From Bach to Beyonce, why a church orchestra aims to lift up young musicians of color

For over two years, Ebonie Vazquez searched to find a mentor of color for her son, Giovanni, now 11 and passionate about playing the violin. She has now found that space at a local church.

- Deepa Bharath

New Hope Presbyterian Church, a multiethnic congregation led by a Black female pastor in Anaheim, California, started a string orchestra in April, welcoming students, including those who may have trouble getting into and paying for music programs. It's located in Orange County, which is largely affluent.

The Rev. Chineta Goodjoin said her church had a smaller strings program for several years. When Goodjoin's daughter Nyla started playing violin with the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, founded in June 2009 by renowned conductor Charles Dickerson, the pastor grew determined to replicate the concept in Orange County with Dickerson taking the lead.

The church's orchestra now has about 18 members ranging in age from 9 to 20, playing violin, viola, bass, and cello. The orchestra accepts all students without auditions, and it's free. Like the Los Angeles group, the orchestra is also powered by mentors who look like the young musicians they help guide.

Ebonie Vazquez says it is empowering for students "to see themselves reflected in their mentors and teachers."

"It's important they don't feel like outsiders but are supported and feel like they belong," she said. "It has definitely helped my son connect more to the music and the craft."

During rehearsal, when Giovanni started talking about music, the boy's eyes turned dreamy, and his arms became animated. Even as his words gushed out in child-like excitement, they reflected the aura of an old soul.

"I just want to be able to express myself in my music and show that I not only have talent, but I also take my time, and I practice," he said. "You can change one little thing, one note, and the music will be totally different. You make your own thing."