
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