Apply for the 2025 YOLA National Festival

All applications are submitted through the Acceptd platform:

Apply Now

Priority deadline: MAR 3, 2025
Final deadline: MAR 10, 2025
Questions? YOLANationalTeam@laphil.org

Application Information & Timeline

Your application involves these core components:  

1. To begin: Create an account or log in to the Acceptd platform via the Apply Now link

2. Fill out the application which includes parent/guardian information, educational, and musical background

3. Upload your musical audition and personal statement videos based on the requirements for your desired ensembles*

4. Submit a recommendation from a program manager or teacher

5. Upload the required consent forms

*Instrument specific excerpts and details about the personal statement are available on our Audition Requirements page.

 All applications are submitted through the Acceptd platform:

Apply Now

Priority deadline: MAR 3, 2025
Final deadline: MAR 10, 2025
Questions? YOLANationalTeam@laphil.org

Once you have created your login on our application platform Acceptd, we suggest you download the application checklist linked in the Application Materials list below, begin practicing your required excerpts, and be sure to get support from a teaching artist or program manager for your musical audition and your personal statement.

Eligibility Requirements

Musicians applying for the YOLA National Festival must meet the program and age requirements in order to participate. All applicants must be enrolled in an El Sistema-inspired program, or a program that is similarly invested in youth development practices. While each program operates differently, there are basic tenets which this Festival aims to support.

For full details about program eligibility, please download our Eligibility PDF.
Questions? Email YOLANationalTeam@laphil.org

Orchestra and Chamber Application Requirements

All applicants should only submit one application, with one set of materials. Excerpts for all application types can be found on our Audition Requirements page. Please note: All Chamber Music musicians will participate in the corresponding Orchestra program and are required to submit a complete application.

Symphony Orchestra

• Ages: 14-18 years old

• Applicants who are 14 years old and apply for Symphony Orchestra may be considered for the Overture Orchestra.

• We encourage 14-year-old musicians to submit to the ensemble that they feel best reflects their musical abilities.

• Acceptance to the Orchestra Program will solely be based on Orchestra application

Symphony Chamber Music Program NEW!

• Ages: 14-18 years old

• Applicants who choose to submit for Symphony Chamber Music Programs must also complete the application and excerpts for Symphony Orchestra along with the required supplemental materials. Symphony Chamber Music Program musicians will also participate in Symphony Orchestra.

• Musicians will only be considered for the Chamber Music Program that corresponds with the Orchestra applied for. (I.e. Only materials submitted for Symphony Chamber Music Program will be considered for acceptance into Symphony Chamber Music Program).

• Acceptance is based on musicians' application to both Orchestra and Chamber Music Program

Overture Orchestra

• Ages: 12-14 years old

• Musicians who are 14 years old can either apply for the Symphony Orchestra to be considered for both Overture and Symphony Orchestra or choose to apply only for the Overture Orchestra.

• We encourage 14-year-old musicians to submit to the ensemble that they feel best reflects their musical abilities.

• Acceptance to Orchestra Program will solely be based on Orchestra application

Overture Chamber Music Program NEW!

• Ages: 12-14 years old

• Applicants who choose to submit for Overture Chamber Music Programs must also complete the application and excerpts for Overture Orchestra along with the required supplemental materials. Overture Chamber Music Program musicians will also participate in Overture Orchestra.

• We encourage 14-year-old musicians to submit to the ensemble that they feel best reflects their musical abilities.

• Musicians will only be considered for the Chamber Music Program that corresponds with the Orchestra applied for. (I.e. Only materials submitted for Overture Chamber Music Program will be considered for acceptance into Overture Chamber Music Program).

• Acceptance is based on musicians' application to both Orchestra and Chamber Music Program

Faculty From 2024:

Conductors

Gustavo Dudamel
Music & Artistic Director, Los Angeles Philharmonic 

Flute

Hilary Jones, Wichita State University, Assistant Professor of Flute; Wichita Symphony Orchestra, Principal Flute

Meghan Bennett, New York University, Music Assistant Professor of Flute and Director of Woodwind Studies

Oboe 

Geoffrey Johnson, Western Michigan University, Adjunct Oboe Professor

Andrés Mendoza, Weimar University, Music Faculty

Clarinet 

Mariam Adam, Chineke Orchestra and Chamber Ensemble, Principal Clarinet; International Soloist and musician

Stephanie Zelnick, University of Kansas 

Bassoon

Marissa Olegario, University of Arizona, Assistant Professor of Bassoon

Kai Rocke, Oregon Symphony, Bassoonist

French Horn 

Elizabeth Linares Montero, Sonarsix Sextet; YOLA at Torres, Teaching Artist 

Melia Badalian, Long Beach Symphony, Modesto Symphony, Santa Barbara Symphony, Symphony San Jose, and the Stockton Symphony

Trumpet 

Luis Cardenas Casillas, Dallas Brass Chamber Ensemble, Trumpetist

JoAnn Lamolino, Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, Associate Principal/Second Trumpet; University of Hawaii, Lecturer in Trumpet

Trombone 

Burt Mason, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Associate Musician; Chamber Orchestra of New York, Principal Trombone; Broadway’s Camelot, Principal Trombone

John Hart, Keene State College, Assistant Professor of Music

Tuba 

Jazzie Pigott, Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins, Tuba

Percussion 

Ruben Hernandez, San Diego Youth Symphony, OPUS, Teaching Artist

Megumi Smith, California State University, Dominguez Hills, Music Faculty; Santa Monica College, Percussion Ensemble Director; YOLA at HOLA, Teaching Artist

Violin 

Mariesther Alvarez, Boston String Academy, Director, Violin Faculty

Mellasenah Edwards, Baltimore School for the Arts, Music Department Head

Benjamin Hoffman, Brightfeather, Founder; San Diego Symphony, Guest Violinist

Francisco Diaz, Sunstate Orchestral Program-El Sistema, Director

Lauren Rausch, San Diego Youth Symphony, Program Manager; San Diego State University Community Music School, Violin Faculty Member 

Tiffany Rice, The Buckingham Browne & Nichols School, Middle School Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Global Education Practitioner

Viola 

Chris Jenkins, Oberlin Conservatory, Associate Dean and Liaison to the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Robin Fay Massie, Musicians of Mercy (MOM), Executive Director

Cello 

Terrence Thornhill, Paterson Music Project, NJ, Teaching Artist; Northern New Jersey Youth Orchestra, Assistant Conductor

Denielle Wilson, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Cello

Bass 

David Connor, Houston Ballet Orchestra, Assistant Principal Double Bass

Chantal Incandela, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Press & Communications Manager