Venezuelan musician empowers LA Youth through music
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Gaudy Sánchez, a Venezuelan trumpeter and artistic director, is helping young people in Los Angeles through his work with YOLA, a music program founded by Gustavo Dudamel.
Since 2018, Sánchez advised YOLA and in 2024 became its Artistic Director, leading the free educational program for students in historically underserved communities. YOLA currently serves 1,800 students across four Los Angeles communities, providing them with musical training and opportunities.
Sánchez draws on his experience with El Sistema, a Venezuelan music education program, to create a safe and supportive environment for students at YOLA. He believes music can transform lives and help young people discover their potential. The program has shown positive results, with over 90% of YOLA students completing high school and a significant percentage continuing on to higher education, often becoming the first in their families to attend college.
Beyond his work with YOLA, Sánchez continues to perform as a trumpeter with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Pacific Symphony. He also performs in chamber music concerts and tours internationally with Dudamel, combining musical rigor with social action.
