(WEEHAWKEN, NJ) -- Local after school music organization United Children’s Music Project (UCMP) proudly announces its talented students’ exciting achievements this summer – from LA, Chicago, and NYC to Europe.

Three outstanding UCMP middle and high school students – percussionist Sebastian Chang, trumpeter Sofia Santana, and student violin mentor Richard Celiceo (all shown in the top photos) – are currently taking part in the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s annual YOLA (Youth Orchestra of LA) National Youth Festival. Joining over 170 young musicians from El Sistema groups from across the country, these middle and high school students are immersing themselves in this 10-day orchestra intensive at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA.

“Participating in the LA Phil’s YOLA National Youth Festival has been a dream come true for me,” said Santana. “It’s an incredible honor to learn from world-class faculty.”

Guided by esteemed music faculty members from across the nation, these three UCMP music students will culminate their experience with a July 15th concert with fellow young musicians at LA’s iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall.

At Chicago’s National Ravinia Seminario (July 5th to 8th) that brought  together students from US and Canada El Sistema-inspired organizations, UCMP’s young musicians Isabel Umaña, Ashley Soto, and Luis Suarez (all shown in photo below) are receiving invaluable orchestral training and mentorship by members of the National Seminario Ravinia Orchestra and partner Chicago Philharmonic.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the National Ravinia Seminario”, said UCMP violinist Umaña. “The mentorship and training I am receiving from the Chicago Philharmonic are invaluable in my musical journey.”

For the Manhattan School of Music’s Summer Intensive this month, UCMP violinist Alicia Umaña and trombonist Andres Márquez have received full scholarships for this month-long intensive training, master classes, and performance opportunities, thanks to the support of Enrique Márquez, MSM Assistant Dean of Youth Programs and Director of Precollege.

Touring Europe July 19th to 30th with the Siman Orchestral Foundation Tour, UCMP cellist Nailah Gutierrez and violin-playing sisters Laura and Sofia Salamanca will join other talented young musicians from the US, Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, and Honduras. Besides performing in famous venues in Rome, Florence, and Paris, UCMP’s young musicians will engage with international artists and promote cultural exchange through the universal language of music.

“These accomplishments exemplify the dedication and talent of UCMP students and underscore the effectiveness of our organization in nurturing their musical aspirations,” said UCMP Executive Director Melina Garcia. “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated staff, instructors, and community for their unwavering support.”

Garcia explained that UCMP is committed to providing high-quality orchestral music and arts education to Hudson County’s urban children to empower them to overcome challenges and realize their full potential. As New Jersey’s first after school music program inspired by El Sistema (Venezuela's music education initiative thriving in 30 countries and 160 US cities), UCMP for 11 years has created a safe and nurturing environment where Garcia says students can develop their musical talents, acquire essential life skills, and build self-confidence.

Launched in March 2012, United Children’s Music Project (UCMP) is a tax exempt nonprofit organization that provides Hudson County children and youth with access to intensive, low-cost orchestral music education, choral instruction, free instruments, and regular performance opportunities in the NY/NJ metropolitan area. They envision a world where kids reach their full potential by developing academic and life skills through increased access to affordable, high-quality musical training and arts.

UCMP receives funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Turrell Fund, D’Addario Foundation, Provident Bank Foundation, Ponce de Leon Foundation, Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation, Blue Foundry Bank Foundation, and the Hudson County Office of Cultural/Heritage Affairs, as well as support from the Township of Weehawken and the City of Union City.