By Alisha Donahue
The Youth Center Music Academy is thrilled to announce the start of its music classes for the 2024-2025 school year, beginning the week of September 2 and 9. These exciting classes will be offered at all elementary schools in the Los Alamitos Unified District, providing students in TK and Kindergarten through Grades 1-5 with an enriching musical education experience.
The Youth Center Music Academy is dedicated to delivering high-quality music instruction by bringing experienced music educators directly to each participating school. Each class will run for one hour per week, allowing students to explore both string and band instruments without leaving their campus.
Meet Our Esteemed Instructors:
Angela Craton: With a Bachelors and Masters in Music Education from Drake University and over 35 years of teaching experience, Angela brings a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to our program. A professional musician with the Encore String Trio and a history of performing with symphony orchestras, Angela is excited to inspire students with her vast knowledge and passion.
Janet Cisneros: A clarinetist with over 20 years of experience, Janet’s teaching approach is centered around creating a positive and engaging environment. Her previous roles at Azuza Conservatory of Music and her love for helping students express themselves through music make her a valued member of our team.
Keegan Hill: A Seal Beach native and Musicians Institute graduate, Keegan specializes in drums and percussion. His teaching philosophy emphasizes fun and discovery, ensuring that each student’s musical journey is unique and fulfilling. Keegan’s background in performing with various bands adds a practical edge to his instruction
Jon Lundgren: Jon brings a Bachelors in Music Education from Cal State Fullerton and extensive performance experience with artists like Peter Frampton and Sammy Davis Jr. His 18 years of teaching in Fountain Valley Unified School District reflect his deep commitment to music education.
Hyde McFerson: Currently studying Music at California State University, Long Beach, Hyde is a versatile multi-instrumentalist and the President of the Jazz Club. His leadership and creativity make him an inspiring teacher who is eager to share the joy of music with students.
Ruben Rodriguez: A recent UCLA graduate with a minor in music, Ruben’s expertise spans multiple instruments including guitar, drums, and violin. His teaching experience at the South Whittier School District’s Mariachi Academy and his dedication to community engagement enrich our program.
Class Schedule and Locations:
Classes will be held at McGaugh, Hopkinson, Lee, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, and Weaver Elementary Schools, as well as on Saturday mornings at The Youth Center. Students can choose from a variety of instruments, including violin, viola, cello, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, flute, bass guitar, and percussion.
“Music education is a powerful tool for personal and academic growth. It enhances students’ cognitive abilities, fosters emotional expression, and builds a strong sense of community. Our Music Academy is dedicated to nurturing each child’s potential and providing them with a lifelong love of music”, shared Lina Lumme, Executive Director of The Youth Center
Enrollment and Scholarships:
The annual tuition for the music program is $425, with scholarships available for families in need. The Youth Center is proud to partner with the Los Alamitos Unified School District to provide this enriching opportunity, which has been a key component of the district’s music education efforts since 1998.
For more information or to enroll, please visit www.TheYouthCenter.org or contact Alisha at 562-493-4043. Join us and help your child embark on a rewarding musical journey this year!