Parents of children from the Youth Center in Los Alamitos anxiously anticipating the start of the Youth Center’s fall music classes, the only year-long music program available to elementary students in the area, beginning in September and ending in June.
Parent Loreen Watanabe said of her daughter, Ashley’s, experience in the music program that she really loves piano and now plays it any chance she gets. “It’s been a wonderful experience for her and I’m glad she’s offered music classes through The Youth Center. It’s given her a lot of confidence and builds her character, expanding her creative abilities. She enjoys playing as a pass time,” she continued.
“My kids absolutely love it,” said Kiki Yip of her son, Leonardo’s and daughter, Angelina’s experiences. “They took it last year and it helped them broaden their horizons. They felt more confident in themselves. They became brave and overcame their stage fright. The teachers are awesome, and they are really looking forward to taking classes again starting in September.”
Another parent, Margaret Abate said of her daughter, Alamael’s experience, that she enjoys playing with other kids because previously she has only taken private lessons. She said the social aspect makes her daughter more interested in interacting and playing with others.
“I think it helped him to focus and concentrate,” said Candice Lopez of her son, Santiago’s experience. “I thought it was a really good program.”
And yet again another parent felt the Youth Center’s Music Program benefited their child tremendously. Pablo Basabro said of his son, Christian’s experience that he had a great time and will be going into Jazz combo during the school year. “The instructor was awesome. I’m very happy with the program,” he continued.
For the swiftly approaching school year, parents can enroll their K-2 children in the “Mini Music Masters” program to learn string instruments including the violin, viola or cello. Children grades 3-5 can also learn these instruments or choose to try their hand at band instruments such as the saxophone, clarinet, flute, trumpet or more. Classes are offered at Los Alamitos elementary schools, in the Cypress school district and off campus in Los Alamitos at the Applied Music Studio, (which offers K-3 grade students keyboard lessons and grade 3-5 guitar lessons).
The Youth Center music classes cost an amazingly affordable $13.30 per class.  Each class is 1 hour in length and is taught throughout the entire school year at a total cost of $399. Parents can opt for a convenient payment plan of $85 a month for a total of 5 installments. Scholarships are always available for those in financial need. The Youth Center Music Program welcomes all children from outside areas to join at any of the teaching locations.
For more information or to register, please call The Youth Center at (562) 493-4043 or visit online at www.theyouthcenter.org. The Youth Center is located at 10909 Oak Street in Los Alamitos and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
