Meet Dr. Adán Fernández | Executive Director and Artistic Director of the Glendale Youth Symphony

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Adán Fernández and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Adán, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Both of my parents are immigrants—my mom from Mexico and my dad from Bolivia. My dad was incredibly entrepreneurial and my mom was hardworking as a secretary. After saving money from working in an electronics store, my dad started his own business in Los Angeles. Although we had to close the business following the Rodney King riots in the 90s, I was deeply inspired by my dad’s ambition and my mom’s perseverance, especially as immigrants navigating such challenges.

Growing up, I knew my parents were passionate about me playing music. My dad bought me an old clarinet, and they even enrolled me in piano lessons. However, I noticed that many youth orchestras in Los Angeles had fees that were prohibitively expensive—$600 per semester or even $1,300 for the year. This was beyond our means at the time.

This realization motivated me to take action. I founded the Glendale Youth Symphony with the goal of providing a space for kids who wanted to play in an honor ensemble, but without the financial burden. Over time, the symphony has grown significantly, and it’s now in partnership with Glendale College. It’s now even offered as a class for college credit, transferable to UC’s to CSU’s. The ensemble is auditioned and still free for middle school and high school students. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built and how it’s creating opportunities for more young musicians in our community.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Glendale Youth Symphony (GYS) stands out in several impactful ways, but what truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. From its inception, GYS has been a welcoming environment for students of diverse backgrounds, recognizing that in today’s world, it’s not enough for ensembles to be neutral when so many students feel isolated or fearful about their identity. We actively create a safe, affirming space where all students are seen and heard. Our work also includes a strong focus on recruiting talented students from all parts of Los Angeles County, especially those who may not have had significant exposure to classical music due to a lack of resources in schools and communities. It’s essential that we change this narrative, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have access to the transformative power of music.

Diversity enriches the orchestra, and because of this, our rehearsal model is intentionally collaborative. I value the input of my students, regularly seeking their thoughts on the music, their practice habits, and what they would like to perform. I believe in moving away from the traditional top-down approach to leadership. The ensemble is not just a group I conduct; they are my colleagues. Their voices matter, and together, we create something greater than the sum of our parts.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is building deep, meaningful relationships with the students. The connections we cultivate—through chamber music rehearsals, workshops, concerts, and even light-hearted moments—are rooted in mutual respect and genuine interest in each other. While artistic excellence is always our goal, we approach it in a way that values the individual’s experience. We push our students to excel, but we do so with empathy and respect, ensuring that the process is as enriching as the outcome.

On the business side, I entered this field with a background in music, not business, so I’ve had to learn a great deal about the logistics of running a nonprofit. From budgeting to grants to navigating boards and Robert’s Rules, I’ve worked hard to become fluent in the areas necessary to sustain GYS. I’ve also made it a priority to surround myself with brilliant people who share my passion for the ensemble and its mission. I’m constantly learning—reading everything I can about nonprofit management and ensemble development to better support our students.

Through my journey, I’ve had the privilege of meeting extraordinary individuals within the arts community, from organizations like the League of American Orchestras and the Association of California Symphony Orchestras, to the Sphinx Organization. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of cultivating and strengthening relationships. It’s not just about what I can gain, but how I can uplift and support those around me in the process.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about GYS, it’s this: we’re exceptional, and we’re always striving to be better. We bring in top-tier faculty from local colleges, renowned musicians from the LA Phil, and esteemed artists who offer masterclasses, workshops, and private lessons. My ultimate goal is to give our students the world—providing them with the skills, experiences, and mentorship they need to pursue music at the collegiate level and beyond. If they choose music as a career, I want them to feel fully prepared for whatever lies ahead.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of the best spots for arts in Los Angeles are actually in the churches. A lot of churches are putting a bigger focus on music these days, and some of the performances are on par with college-level or even professional-quality stuff. You’ll find a ton of early music concerts at local Lutheran and Episcopal churches, youth orchestras and choirs performing in parks and libraries, and art shows happening right in people’s homes.

Don’t get me wrong, definitely check out Disney Hall for those big performances, or head to Zipper Hall for an epic concert by the Colburn orchestra. Beverly Hills is a must for the incredible National Children’s Chorus. But there’s something really special about the community-based performances. My adult choir at Holy Family sounds amazing, and my youth choir at the church could easily pass for a school choir that practices every day.

The big events are great, but the real magic of music in L.A. is happening in smaller, more intimate settings within our communities. These performances might not have a huge crowd, but they allow for more connection and participation from the audience. Plus, there are so many artists in these communities who are eager to share something incredible. They may never perform in massive venues, but their music often has an even deeper impact.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The inception of the Glendale Youth Symphony really began with the help of a few key co-founders. Initially, the orchestra was formed at Holy Family Catholic Church, with the idea of serving the church community. However, some of the kids who played in the orchestra wanted to invite their friends who didn’t attend church, so we decided to expand the vision. We changed the name from the Youth Christian Orchestra to the secular Glendale Youth Symphony to make it more inclusive.

I want to specifically acknowledge Carmelo Geron and Gabrielle Arreglo, who were instrumental in recruiting their friends and providing early leadership within the ensemble. Meghan Piker, Paolo Samson, Hajime Araki, and Brielle Mailed were also core members who helped strengthen the group in its early days. Even after they graduated from high school, they continued to play a vital role, contributing as staff members during their first year of college. In addition, I want to acknowledge my Associate Conductor, Dr. Michael Kallin, who inspires the kids with his keen insight and artistry at every rehearsal.

Additionally, none of this would have been possible without the support of our incredible board members, including Dr. Suzanne Gindin, Dr. Paul Sherman, Arlene Nalbandian, Dr. Nove Deypalan, Audrey Yoder, Jess Rodriguez, Mitsuko Roberts, and Clyde Carpenter. Their ongoing commitment has been invaluable to the growth and success of the ensemble.

I also want to express my gratitude to Bergman and Allderdice Attorneys at Law. They helped us incorporate and officially become a non-profit organization, and their support was crucial in getting us off the ground. As musicians themselves, they truly understood our mission and were there for us from the very beginning.

Website: https://glendaleyouthsymphony.org

Instagram: @glendaleyouthsymphony

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/glendale-youth-symphony

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glendaleyouthsymphony

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@glendaleyouthsymphony

Image Credits
Adan Fernandez
Grace Stockdale