Blending East and West, Connecting the Heart of the Community: Laney College Great Wall Youth Orchestra
Amid the vibrant cultural landscape of Oakland, California, a unique musical force is flourishing: the Laney College Great Wall Youth Orchestra. Founded in 1998 by Professor Sherlyn Chew, the orchestra is more than a student orchestra dedicated to musical excellence; it serves as a bridge for cultural exchange, promoting the musical treasures of Chinese culture. Rooted in the Oakland community, we are committed to serving the public through the arts.
Our Mission: To Inherit and Transmit
The Great Wall Youth Orchestra's core mission is to inherit and promote Chinese music. We firmly believe that music is a universal language, and that folk music is the echo of a nation's soul. The orchestra's exquisite repertoire encompasses classic Chinese traditional music and modern arrangements. From the melodious "Jasmine Flower" to the majestic "General's Command" concerto, from the crisp and melodious sounds of the Pipa and Guzheng to the majestic Suona, gongs, and drums, each performance showcases the orchestra's exceptional artistry. Through concerts, we help overseas Chinese youth reconnect with their cultural roots and allow audiences from all backgrounds to appreciate the profound heritage and unique charm of Chinese music.
Our Roots: Service and Giving Back
As a member of the Oakland community, serving the community is our unwavering commitment. The orchestra actively participates in various community events, such as:
We believe in the power of art to unite people, foster understanding, and contribute to the harmony and prosperity of Oakland, a diverse city.
Our Strengths: Academic and Credit Recognition
The Great Wall Youth Orchestra provides an excellent platform for students pursuing their musical and academic development. As an officially recognized student arts group at Laney College, orchestra members can take relevant courses and earn college credit.
Crucially, these credits are highly recognized within California's renowned public university system and transfer smoothly to campuses within the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems. This not only formally recognizes students' artistic practice but also enhances their university applications and academic resumes, seamlessly integrating their interests and academic development.
Join Us
We sincerely invite all young talents who love music and are interested in Chinese culture to join us! Whether you're a proficient performer of Chinese instruments like the Erhu and flute, or a musician versed in Western instruments like violin and piano eager to explore new musical realms, we have something for everyone.
Here, you'll not only enhance your musical skills and earn valuable university credits, but also enjoy an unforgettable experience filled with cultural pride, community service, and deep friendships.
Let us join together to sing the melody of the East in Oakland, writing our stories through music, serving our community, and spreading our culture.
Our Mission: To Inherit and Transmit
The Great Wall Youth Orchestra's core mission is to inherit and promote Chinese music. We firmly believe that music is a universal language, and that folk music is the echo of a nation's soul. The orchestra's exquisite repertoire encompasses classic Chinese traditional music and modern arrangements. From the melodious "Jasmine Flower" to the majestic "General's Command" concerto, from the crisp and melodious sounds of the Pipa and Guzheng to the majestic Suona, gongs, and drums, each performance showcases the orchestra's exceptional artistry. Through concerts, we help overseas Chinese youth reconnect with their cultural roots and allow audiences from all backgrounds to appreciate the profound heritage and unique charm of Chinese music.
Our Roots: Service and Giving Back
As a member of the Oakland community, serving the community is our unwavering commitment. The orchestra actively participates in various community events, such as:
- Annual Charity Concert: Fundraising for local nonprofits.
- Cultural Festival Performances: Bringing diverse performances to the public during traditional festivals such as the Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival.
- School and Library Tours: Visiting elementary and secondary schools and public institutions across Greater China, conducting music workshops and introducing Chinese instruments and musical history to younger generations.
We believe in the power of art to unite people, foster understanding, and contribute to the harmony and prosperity of Oakland, a diverse city.
Our Strengths: Academic and Credit Recognition
The Great Wall Youth Orchestra provides an excellent platform for students pursuing their musical and academic development. As an officially recognized student arts group at Laney College, orchestra members can take relevant courses and earn college credit.
Crucially, these credits are highly recognized within California's renowned public university system and transfer smoothly to campuses within the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems. This not only formally recognizes students' artistic practice but also enhances their university applications and academic resumes, seamlessly integrating their interests and academic development.
Join Us
We sincerely invite all young talents who love music and are interested in Chinese culture to join us! Whether you're a proficient performer of Chinese instruments like the Erhu and flute, or a musician versed in Western instruments like violin and piano eager to explore new musical realms, we have something for everyone.
Here, you'll not only enhance your musical skills and earn valuable university credits, but also enjoy an unforgettable experience filled with cultural pride, community service, and deep friendships.
Let us join together to sing the melody of the East in Oakland, writing our stories through music, serving our community, and spreading our culture.
融汇东西之声，连接社区之心：雷霓学院长城青年乐团
在加州奥克兰市充满活力的文化图景中，有一支独特的音乐力量正在蓬勃发展——那就是雷霓学院长城青年乐团。它是赵彤仪教授在1998年亲手创立的。我们不仅是一个追求音乐卓越的学生乐团，更是一座文化交流的桥梁，致力于弘扬中华民族音乐瑰宝，并深深扎根于奥克兰社区，以艺术服务大众。
我们的使命：传承与传播
长城青年乐团的核心使命是传承和推广中华民族音乐。我们深信，音乐是世界通用的语言，而民族音乐则是一个民族灵魂的回响。乐团精心排练和演出的曲目涵盖了中国传统音乐的经典之作与现代改编，从悠扬婉转的《茉莉花》到威武雄壮的《将军令》协奏曲，从清脆悦耳的琵琶古筝到恢弘嘹亮的唢呐锣鼓。我们通过一场场音乐会，让海外华裔青年重新连接自己的文化之根，也让更多元背景的听众领略中华音乐的深厚底蕴与独特魅力。
我们的根基：服务与回馈
作为奥克兰社区的一份子，服务社区是我们不变的承诺。乐团积极参与各类社区活动，例如：
我们的优势：学术与学分认可
对于有志于在音乐和学术道路上深造的学子来说，长城青年乐团提供了一个绝佳的平台。乐团是雷霓学院正式认可的学生艺术团体，成员可注册相关课程并获得大学学分。
最关键的是，这些学分在加州著名的公立大学系统中受到高度认可， 可以顺利转接到加州大学（UC）和加州州立大学（CSU）体系的各所分校。这不仅是对学生艺术实践能力的官方认证，更能为他们的大学申请和学业履历增添浓墨重彩的一笔，实现兴趣爱好与学术发展的完美结合。
加入我们
我们诚挚地邀请所有热爱音乐、对中国文化感兴趣的青年才俊加入我们！无论你是精通二胡、笛子等中国乐器的演奏者，还是擅长小提琴、钢琴等西洋乐器并希望探索新音乐领域的音乐家，这里都有你的位置。
在这里，你收获的将不仅仅是音乐技艺的提升和宝贵的大学学分，更将是一段充满文化自豪感、社区服务精神和深厚友谊的难忘经历。
让我们一起，在奥克兰奏响东方的旋律，用音乐书写我们的故事，服务社区，传播文化。
我们的使命：传承与传播
长城青年乐团的核心使命是传承和推广中华民族音乐。我们深信，音乐是世界通用的语言，而民族音乐则是一个民族灵魂的回响。乐团精心排练和演出的曲目涵盖了中国传统音乐的经典之作与现代改编，从悠扬婉转的《茉莉花》到威武雄壮的《将军令》协奏曲，从清脆悦耳的琵琶古筝到恢弘嘹亮的唢呐锣鼓。我们通过一场场音乐会，让海外华裔青年重新连接自己的文化之根，也让更多元背景的听众领略中华音乐的深厚底蕴与独特魅力。
我们的根基：服务与回馈
作为奥克兰社区的一份子，服务社区是我们不变的承诺。乐团积极参与各类社区活动，例如：
- 年度慈善音乐会： 为本地非营利组织筹集善款。
- 文化节庆演出： 在中国农历新年、中秋节等传统节日，为市民带来丰富多彩的表演。
- 校园与图书馆巡演： 走进大中华区的中小学和公共机构，举办“音乐工作坊”，向年轻一代介绍中国乐器与音乐历史。
我们的优势：学术与学分认可
对于有志于在音乐和学术道路上深造的学子来说，长城青年乐团提供了一个绝佳的平台。乐团是雷霓学院正式认可的学生艺术团体，成员可注册相关课程并获得大学学分。
最关键的是，这些学分在加州著名的公立大学系统中受到高度认可， 可以顺利转接到加州大学（UC）和加州州立大学（CSU）体系的各所分校。这不仅是对学生艺术实践能力的官方认证，更能为他们的大学申请和学业履历增添浓墨重彩的一笔，实现兴趣爱好与学术发展的完美结合。
加入我们
我们诚挚地邀请所有热爱音乐、对中国文化感兴趣的青年才俊加入我们！无论你是精通二胡、笛子等中国乐器的演奏者，还是擅长小提琴、钢琴等西洋乐器并希望探索新音乐领域的音乐家，这里都有你的位置。
在这里，你收获的将不仅仅是音乐技艺的提升和宝贵的大学学分，更将是一段充满文化自豪感、社区服务精神和深厚友谊的难忘经历。
让我们一起，在奥克兰奏响东方的旋律，用音乐书写我们的故事，服务社区，传播文化。