Ten Days in LA: Dayana at the YOLA National Festival
CMW violin/viola student and board member Dayana Read reports on her recent trip to Los Angeles to participate in the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles National Festival program.
I remember the moment I got the notification from my teacher, Jesse Holstein, that I got accepted into this summer’s 10-day YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) National Festival program*. I screamed in front of the whole Youth Alliance. I’ve never been anywhere near the west coast before, much less Malibu.
I felt really nervous when I arrived to LAX airport, everyone seemed like they knew each other. I was fortunate to meet this girl on the bus named Mia, it was also her first year and we already had a ton in common. After that, we were basically joined at the hip.
Every day involved some form of playing my instrument, whether that be in orchestra, sectionals, or both. The classes were taught by incredible teachers from all over the world. Even though it was stressful learning the music, I knew I was there for a reason, and that everyone shared the same goal of preparing for an amazing concert. After classes, we had a different activity every day. There was the Yolympics, the beach, the dance, regular social time, but my favorite was definitely the Hollywood Bowl. I got to see THE John Williams live conducting the LaPhil. YOLA even got a shoutout! There were hundreds of people, all waving their lightsabers in the air. John Williams even fought Gustavo Dudamel, it was a historic moment.
As we were approaching the concert, I felt better and better about it. Even though I was only there for a little over a week, I felt bummed about leaving all the amazing people and places behind (especially the on-campus Starbucks).
On concert day, I remember the moment I stepped on the stage. We were in the Walt Disney Concert Hall, one of the most beautiful venues I’ve ever played in. The audience was filled with hundreds of people, all there to listen to us play music. The concert turned out great, and the reception party was too. I’m very glad I had this opportunity to play with and learn from highly talented musicians. I hope other CMW students get the chance to experience an opportunity like this. —Dayana Read * The YOLA National Festival is a 10-day orchestra intensive that brings together young musicians from El Sistema-inspired programs nationwide, providing them with world-class music instruction and mentorship. The program, including travel, lodging, and all instruction, is entirely free for all participants. The festival’s purpose is to connect civically-minded young musicians from diverse regions across the country. Bringing together this community who share a common interest in achieving musical excellence serves as the nexus for the progressive future of music education while modeling the future of orchestral ensembles. WATCH:
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Dayana performs this past spring at a CMW event. 
Dayana’s first trip to Los Angeles included a view of the famous Hollywood sign.
Dayana, left, with new friend Mia at the YOLA summer program. 
Lightsabers abound at the Hollywood Bowl concert conducted by John Williams.
The YOLA National performs at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.