Music Educator
Docents of the Los Angeles Philharmonic
A group of trained volunteer musicians committed to bringing music education to children in under-served schools
Docents public information brochure designed by Selma Moidel Smith — click to open.
Selma was the first bilingual Spanish-speaking Docent of the Los Angeles Philharmonic:
Pioneered in bringing music education to thousands of students in predominantly Hispanic schools throughout Los Angeles County (1971-82) — “an answer to my prayer for a Spanish-speaking Docent!” — Beverly Ballard, President of the Docents.
Presented general music programs and previews of Philharmonic concerts — in Spanish — singing and playing her Spanish guitar and castanets.
As Chair of Press and Public Relations, promoted the Docents through appearances on English-language public service television programs and at school volunteer conferences.
Display table for the Docents created by Selma Moidel Smith at the National School Volunteer Conference, Sheraton-Universal Hotel, Universal City (Los Angeles), April 8-11, 1973 — “We cross the language barrier to reach the universal language” —SMS.
Music and Dance program organized by Selma Moidel Smith (second from right) — Los Angeles County Library, East Los Angeles Branch, August 3, 1972 — click to open.
Organized special events, such as:
Music and Dance program at a public library in East Los Angeles (color photo).
First-ever visit by a junior high school orchestra to an elementary school — as part of Selma’s music presentation — after which she encouraged the children to hold and sound the instruments (black and white photo).
First-ever visit by a junior high school orchestra to an elementary school — Docent Presentation by Selma Moidel Smith (second from right) — Ford Boulevard Elementary School, East Los Angeles, November 11, 1972 — click to open.
California Arts & Humanities Seminar, February 16, 1981 — l.-r.: Caroline Ahmanson, co-chair; William J. McCann, director of California Museum of Science and Industry; Selma Moidel Smith, representing the Docents.
Speaker selected to represent the Docents at:
“California Arts & Humanities Seminar” — presented by the California Museum of Science and Industry (later, California Science Center)
Erewan Garden Hotel, Palm Desert, California
February 1974, February 1981, February 1982
1981 Program — click to open.
As Chair of Latin-American Community Relations for the Docents — a position created for Selma — she appeared frequently on Spanish-language television and in the Spanish-language press to publicize the availability of Docent and Philharmonic programs.
One television interview was to publicize the Philharmonic’s forthcoming “Spanish-American Heritage” family concert (with music selected especially for a Spanish-speaking audience at Selma’s suggestion), performed at East Los Angeles College on May 26, 1973.
Click the link to hear the interview, and click here to read a summary in English.
As the representative of the Docents on the Minority Training Committee of the Philharmonic — created by Music Director Zubin Mehta to enable minority youth to study with Philharmonic musicians — Selma arranged extensive coverage in the Spanish-language newspaper, La Opinión.
National Federation of Music Clubs
National Vice-Chairman for the Western Region, American Music Department
Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley presenting proclamation of American Music Month to Selma Moidel Smith, January 14, 1977.
Promoted the works of American composers
by:
1. Obtaining Proclamations of February as “American Music Month” from Mayors and Governors,
Continued . . .
San Francisco Mayor Joseph Alioto presenting proclamation of American Music Month to Selma Moidel Smith, October 3, 1975.
Zubin Mehta, music director of the L.A. Philharmonic, receiving NFMC award from Selma Moidel Smith for programming music by American composers — in Mehta’s office, November 5, 1975.
2. Encouraging performances of American music by prominent orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic,
Continued . . .
(l.-r.) Ernest Fleischmann, executive director of the L.A. Philharmonic, with guest conductor Andre Kostelanetz, receiving NFMC award from Selma Moidel Smith for programming music by American composers — at the Hollywood Bowl, July 18, 1975.
Abram Chasins, director of radio station KUSC, receiving NFMC award from Selma Moidel Smith for broadcasting music by American composers — at KUSC, October 15, 1976.
and,
3. Encouraging performances of American music on radio and television.
Shown here: Presentation of award to composer Abram Chasins, director of classical music radio station KUSC, for broadcasting the works of American composers.
