Louder Than Violence
AMLA Youth Anti-Violence Music Program — 2026 to 2027 School Year
Turn up the music. Turn down the violence.
Louder Than Violence is an audition-based program for talented young musicians and singers who want to perform, write music, and make an impact through music.
This is more than a weekly rehearsal. Students become part of a working band that performs throughout Philadelphia, records original music, collaborates with professional teaching artists, and tours during the summer as ambassadors for AMLA.
Each year, the program explores a social theme through music. During the 2026 to 2027 season, students will create and perform music centered on anti-violence — using songwriting, performance, and collaboration to encourage positive change in their communities. Along the way, students dig into what anti-violence really means: how violence intersects with trauma, mental health, and justice, and what it takes to heal and build something better.
Whether you love classic rock, alternative, Latin rock, indie, pop, punk, soul, or original music, Louder Than Violence gives you the opportunity to grow as a musician while performing with others who share your passion.
Where the Music Comes From
Each summer, a songwriting cohort spends an intensive six weeks writing, recording, and performing original anti-violence songs — working with a trauma specialist and professional teaching artists to turn real-life experience into music. During the school year, the Louder Than Violence band brings those songs to stages across Philadelphia.
What Students Will Do
• Rehearse weekly with professional teaching artists.
• Perform throughout the school year at community events, festivals, and special performances.
• Learn how to rehearse and perform as a professional band.
• Develop stage presence and performance skills.
• Write and arrange original songs.
• Explore recording techniques and music production.
• Collaborate with other musicians.
• Participate in discussions and creative projects centered on anti-violence and positive community leadership.
• Prepare for AMLA’s Summer Performance Tour.
Summer Tour
Students who successfully complete the school year will have opportunities to perform during AMLA’s Summer Tour.
Summer performances place students on professional stages throughout the Philadelphia region and give them experience performing for public audiences while representing AMLA.
Who Should Audition?
Youth ages 15 to 20 who play:
• Electric Guitar
• Bass Guitar
• Drums
• Keyboard
• Piano
• Voice
• Strings
• Woodwinds
• Brass
Other instrumentalists are encouraged to audition as well.
Rehearsal Schedule
Tuesdays and Thursdays
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
October 2026 through May 2027
Esperanza Arts Center
4261 North 5th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140
2026 to 2027 Rehearsal Calendar
Rehearsals are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Esperanza Arts Center.
Month | Rehearsal Dates
October 2026 | 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
November 2026 | 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19
December 2026 | 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17
January 2027 | 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28
February 2027 | 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25
March 2027 | 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30
April 2027 | 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
May 2027 | 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
School Breaks
No rehearsals will be held during the following scheduled breaks.
Break | Dates
Thanksgiving Break | November 24 and 26, 2026
Winter Break | December 22, 2026 through January 1, 2027
Spring Break | Dates will follow the Esperanza Academies calendar and will be announced before rehearsals begin.
Performance Season
Throughout the school year, Louder Than Violence performs at community events, festivals, and special concerts across Philadelphia.
Students who successfully complete the program will also be invited to participate in AMLA’s Summer Performance Tour, where the band performs throughout the region while serving as youth ambassadors for music, creativity, and positive community leadership.
All rehearsal and performance dates are subject to change. Families will receive updates throughout the school year.
Auditions
Admission to Louder Than Violence is by audition.
Auditions take place throughout September.
Students should prepare one piece that is no longer than five minutes and demonstrates their musical strengths.
Original music is welcome.
Singers and instrumentalists are encouraged to audition.
If performing with accompaniment, applicants must upload an MP3 backing track during registration. Streaming links, YouTube videos, and website links cannot be accepted.
There is no fee to audition.
Your voice is louder than violence. Join the band — learn more and register at www.amla.org.
