The Watts-Willowbrook Conservatory Orchestra gives students 7 to 18 a chance to learn how to play classical musical instruments, which are provided free of charge. Photo courtesy of Billy Mitchell The Watts-Willowbrook Conservatory (WWC) is set to begin its fourth year serving youngsters from the South Los Angeles, Watts and the Compton area.

Beginners, intermediate and advanced students ages 7 to 18 are welcome to join.

The program is free and instruments are provided.

Enrollment applications are now available at The Watts- Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club.

Registration and orientation is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 6, at 4:30 p.m. at the Watts-Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club, 1339 E. 120th St., Los Angeles.

Classes will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 11. Classes will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The Watts-Willowbrook Conservatory was established in early 2010 in partnership with SAPPA (Scholarship Performance Preparatory Academy). The program is part of the WWBGC cultural arts strategy that creates opportunities for children who are challenged everyday by living in the most economically depressed area in Southern California.

The structure of the Conservatory was developed by Billy Mitchell, SAPPA executive director; Dr. Charles Dickerson, founder and director of the Inner-City Youth Orchestra; and Les Jones, executive director of the WWBGC.

Participants attend after-school, one-hour classes at the clubhouse twice a week, where they learn to read music and play symphonic instruments that are provided at no cost.

The program is parent driven. The Conservatory encourages parents to be involved. The family support systems will allow the inner-city arts community to grow and operate at a competitive, consistent level.

For more information about the Conservatory, contact Billy Mitchell at 626-793-8706 or 626-641-3262. Mitchell can be contacted by email at sappaprograms@gmail.com. The group’s website is www.sappa.net.