The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles

Transforming Lives Through Music

A black music note in the middle of a blue circle.

Orchestra Program

Creating pride and lifelong connections through performance

A group of people standing in front of each other.

ICYOLA Academy

Inspiring success through world-class music education

A black and white icon of an open bag.

Drum Corps

Instilling discipline, critical thinking, and self-worth

Mission

Our mission is to cultivate musical expression as a vehicle for personal development, and to bring to fruition the full musical and academic potential of young residents of inner-city Los Angeles.

Vision

ICYOLA envisions a Los Angeles where all inner-city youth access transformative musical education, developing them not just as musicians but as confident, disciplined individuals ready for success in all areas of life. We believe musical excellence and personal growth create a foundation for lifelong achievement, community connection, and meaningful societal contribution.

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Young woman playing cello in church.

Support Us

Help us make a difference in the lives of young people! Your donation helps provide quality music instruction, as well as educational and community initiatives, to the inner-city youth of Los Angeles. All contributions will be gratefully acknowledged and are tax-deductible.

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Testimonials

Provides inner city youth with the opportunity to learn and perform the great orchestral music of the world in the greatest settings of the world. It aspires to prepare its members for advanced study - musical and otherwise - and high caliber success for life.

LA Phil

Reviewer

For us to take 100 kids from our community to Disney Hall, and let them play in one of the most iconic places in the world where orchestra music is played...that does a lot for self-pride and community pride

Charles Dickerson III

Founder, Executive Director, Conductor

I've been a part of this orchestra, and it has given me some great opportunities... I've been able to study with one of the best French horn players and play with world-class musicians.

Malik Taylor

Member, French Horn

The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles is the largest majority African American youth orchestra in the country.

LA Standard Newspaper

Reviewer

The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles is the largest majority African American youth orchestra in the country.

LA Standard Newspaper

Reviewer

My parents heard about it online. I've been here for five years.
I'm now a concertmaster.
99

Thin Tran

Member, Violin

Learning about classical music teaches you about life. There is a rhythm in classical music that mirrors the rhythms of life.

Charles Dickerson III

Founder, Executive Director, Conductor

It wasn't something that happened overnight for us, it was a way to show the youth that orchestral music is a way to make a
living too and that you don't have to do the typical things.

Daquan Robinson

Member

This orchestra is extremely important for Black and Latinx children...because there are not that many organizations like this in their communities.

LA Standard News

Reporter

I think the way to promote diversity in classical music is to have an orchestra in the heart of the Black community and serve the people there.

Charles Dickerson III

Founder, Executive Director, Conductor

ICYOLA is the official orchestra for California State University, Dominguez Hills

CSUDH

Music Department

ICYOLA, it not only felt like a family...it was really crucial to my development.

Akilah Morgan

Director of Programs

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Experience the incredible music of America's largest majority-Black orchestra. Click to witness their inspiring journey firsthand.

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