LACC Announces The Harmony Project

 Dr. Dan Wanner, Chair of the Music Department at Los Angeles City College (LACC), has announced The Harmony Project, a non-profit organization serving the cultural and artistic needs of underprivileged children in the Los Angeles area, with over 200 students taking music courses at the LACC Music Department, will present a free concert, "FOR MOM, WITH LOVE," in observance of Mother's Day, at Forest Lawn's Hall of Liberty; 6300 Forest Lawn Drive; Hollywood Hills, CA  90068 on Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 2:00 p.m.
 
The concert is free of charge and seating is on a first come, first served basis. The program will feature the talents of young students from The Harmony Project Orchestra, The Hollywood Youth Orchestra and The Harmony Project Combined Choirs.  Ample free parking is also available.  For further information, please call The Harmony Project at 323-462-4311 or visit the websites:  www.harmony-project.org <http://www.harmony-project.org>; http://www.lacitycollege.edu, then click on Classes/Areas of Study, then click on Music, then click on Free Concerts, then click on Daytime Concerts for Spring 2008; or http://www.forestlawn.com/Special-Events-And-Facilities/Hall-Of-Liberty.asp.
 

Under the baton of The Harmony Project's Music Director and Conductor, Abel Delgado, The Harmony Project Orchestra will perform "Simple Gifts" – Shaker Hymn; "Amazing Grace," arranged by E. Jurey; and "Eden Ridge" by Larry Clark.   The Hollywood Youth Orchestra will perform "Rosamunde Overture," Op. 26 by Frantz Schubert, arranged by Vernon Leidig; "Nimrod" by Edward Elgar, arranged by Mitchell Bender; "Jupiter – Bringer of Jollity" from "The Planets" by Gustav Holst, arranged by Vernon Leidig and "Dance of the Hours" from "La Gioconda" by Amilcare Ponchielli, edited by Steven L. Rosenhaus.  The Harmony Project Combined Choirs, under the direction of Orlena Ruiz, will perform the cannon, "Llego Primavera/La Nueva Primavera; "Good Night" by Dmitri Kabalevsky, arranged by Doreen Rao; the Irish Tune, "The Sally Gardens," arranged by Benjamin Britten; "La Paloma se Fue," arranged by Alejandro Jimenez in English and Spanish; "The Singing Song" sung in a round and "Genesis" by Guillermo Venegas Lloveras.
 
Dr. Dan Wanner said:  "Harmony Project students take music courses at the LACC Music Department on evenings and weekends, enrolling over 200 students each semester in lecture and lab classes.  Students are taught by qualified LACC professors in a college setting.  Some participants even receive college credit.  One of the future goals of the collaboration between the Harmony Project and the Music Department is to transition graduating high school students into LACC as music majors."
 
The Harmony Project is a non-profit organization serving the cultural and artistic needs of underprivileged children in the Los Angeles area.  Their mission is to promote the development of children through the study, practice and performance of music; to build healthier communities by investing in the positive development of children through music; and to develop children as musical ambassadors of peace, hope and understanding amongst people of diverse cultures, backgrounds and beliefs.

 Abel Delgado said:  "I first became involved with The Harmony Project when I began teaching the first flute class as a means to expand the program.  I recall the impact it had on me because I was able to see myself in every one of those children.  I realize that my success today is largely attributed to the commitment of numerous individuals and foundations who made my music education financially possible, resulting in numerous awards, scholarships and performance opportunities, I might not otherwise have ever had.  It is because of this that I now undertake the responsibility of providing children with the same opportunities, support and commitment that I once was given."

Abel Delgado (Music Director and Conductor of The Harmony Project) was born in Houston, Texas on March 23, 1980.  He received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the University of Southern California (USC) in flute performance and orchestral conducting, respectively.  At the present time, he serves as the Director of Development for the USC Flora L. Thornton School of Music.  Prior to this, he served as the Executive Director for The Harmony Project and continues to remain involved as their Music Director & Conductor.  He is responsible for creating their three Summer Festival Orchestras in addition to developing and conducting the Hollywood Youth Orchestra.  A collaboration between The Harmony Project and Los Angeles City College evolved through the pioneering work of Dr. Margaret Martin, The Founder of The Harmony Project, who once studied at LACC herself.
 
Additionally, Delgado also serves as the Guest Conductor for Special Events for the Young Musicians Foundation (YMF).  As a flutist, he currently holds principal positions with the El Paso Opera Orchestra, Cypress Pops Orchestra, Los Alamitos Symphony, Southeast Symphony and Opera Pacific's Summer Program.
 
 Delgado began his music education with piano at age 8, flute at 10 and conducting at 14.  At age 15 he attended the Interlochen Arts Academy where he studied with Tyra Gilb and became the principal flute player of the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra.  From there, he went on to hold principal flute positions with the Houston Youth Symphony, Texas All-State Orchestra, the USC Symphony and Chamber Orchestra, and the Young Musicians Foundation (YMF) Debut Orchestra.
 
As a result of being the Grand Prize recipient of the Pasadena Instrumental Competition, Delgado appeared twice as a soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in October of 2001.  Other appearances include solo performances with the YMF Debut Orchestra, Cypress Pops Orchestra and the USC Symphony.  He has also performed at the National Flute Association Orchestral Master Class and Competition as a finalist; Hollywood Bowl; served as the Guest Artist for Senator John McCain; soloed at the Texas Music Educators Association; participated as a tenor in numerous Opera Scenes and Opera productions while at USC, and served as the musical consultant and company dancer in the USC production of Igor Stravinsky's ballet "Les Noces."

 As a conductor, Delgado has led the YMF Debut Orchestra at the 2005 Grammy's Salute to Classical Music honoring Esa-Pekka Salonen, Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.  In the summer of 2007 he had the honor of leading the ensemble for Merv Griffin's memorial service.  In addition, Delgado has conducted the USC Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, Chamber Ensemble of Rome, served as Assistant Conductor for Jorge Mester and the Pasadena Symphony, as well as, Michael Tilson Thomas at Disney Hall.  Now, having fulfilled his duties as Assistant Conductor for the YMF Debut Orchestra, he leads them periodically in performances and outreach concerts.  In the spring of 2006, Delgado was named as a finalist for Leonard Slatkin's National Conducting Institute.
 
During his time at the USC, Delgado studied flute with Jim Walker and Gary Woodward, voice with Elizabeth Hynes and Jonathan Mack, and conducting with John Barnett.  Other notable people with whom he has worked with include:
Jeanne Baxtresser, Carol Wincenc, Jeffrey Khaner, Sebastian Bell, Mathieu Dufour, Keith Underwood, Andrew Robinson, Lucas Richman, Carl St. Clair, Kenneth Kiesler, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, Michael Kamen, John Lithgow, Michael York, Josh Groban, Chris Botti and Barry Manilow.
 
Delgado has been featured in the August 2006 and November 2006 issues of People Magazine, Los Angeles Times, International Musician, the Interlochen Arts Academy's Crescendo, CBS Early Show, Hallmark's Naomi's [Judd] New Morning, Despierta America, Univision's Orgullo Hispano, Eye on LA/Vista LA, KNX 1070 Newsradio and Hot 92 JAMZ.

Orlena Ruiz (Choir Director) was born in Venezuela to a musical family and began her early music studies there.  She studied piano as well as voice, but found her true passion to be in teaching.  She moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she did her undergraduate studies and truly began to instill the love of music in children there.  She later received her Master of Music from New York University, where she also worked with the Harlem School for the Arts, Hispanic Young People Alternative, and other youth organizations.

 The Harmony Project Orchestra is open to all The Harmony Project (THP) students, of all ages and abilities, though most are of a beginner and intermediate level.  Approximately 70 students participate in this group, conducted by THP Music Director and Conductor, Abel Delgado.  The orchestra is based at Los Angeles Community College (LACC), with three-hour rehearsals held on Saturday mornings.  This orchestra introduces students to the basic orchestral repertoire, trains students to work with an ensemble and conductor, enhances listening and sight-reading skills, stimulates faithful practice habits, and provides the opportunity for practice and rehearsal to be rewarded by the applause of a large, appreciative audience.  Musical skill, though important, is less important than practice and dedication in The Harmony Project Orchestra – each student is encouraged to do his or her best possible work, at whatever level that work may be, to contribute to the orchestra's goal of giving the best possible performance.
 
 Abel Delgado also conducts the 32-member Hollywood Youth Orchestra, which was founded in the summer of 2007.  Membership is open to both THP and non-THP participants.  Roughly 60% of members are students in The Harmony Project.  Students must audition for this orchestra before a panel of professional musicians, demonstrating the skill and interest necessary for participating in an advanced-level ensemble.  Like The Harmony Project Orchestra, the Hollywood Youth Orchestra is based at LACC, and rehearses for three hours on Saturday mornings.  Students in this orchestra explore a wide range of orchestral repertoire in a moderately rigorous environment.  Disciplined practice, developed rehearsal and sight-reading abilities, and a true commitment to performing with a skilled group are all necessary for successful membership.  Though not all members are destined or expected to become music professionals, the orchestra provides them a chance to experience rehearsal and performance in an advanced environment.
 
Both orchestras perform in concert once during each school semester, and again during The Harmony Project's Summer Festival.  The Harmony Project strives to make orchestra concerts true community events – many young people are inspired to join THP after attending one of its orchestra concerts, a result which THP desires strongly.
 
The Harmony Project also offers its students the chance to participate in one of three young people's choirs. Students may, if they wish, participate in choir only.  Instrumental students are encouraged toward choir participation as a valuable supplement to lessons and orchestra involvement in developing listening, rhythm and harmony skills.
 
 The Children's Choir, based at the Expo Center in Los Angeles, is for students in grades one through five.  Conducted by Orlena Ruiz, this group learns basic music reading, vocal control principles, and rudimentary ear training.  Children's Choir rehearsals of 90 minutes are held twice weekly.
 
Ruiz also conducts two Youth Choirs, one at LACC, the other at the Expo Center.  Youth Choir members are in grades six through twelve.  This ensemble specializes in advanced music reading, vocal and ear training, plus two, three and four-part singing.  Members perform repertoire ranging from the seventeenth through the twenty-first centuries. The Youth Choir also rehearses for 90 minutes, twice weekly.
 
 The Harmony Project's 47 choir members perform in concert throughout the year, at a variety of community events.  Recent performances include the Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, the Hollywood Interfaith Choir Festival and a concert for Esperanza Community Housing.  As with THP's orchestras, choir performances have attracted a large number of students to The Harmony Project's programs, firmly establishing THP as a valuable, contributing member of the community it serves.

 For further information on Los Angeles City College's Music Department please visit www.lacitycollege.edu <http://www.lacitycollege.edu> , then click on Classes/Areas of Study, then click on Music, then click on Free Concerts, then click on Daytime Concerts for Spring 2008.  For further information on The Harmony Project please visit www.harmony-project.org <http://www.harmony-project.org> . For further information about Forest Lawn Hall of Liberty in Hollywood Hills please visit http://www.forestlawn.com/Special-Events-And-Facilities/Hall-Of-Liberty.asp.

Music Calendar Listing:
LOS ANGELES CITY COLLEGE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
DR. DAN WANNER, CHAIR, ANNOUNCES THE HARMONY PROJECT
 WILL PRESENT A FREE CONCERT
"FOR MOM, WITH LOVE"
AT FOREST LAWN'S HALL OF LIBERTY ON SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2008 AT 2:00 P.M.

WHO:             Dr. Dan Wanner, Chair of the Music Department at Los Angeles City College (LACC), has announced The Harmony Project, a non-profit organization serving the cultural and artistic needs of underprivileged children in the Los Angeles area, with over 200 students taking music courses at the LACC Music Department, will present a free concert, "FOR MOM, WITH LOVE," in observance of Mother's Day.  The program will feature the talents of young students from The Harmony Project Orchestra and The Hollywood Youth Orchestra, under the baton of Music Director and Conductor, Abel Delgado, and The Harmony Project Combined Choirs, under the direction of Orlena Ruiz.

WHAT:          A Free Concert in honor of Mother's Day.
 
WHERE:       Forest Lawn's Hall of Liberty; 6300 Forest Lawn Drive; Hollywood Hills, CA  90068.
 
WHEN:          Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 2:00 p.m.

HOW:             The concert is free of charge and seating is on a first come, first served basis. The program will feature the talents of young students from The Harmony Project Orchestra, The Hollywood Youth Orchestra and The Harmony Project Combined Choirs.  Ample free parking is also available.  For further information, please call The Harmony Project at 323-462-4311 or visit the websites:  www.harmony-project.org <http://www.harmony-project.org> ; http://www.lacitycollege.edu, then click on Classes/Areas of Study, then click on Music, then click on Free Concerts, then click on Daytime Concerts for Spring 2008; or http://www.forestlawn.com/Special-Events-And-Facilities/Hall-Of-Liberty.asp.

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