In this episode, Alan and Steve sit down with Chuck Dickerson, the Founder and Music Director of the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA). Chuck shares his insights on the importance of increasing diversity and representation in classical music, and provides actionable strategies for K-12 music educators to make a difference.
From incorporating music across the curriculum to advocating for policy changes, Chuck offers a roadmap for teachers to engage underrepresented students and communities. He also discusses ICYOLA’s unique approach of creating a supportive, non-competitive environment to foster a love of orchestral music.
Tune in to discover practical ways music educators can empower the next generation of musicians and ensure classical music reflects the diversity of our society.
Links:
The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles
Chuck Dickerson
Charles “Chuck” Dickerson is the Founder, Executive Director, and Conductor of the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles. Over his 40 plus years of conducting, he has directed performances of many of the greatest orchestral and choral works throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. He has prepared choruses for concerts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestras, including the Phil’s 2012 performance of the Mahler Eighth Symphony and performances of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with Maestro Gustavo Dudamel conducting.
Chuck also holds important compositional and arranging credits. His best-known work is “I Have A Dream,” a choral and orchestral setting of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s landmark speech. The work was performed for the unveiling ceremonies of the King Memorial on the National Mall in Washington DC, and at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles for Los Angeles County’s official celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the speech. He has also arranged and conducted orchestral performances of the music of Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder, Motown, and others.
He holds a Master of Music Degree with a focus in conducting from California State University, Los Angeles, and degrees from Howard University (B.S.) and American University (J.D.). He has studied with esteemed Conductors Gustav Meier, Daniel Lewis, and Kenneth Kiesler. He also serves as Director of Music at Rolling Hills United Methodist Church, and as adjunct faculty at California State University, Dominguez Hills and La Sierra University. He formerly served as Music Director and Conductor of the Southeast Symphony (2004-2011), and has held important public and civic leadership positions in Washington DC and Los Angeles.
Chuck is married, has two adult children, and is an avid baseball fan.