Jr. Philharmonic Orchestra of California is one of the oldest youth orchestras in the United States. It was founded in Los Angeles, California, on January 22, 1937, by Ernst Katz. The Jr. Philharmonic is a non-commercial venture. From its inception, it has been a family-run orchestra.
Motto and mission
Ernst Katz, a piano prodigy, founded his youth orchestra in East Los Angeles in 1937. Throughout his life, he spread his philosophy and motto "Give Youth A Chance To Be Heard" to more than 70,000 young people.