teachers
The Inspired Sound Initiative transformed our school community into a dynamic hub of musical exploration, fostering collaboration, creativity, and joy among students and teachers alike.
Samantha Shifrin-Jankoff
Targeted Student Population Coordinator
Lexington Avenue Primary Center Elementary School, Hollywood, CA
What you have provided to our school was more than a demonstration of middle eastern music and instrumentation. You provided a spiritual journey to find peace and tolerance through music.
Ms. Gricelda Gutierrez, 1st grade teacher, Telfair Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA
Inspired Sound Initiative brought something to disenfranchised youth that they may have not received anywhere else. It invited them to listen to music in a new way, send it into their soul and see what happens! What I witnessed happening was an expression of love, peace and permission to be oneself while music worked it’s magic. One youth literally back flipped on the stage! Our youth are used to expression through rap music, but this experience taught them that musical expression can happen through many genres. Thank you to this beautiful group that gave us permission to find our Promise Land through music. An experience that will never be forgotten.
Aubree Sweeney, LMFT, Executive Director, Rancho San Antonio, Chatsworth, CA
What a great assembly! our students need to be exposed to other cultures, music, and traditions! This is amazing!
Ms. Gricelda Gutierrez, 1st grade teacher, Telfair Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA
I have NEVER seen our student body so calm and so united. After the Assembly, a 3rd grade class all asked me how to say peace in different languages and tried to sing the peace song we learned from Yuval Ron in the Assembly. They wrote on the board as they left, “Peace is what matters!”Thank you so much for bringing your incredible gift of love and joy to us – I will never forget it!
Rebecca Woodbury, Bailey Gatzert Elementary School, Seattle , WA
I like this assembly, it is so interactive!
Ms. Cristina Molfetta, 2nd grade teacher at Telfair Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA
His knowledge of classical, world and jazz music combined with his ability to convey the spirit and beauty of each is abundantly clear at every performance, workshop and class. Mr. Ron’s believes that music is the universal language and common ground, which serves to unite all people. His deep commitment to world peace and social justice permeates his music, home, and business.
Sharon Gordon Donnan, LAUSD, Elementary School teacher
It was great working with you these past two years. Our students benefitted from your presentations of positivity and peace. Thank you for continuing to support our students.
Felia Ceron, Telfair Elementary School LAUSD, San Fernando Sylmar/Panorama City Community of Schools
... the lecture was great and the students had an insightful discussion afterwards, bringing in themes of orientalism and religious diversity.......The concert also provided a catalyst for critical thinking around questions of cultural representation. From all accounts, we not only met, but exceeded the anticipated student learning outcomes.
Lauren Stuart Muller, Chair, Interdisciplinary Studies City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Yuval Ron met the students where they were and with the masterful ease and skill of an exceptional teacher, he and his brilliant ensemble played beautiful global melodies and rhythms, music that roused the young audience into deeper presence with one another, while awakening a collective sense of their true connection to the peoples of the world.
Robert Corman, Global Kids, Bronx Studio School for Writing and Arts, New York, NY
Yuval Ron Ensemble, a world-class group... had a big impact on our community in a variety of ways, they are an inspiring, challenging, and memorable group.
Judith Eissenberg, Director, MusicUnitesUS, Brandeis University, Boston, MA
Yuval and the ensemble brought calming yet captivating energy into the classroom that simply transformed the room. The students absolutely love it!
Diamond Butler, Bronx Studio School for Writers and Artists, Bronx, NY
Inspired Sound Initiative brings professional musicians and dancers who have provided valuable learning, innovation, and original performances and projects that allow our members to experience creativity while interacting with Grammy and industry veterans. Every member of the Inspired Sound Initiative has displayed the highest levels of professionalism and the company as a whole has been a crucial part in bringing unique world music experiences to the youth we serve, 88% of whom are living at or below the federal poverty line. We are proud to partner with Inspired Sound Initiative's unique and innovative work in the community, as APCH looks forward to continuing to partner with this wonderful organization.
Jewel Delegall, Performing Arts Education Director, A Place Called Home, South Central, Los Angeles
There are not many performances that make such an impact on me as the one did on Saturday. I could sense the spirituality in the concert, something that is missing so much in our modern society. And it wasn’t that artificial “New Age” hokum that passes for real spirituality, but the real thing. We were truly blessed to have the ensemble perform here.
Allan Seward, Technical Director, Arts Theater, Westchester Community College
Thank you so much again for sharing these resources with us! Our members loved it and some of them recalled the fun workshops you previously brought to APCH! Our elementary members definitely enjoyed each video, especially the vocal parts & body percussion videos. Thank you and everyone at Inspired Sound Initiative for sharing these wonderful resource with us!
Felia Ceron, Telfair Elementary School LAUSD, San Fernando Sylmar/Panorama City Community of Schools
The Yuval Ron Ensemble's poetry, melodies, rhythms and movements transcend political, linguistic and religious divisions. Ron is a master storyteller, whose soft-spoken sincerity and insights promote human solidarity, serving as a powerful antidote to our pessimism and cynicism. By the end of the concert, the audience once again believes in the possibilities for peace and friendship among Muslims, Christians and Jews.
Lauren Stuart Muller, Chair, Interdisciplinary Studies City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
It was such an awesome experience to have you,Yuval, with our class.
Robert Corman, Global Kids, Bronx Studio School for Writing and Arts, New York, NY
…Yuval Ron’s presentations had been so well prepared and presented, and I am so grateful for his devotion and generosity in sharing his talent. I know the kids have loved each and every presentation he has done for us over the years. Yuval have been such an amazing inspiration to all of us, children and staff.
Judith Eissenberg, Director, MusicUnitesUS, Brandeis University, Boston, MA
The evening performance was mesmerizing. Yuval is a gifted communicator and his ensemble was comprised of high caliber musicians and singers.
Diamond Butler, Bronx Studio School for Writers and Artists, Bronx, NY
A beautiful collaboration between Andalusia, Spain, and the spiritual world. Unforgettable evening of awakening.
Hirokazu Kosaka, Japaneses American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA
Thanks so much for being so great and giving to my students.
Allan Seward, Technical Director, Arts Theater, Westchester Community College
… coming together of people from the three main Middle Eastern religious groups in a peaceful way is a gift. Not only the Yuval Ron Ensemble members are role-modeling, they are giving people a chance to come together in a safe space so that they can start to deal with people from other religions in a non-stereotypical way.
Lori Kizzia, Director of Peace and Justice, All Saints Church, Pasadena, CA
It was AWESOME. The kids loved it...the Ensemble was great. The classes were wonderful and the performance was terrific.
Brett Carroll, Choirs Director, Burbank High School, Burbank, CA
I was completely transformed by your music. It took me to spiritual places in my soul and our collective Soul that I had not known before I experienced your amazing music. Thank you and your ensemble members, all brilliant as you are, for a life affirming experience.
Lori Kizzia, Director of Peace and Justice, All Saints Church, Pasadena, CA
One listener at the shelter indicated that before the concert they felt, "Disconnected, unhappy, unsure," but left feeling, "Peaceful, happy, inspired." What a change! Shelter Music Boston was honored to connect the world music of the Yuval Ron Ensemble, with Bridge Over Troubled Waters, thanks to Inspired Sound Initiative. Providing access to live music is critical, especially to audiences who would otherwise go without this transformative and healing experience!
Carrie Eldridge-Dickson, Managing Director of Shelter Music Boston, Boston, MA
What you have provided to our school was more than a demonstration of middle eastern music and instrumentation. You provided a spiritual journey to find peace and tolerance through music.
Ms. Gricelda Gutierrez, 1st grade teacher, Telfair Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA
Inspired Sound Initiative brought something to disenfranchised youth that they may have not received anywhere else. It invited them to listen to music in a new way, send it into their soul and see what happens! What I witnessed happening was an expression of love, peace and permission to be oneself while music worked it’s magic. One youth literally back flipped on the stage! Our youth are used to expression through rap music, but this experience taught them that musical expression can happen through many genres. Thank you to this beautiful group that gave us permission to find our Promise Land through music. An experience that will never be forgotten.
Aubree Sweeney, LMFT, Executive Director, Rancho San Antonio, Chatsworth, CA
What a great assembly! our students need to be exposed to other cultures, music, and traditions! This is amazing!
Ms. Gricelda Gutierrez, 1st grade teacher, Telfair Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA
I like this assembly, it is so interactive!
Ms. Cristina Molfetta, 2nd grade teacher at Telfair Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA
The work Inspired Sound Initiative has brought to APCH has been a refreshing learning experience for all of our members. For the youth in South LA, their content was new, interactive, enriching and fun! We are looking forward to continuing our work together.
Jewel Delegall, Performing Arts Education Director, A Place Called Home, South Central, Los Angeles
His knowledge of classical, world and jazz music combined with his ability to convey the spirit and beauty of each is abundantly clear at every performance, workshop and class. Mr. Ron’s believes that music is the universal language and common ground, which serves to unite all people. His deep commitment to world peace and social justice permeates his music, home, and business.
Sharon Gordon Donnan, LAUSD, Elementary School teacher
It was great working with you these past two years. Our students benefitted from your presentations of positivity and peace. Thank you for continuing to support our students.
Felia Ceron, Telfair Elementary School LAUSD, San Fernando Sylmar/Panorama City Community of Schools
... the lecture was great and the students had an insightful discussion afterwards, bringing in themes of orientalism and religious diversity.......The concert also provided a catalyst for critical thinking around questions of cultural representation. From all accounts, we not only met, but exceeded the anticipated student learning outcomes.
Lauren Stuart Muller, Chair, Interdisciplinary Studies City College of San Francisco
Yuval Ron met the students where they were and with the masterful ease and skill of an exceptional teacher, he and his brilliant ensemble played beautiful global melodies and rhythms, music that roused the young audience into deeper presence with one another, while awakening a collective sense of their true connection to the peoples of the world.
Robert Corman, Global Kids, Bronx Studio School for Writing and Arts, New York, NY
Yuval Ron Ensemble, a world-class group... had a big impact on our community in a variety of ways, they are an inspiring, challenging, and memorable group.
Judith Eissenberg, Director, MusicUnitesUS, Brandeis University, Boston, MA
Inspired Sound Initiative brings professional musicians and dancers who have provided valuable learning, innovation, and original performances and projects that allow our members to experience creativity while interacting with Grammy and industry veterans. Every member of the Inspired Sound Initiative has displayed the highest levels of professionalism and the company as a whole has been a crucial part in bringing unique world music experiences to the youth we serve, 88% of whom are living at or below the federal poverty line. We are proud to partner with Inspired Sound Initiative's unique and innovative work in the community, as APCH looks forward to continuing to partner with this wonderful organization.
Jewel Delegall, Performing Arts Education Director, A Place Called Home, South Central, Los Angeles
There are not many performances that make such an impact on me as the one did on Saturday. I could sense the spirituality in the concert, something that is missing so much in our modern society. And it wasn’t that artificial “New Age” hokum that passes for real spirituality, but the real thing. We were truly blessed to have the ensemble perform here.
Allan Seward, Technical Director, Arts Theater, Westchester Community College
Thank you so much again for sharing these resources with us! Our members loved it and some of them recalled the fun workshops you previously brought to APCH! Our elementary members definitely enjoyed each video, especially the vocal parts & body percussion videos. Thank you and everyone at Inspired Sound Initiative for sharing these wonderful resource with us!
Felia Ceron, Telfair Elementary School LAUSD, San Fernando Sylmar/Panorama City Community of Schools
The Yuval Ron Ensemble's poetry, melodies, rhythms and movements transcend political, linguistic and religious divisions. Ron is a master storyteller, whose soft-spoken sincerity and insights promote human solidarity, serving as a powerful antidote to our pessimism and cynicism. By the end of the concert, the audience once again believes in the possibilities for peace and friendship among Muslims, Christians and Jews.
Lauren Stuart Muller, Chair, Interdisciplinary Studies City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
It was such an awesome experience to have you,Yuval, with our class.
Robert Corman, Global Kids, Bronx Studio School for Writing and Arts, New York, NY
…Yuval Ron’s presentations had been so well prepared and presented, and I am so grateful for his devotion and generosity in sharing his talent. I know the kids have loved each and every presentation he has done for us over the years. Yuval have been such an amazing inspiration to all of us, children and staff.
Judith Eissenberg, Director, MusicUnitesUS, Brandeis University, Boston, MA
Thanks so much for being so great and giving to my students.
Allan Seward, Technical Director, Arts Theater, Westchester Community College
… coming together of people from the three main Middle Eastern religious groups in a peaceful way is a gift. Not only the Yuval Ron Ensemble members are role-modeling, they are giving people a chance to come together in a safe space so that they can start to deal with people from other religions in a non-stereotypical way.
Lori Kizzia, Director of Peace and Justice, All Saints Church, Pasadena, CA
"It was AWESOME. The kids loved it...the Ensemble was great. The classes were wonderful and the performance was terrific.
Brett Carroll, Choirs Director, Burbank High School, Burbank, CA
I was completely transformed by your music. It took me to spiritual places in my soul and our collective Soul that I had not known before I experienced your amazing music. Thank you and your ensemble members, all brilliant as you are, for a life affirming experience.
Lori Kizzia, Director of Peace and Justice, All Saints Church, Pasadena, CA
I've been listening to all of Barbara Morrison's educational video episodes you provide us with - incredible. I'm thrilled that Shero's Rise will have a chance to work with you. Our girls sure are fortunate.
Jennifer Dohr, Equity Curriculum and Instruction Officer, Shero's Rise
Thanks to YOU for offering your wonderful gifts in support of our community’s spiritual growth; it truly was lovely to gather together these three evenings. I am grateful for the deep and ancient connections that you foster through your work and so glad that you can share it with us in Collegeville.
Christine Luna Munger, Ph.D, Director, Episcopal House of Prayer, St John University, Collegeville, MN
Yuval Ron’s presentation on Compassion for Shero’s Rise enabled our girls to understand “compassion” in a deeply meaningful, lasting way. Through his talented, soulful ensemble of musicians, he related the beautiful story of Siddhartha; he took us on an unforgettable journey, and we’re deeply grateful.
Jennifer Dohr, Director of Equity Curriculum & Instruction
One listener at the shelter indicated that before the concert they felt, "Disconnected, unhappy, unsure," but left feeling, "Peaceful, happy, inspired." What a change! Shelter Music Boston was honored to connect the world music of the Yuval Ron Ensemble, with Bridge Over Troubled Waters, thanks to Inspired Sound Initiative. Providing access to live music is critical, especially to audiences who would otherwise go without this transformative and healing experience!
Carrie Eldridge-Dickson, Managing Director of Shelter Music Boston, Boston, MA
"It was really great having you…. the show was awesome!"
"Yesterday's performance was magnificent!! Thank you for always sharing your and your team's gifts with our APCH community. “
Joaquin Pacheco, Music Programs Sr. Manager, Marcee Dela Cruz Dominguez, Program Operations Sr. Manager (A PLACE CALLED HOME, 2830 S. Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90011)
The work Inspired Sound Initiative has brought to APCH has been a refreshing learning experience for all of our members. For the youth in South LA, their content was new, interactive, enriching and fun! We are looking forward to continuing our work together.
Jewel Delegall, Performing Arts Education Director, A Place Called Home, South Central, Los Angeles
students
My favorite part [of the concert] was when they invited us to try and dance.
8 year old audience member at A Place Called Home.
Inspired deep and meaningful performance. Elements that would normally be at odds had come together to create something beautiful. After the event, I felt a refreshed sense of community and humanity.
Angela, Student at California State University, Northridge, CA
What I found more inspiring about Mr. Yuval Ron was the fact that he traveled to help inspire people and give them hope, especially if they were dealing with problems in their lives. I also enjoyed hearing the story about going to a hospital and playing music and having dancing because the hospital is a place where people generally experience anxiety, stress, and depression, therefore music can play a role in helping others de-stress. I found it inspiring to hear how he was able to achieve his dreams and then afterwards, find something more meaningful to do in his life, in which he then talked about Inspired Sound Initiative. I believe that music is a form of expression where people are able to truly convey how they feel, therefore music can serve as an outlet to help relieve whatever stress they may be experiencing.
Student of California State University, Northridge CA
Mr. Yuval Ron was very passionate and created a sense of harmony and relaxation the moment he started speaking to us. He has an energy that is like no other. His description of what exactly he does was not only inspirational but hit home for many people. I could sense the engagement the entire time he was speaking which is often hard to achieve.
Student of California State University, Northridge CA
I realized that his voice and the way that he explained about his music is as comfort as his music. I believe he really knows about what he is doing, but he needs support.
Student of California State University, Northridge CA
I learned to be grateful for what you have and be hopeful.
9 year old audience member at A Place Called Home
[The music and dance] made me feel happy.
Diego, age 7, at A Place Called Home.
…perfect harmony and sync, it didn’t seem as if it was a live performance.
Student at California State University, Northridge, CA
They sounded absolutely amazing, and almost sounded as if they had a pitch corrector used on them. They were in perfect harmony and sync, it didn’t seem as if it was a live performance.
Malachi Stickler, Student at California State University, Northridge, CA
I just had the joy of listening to your ensemble at Temple Beth Israel. It was WONDERFUL! For the first time in my life I was able to enjoy and appreciate Arab music It was always in my background, I lived with it and dismissed it as not mine. Tonight I realized how close to mine it is.
Audience Memeber - Jewish Community, Los Angeles, CA
Meeting Yuval Ron has to have been one of the most inspiring things I have done in my college career so far. He has really opened my eyes to so many possibilities in the world. I did the best that I could with the product that I created for his non-profit and I can only hope that it is adequate enough for his standards. I would really love to be involved and help with his non-profit and maybe even start my own in the coming future.
Student of California State University, Northridge CA
It was so interesting for me that when he achieved his goals, he didn’t stop and started to help other people to have better life in the new way. Today, the people needs peace more than everything in their life and it is so important that each individual work for it and I think Mr. Yuval will be a big help for it. I am not Muslim, Christian or Jewish, I am Baha’i, and it is so interesting for me how Mr. Yuval vision is so close to my religion beliefs which is “the oneness of God and religion, the oneness of humanity and freedom from prejudice, the inherent nobility of the human being, the progressive revelation of religious truth, the development of spiritual qualities, the integration of worship and service, the fundamental equality of the sexes, the harmony between religion and science, the centrality of justice to all human endeavors, the importance of education, and the dynamics of the relationships that are to bind together individuals, communities, and institutions as humanity advances towards its collective maturity.
Student of California State University, Northridge CA
I learned that in Hebrew language the word knowledge means "to know" which is found a lot in the Old Testament. When you know someone you see the creator, and if you see God inside of someone you have a greater appreciation for them. The Koran, the Muslim book, says God created the world to have different cultures, but the beauty of the creation is based on variety. The concert was a once in a lifetime event in my life and I hope I get a chance to witness it again soon.
Student of Christian College, Marshal, MI
"The performance was so electric and magnificent, it's hard to describe. Each performer outdid himself/herself and inspired the other members of the ensemble to rise higher and higher. The music seemed to have been offered for the sake of Heaven. I wasn't alone in my reaction. The audience was wild with praise and applause and many stayed afterwards to bask in the afterglow and surround the performers, reluctant to leave that enchanted space."
Ruth Sharone, a documentary filmmaker, journalist, and author
Ever since I have reached the USA (12th Sep, 2005) crises were crushing me. Starvation smashes me everyday. Uncertainty engulfs me. I almost forgot the boon and beauty of life. The magic of your music, the might of your melody has reminded me the fact breathing is simply thrilling, life is really enticing as long as it responds to something luminous. I immersed myself into your music completely and brushed aside all my crises for the time being. My heartfelt Gratitude to you as once again you have taught me to love life.
Audience Member From a Muslim Community, San Bernadino, CA
By the end of the concert it was as if I had been listening to one unending song for a thousand years: the same voices, the same throats, the same dotted notes, timeless traced alng the longitudes of a woman's cheek and collarbone -- and I swear to the god who veils her face that I could not tell my own face from the face of my brother. From the faces of all the others there, the listening face dissolved with laughter in the broken light of shining tears.
Audience Member, Pittsburg, PA
With everything going on in the world and especially the Middle East, where I am from, it felt nice to have hope that we can get together through small powerful things such as music. The mash up of three different cultures in one song, while they perfectly go together gave me goose bumps. I expected that I would be listening to a western version of the instruments used. But the beat and the rhythm were original and authentic, which made it sound very familiar to me. The performance was inspiring to a point that it made me appreciate the music more than ever.
Miriam, Student at California State University, Northridge, CA
Your ongoing encouragement is awesome! You're such a great cheerleader, and these positive mantras you share always keep me going strong. Thanks!
Student in Yuval Ron Music Mentorship Program