National Philharmonic is proud to partner with the National Orchestral Institute + Festival (NOI+F) and The Sphinx Organization to support the next generation of leaders in the orchestral field with a two-year fellowship and residency program that combines arts administration, orchestral performance, education programs and community engagement.
Building on NOI+F’s existing Orchestral Futurist Fellowship, the National Philharmonic will offer each fellow the opportunity to expand their work into a second year through a professional residency with the National Philharmonic.
Damon Zavala, Los Angeles-based violist and violinist, has been deeply connected to music since childhood, thanks to his family’s diverse musical influences. His musical journey began as a young violist in Oregon, where he earned numerous accolades, including winning the Salem Youth Symphony Concerto Competition and securing two OSAA state titles.
Currently, Damon serves as the Music Program Coordinator for several middle school orchestra programs in Santa Monica, where he has broadened his role from performer to arts administrator. Through his work with the Sphinx Orchestral Futurist Fellowship & Residency Program, Damon has been able to parlay his performance career into impactful leadership positions within arts education. This experience has allowed him to develop and oversee innovative music education programs that foster inclusivity and artistic excellence.
As an Orchestral Futurist, Chaz created the Youth Mentorship Program. Learn more about the program here.
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