Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
For these young musicians of color, fortissima means opportunity
The Fortissima Fellows pose at one of their monthly sessions.
(
Jazmín Morales
)
In the classical community, musicians are often expected to attend fancy dinners. Morales said she wanted to offer a workshop in etiquette and manners so the fellows would not be caught off-guard.
(
Carla Javier/KPCC
)
The fellows gathered at Colburn after a session on etiquette before going to the opera together that night.
(
Carla Javier/KPCC
)
In February, the Fortissima fellows participated in a mindfulness workshop, which included making "mindfulness jars" out of glitter.
(
Jazmín Morales
)
Listen
4:34
For these young musicians of color, fortissima means opportunity
In music, fortissimo means "very strong." For a group of six young female musicians of color in LA, "fortissima" means opportunity.
That's because the Colburn School has its first cohort of Fortissima Fellows. The program provides workshops, mentorship, and a community to high-school aged women of color interested in classical music.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
