Programs - Peforming Arts
Program Mission: HOLA’s Performing Arts and Culture Program encourages youth to channel their energy and emotion into creative endeavors in music, dance and theater, developing their powers of self-expression, instilling self-confidence, and fueling their interest in learning.
Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA)'s Performing Arts and Culture Program provides quality programming to inner-city youth who have little or no access to such classes inside or outside of school. HOLA's Performing Arts facilities includes a fine arts library, music rooms, and a dance studio. HOLA's Hot Topic Music Program provides HOLA youth with introductory music instruction, rock bands, two full choirs and weekly drum, piano, and guitar lessons. Instruction is sequential and students are encouraged to progress from beginning level group classes to advanced private instruction. Exceptional students are assisted in preparing audition pieces for acceptance into various area performing arts schools and universities.
Annual recitals showcase the accomplishments of HOLA’s young musicians to audiences city-wide, and each year, Holiday of the Heart features performances by our young musicians before an audience of over 500 HOLA supporters. Each year, over 100 youth participate in the Performing Arts and Culture Program.
Program Goals:
- Foster commitment to project/goal completion
- Accelerate and sustain proficiency in the visual and performing arts
- Encourage self-expression and improve self-confidence among disadvantaged youth
- Promote post secondary education and arts-related employment opportunities
Recent News:
- HOLA rock band performs at Hot Topic Conference
- HOLA Music students attend Bienvenido Gustavo event
- LA Children's Chorus and HOLA are partners!
- HOLA's rock band performs at the Levitt Pavillion
Melanie Lockert
Arts Director
Melanie is a graduate of California State University, Long Beach and holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts. She graduated cum laude and has been passionate about the arts, social welfare and children for many years. She is interested in writing, performing and giving kids the power to express themselves through the arts. Before coming to HOLA, Melanie worked with the Artsbridge of America program where she taught theatre to first and second graders. Melanie is currently teaching theatre classes at HOLA and she is pleased to support HOLA's talented and accomplished art staff. Melanie has worked with the Downtown Women's Center, Read and Wait program and is excited to be working at HOLA.
Mani Mekler Baker
Master Musician
Mani Mekler Baker is HOLA’s Music Chair and has performed with world renowned opera companies throughout Europe. As a child, she studied with the great dramatic baritone and teacher, Tito Gobbi and internationally renowned coach, Maestro Luigi Ricci. She spent several years as a guest vocalist in several international venues and she now resides in Los Angeles with her husband and nineteen year old son.
Nearly five years ago Mani Mekler Baker found a home to share her passion for music with LA's underserved youth at Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA). As HOLA's music director, Mani has dedicated herself to giving every child a chance to explore their love of music. Mani's introduction to Music class exposes HOLA's youngest memners to the joy of music, while her Rock Band provides a creative outlet to HOLA’s aspiring musicians.
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