By Dianne Anderson

Even if the kids are only working with little or nothing to start, they always seem to rise to the level of expectation. Judging by their quick study, conductor Dwayne Burrell is surprised at how much his students’ musical abilities have grown. They also turned out to be years younger than he thought.

Many have never set foot in an orchestral setting, let alone received formal training.

“We have quite a few in junior high school, but I’ve been treating them like they’re much older. What’s impressive is they’ve been able to take instructions and leadership that I’ve been giving them, and follow along,” he said.

“Always. We have members who are still learning to read music; they’re accepting the challenge and surpassing it. It’s incredible,” he said.

On Sunday, December 14, the kids will be surrounded by some of the giants of the industry. At the Annual Jazzy Christmas event, kids and youth will rub elbows with Stevie Wonder’s musicians, including world renowned Karen Briggs, flying in from N. Carolina. Erin Stevenson, the former backup singer for Mariah Carey and Chaka Khan, will be there. Kathryn Bailey will be singing.

The event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., held at Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, located at 8331 Walker St, in La Palma. Tickets start at $25.

Burrell, who holds a degree in classical clarinet, relates to where the young students are coming from.

He also wasn’t born into a musical background, but in college, the role of conductor came knocking at his door.

“It turned out this is something I was supposed to be doing,” said Burrell, who considers himself part teacher, part mentor, and part advocate. “It’s more about guiding our young people, the next generation, and making sure the art form stays intact.”

Beyond the craft, music helps children in school. Studies over the decades show it boosts brain power and helps with learning in subjects like math.

This year, the theme, 1000 Lights of Hope, focuses on enlightening the community in areas of advocacy, including music, education, equity, and food support.

Rev. Chineta Goodjoin with New Hope Presbyterian Church said a portion of proceeds supports the New Hope Orange County Orchestra, along with their Food Distribution Program, and this year’s community champion, BreastfeedLA, Orange County Chapter, to promote Black maternal healthcare.

One CDC report shows that Black women are nearly 3.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.

“We have Black mothers who suffer more and have more issues with maternal equity and support than white mothers,” she said, adding, “One of the pillars that we are raising funds for because we truly believe we have to be in a space of justice and hope for people who have been marginalized.”

In their music program, Pastor Goodjoin said it’s exciting to watch students meet such inspirational creative minds, like Conductor Burrell.

“How many kids get to meet a Black conductor and be taught and trained by one?” she asked.

Not many. There are only a veritable handful, about two percent of Black orchestra musicians in the entire nation.

The Music Enrichment Program, started and directed by her husband Reggie Goodjoin, reaches under-served students with scholarships for string lessons. Over the years, the program hosted numerous acclaimed vocalists, including Alva Copeland, rhythm guitarist Yohei Nakamura, and Donald Hayes, who has worked with Beyonce.

Lately, the New Hope music program expanded, no longer limited to a studio or strings. Notably, she said they are the first majority Black orchestra with instructors, and with a string orchestra performing throughout Orange County.

Best of all, it’s totally free for the students. There are no barriers.

“These children get to be on stage with world-class musicians. They receive tutelage, experience, and mentorship from people flying in from across the nation. They’re performing, but also mentoring these kids,” she said.

This year, Christmas is turning out folks in many ways, which has a lot to do with what’s for dinner.

Looking at long food lines in Long Beach week after week, many people Pat Dixon sees may not be as concerned about a toy as feeding the family.

For over 60 years, her nonprofit has addressed urgent needs first because the holidays are a greater time of economic stress. The kids are out of school, and there are a lot of expectations.

She wants folks to get some financial relief at Pools of Hope to receive nutritious food for a holiday meal. And, it may help buy an extra toy.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, the nonprofit gave 439 turkeys to families and she anticipates more for the Holiday Toy and Food Giveaway Event. On Saturday, December 13, those in need are invited to RSVP for the event that runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., held at 6801 Long Beach Blvd, in Long Beach.

Each week, they serve thousands, but the holidays spike demand.

She said the organization started its Weekly Food Pantry during the pandemic, but continues to see at least 300 households weekly.

“Even after everything opened back up, the Food Pantry never slowed down. North Long Beach families still face hunger and economic difficulties,” she said.

Despite the struggles, she said North Long Beach residents are full of community spirit, and Pools of Hope helps in several other ways. Long-term wellness is a priority, she said. Their warm water facility promotes whole life and wellness for the community.

Aquatic therapy and exercise are shown to improve physical and mental health, and she said group classes are a community hub for rehabilitation, recreation, health education, resources, and referrals.

For the past seven years, they also offer free asthma screenings for children. In 2026, and will expand services to seniors with additional screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and more.

Generous partners make the programs possible, and in the year ahead, she knows there will be hurdles, but the real win is seeing happy children when they receive a toy and parents that are grateful for the food.

“After standing in line to participate, there is a visible sign of relief for residents when they know they received healthy and nutritious food to prepare meals for their family,” she said. “For Pools of Hope, reducing the stress of economic constraints for hard-working families is a priority, and that is why we provide free and reduced-cost aquatic services year-round.”

For more information, dates and times:

In Orange County:

Tickets New Hope Jazzy Christmas at https://mynewhopepres.org/2025/11/16/jazzy-christmas-december-14-2025-at-600pm/

Families Together of Orange County Christmas Together 2025 Toy Giveaway,
register https://www.eventleaf.com/e/ChristmasTogether-2025

Friendly Center Food Pantry: https://friendlycenter.org/

In Long Beach:

To RSVP Pools of Hope, see caaquatictherapy.com/toy-grocery-giveaway

Other food help in the area:

Christian Outreach In Action (COA) Long Beach, see https://www.coalongbeach.org/

Catholic Charities Long Beach, see https://www.catholiccharitiesla.org/

Long Beach Rescue Mission, see https://www.lbrm.org/meals

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California, see https://www.lsssc.org/