Open to select musicians from the 2023 YOLA National Festival, the YOLA National Institute (YNI) is an in-depth training program for young musicians interested in pursuing artistic development and ventures throughout their careers.

Applications for the 2023 YOLA National Institute open in October 2023. Please note: students from the YOLA National Festival who are Sophomores and Juniors will be invited to apply. Applications are by invitation only.

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Due Date: November 3, 2023

Purpose:

YOLA National Institute (YNI) facilitates opportunities for young artists from (historically) marginalized communities, particularly communities of color, to actively participate in project-based learning, holistic practices, and personal explorations through music. YNI builds a year-round collaborative community of young people and adult allies to think critically about the arts, to question the role of music in their lives, and to develop a better understanding of themselves and their creative futures.

Mission Statement:

YNI is a youth-centered program built around practices of care and inquiry, that supports young people in their personal and artistic development and encourages new learning and equitable opportunities within the field of classical music.

Program Overview:

• The Institute aims to supplement students’ musical experience at home and at the YOLA National Festival. All program elements are provided for free to participating students, including travel, room, and board.

• Musicians are introduced to a wide variety of artists over the course of the year, engage in their own creative projects, and work to better understand themselves, their vision, and their creative futures.

• YNI Fellows work together as a cohort over the course of the academic year, creating personal artist statements, exploring various career pathways, and supporting each other as they navigate the college application process, or their first year of college.

• The program offers mentorship, travel opportunities, and support for college applications.

• YNI Fellows are leaders who think critically about the arts, and actively seek opportunities to question the role of music in society, and in their lives.

How to Apply

• Step 1: Musicians who were in the YOLA National Festival, and who are sophomores and juniors will be sent the supplemental YNI Application. The application will include:

  • 2 Written reflections

  • 1 Video reflection

  • 1 Personal statement that is a medium of the applicant’s choice

• Step 2: Review the following Application Questions and prepare them. Once ready, log into your Acceptd profile and complete your application.

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Due Date: November 3, 2023

Faculty:

Chloë Kline

Ashley Frith

2021-2022 YNI Fellows:

Violin

Cristal Martinez Perez, Austin Soundwaves
Francesco Capitano, Siman Orchestral Foundation
Juan Florez, Miami Music Project
Enoc Garza, YOLA at EXPO
Maria Gonzalez Marcano, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras
Noemi Guzman, YOLA at EXPO

Viola

David Vallejo-Lozano, Miami Music Project
Gerdlie Jean-Louis, Kids 4 Harmony
Arianelle Arroyo, Juilliard Music Advancement Program (MAP)
Jay Maldonado, Greater Miami Youth Symphony

Cello

Gerdrose Jean Louis, Kids 4 Harmony 
Jonathan Colon, The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts
Marcus  Gee, KidzNotes
Khalil Payne, 16, Tri M Music Honor 
Heather Cruz, Kids 4 Harmony

Double Bass

Geetika Komati, Juilliard Music Advancement Program (MAP)
Noanddi Manigat, BYSO Intensive Community Program

Flute

Jose Arana, YOLA at HOLA

Clarinet

Rebekah Campbell, Riverside Arts Academy

Oboe

Elizabeth Perez-Hickman, Miami Music Project 
Estelle Balsirow, Juilliard Music Advancement Program (MAP)
Sophia Lehrmann, Miami Music Project

Bassoon

Daniela Santana, Harmony Project

Trumpet

Jay-Era Johnson, Empire State Youth Orchestra
Judith Garcia, YOLA at EXPO
Sid Chalasani, Juilliard Music Advancement Program (MAP)

Trombone

Elise Montenora, Juilliard Music Advancement Program 
Rebekah Marquez, YOLA at HOLA
Wilfrido Cruz, YOLA at HOLA

French Horn

Audrey Chung, YOLA at HOLA 

Percussion

John Sunderman, YOLA at HOLA
Somesh Yatham, Austin Soundwaves