In a White House ceremony on Dec. 13, President George W. Bush presented longtime Malibu resident Dr. Ernst Katz with the President’s Community Volunteer Award.
The Points of Light Foundation selected Katz, founder and conductor of the Jr. Philharmonic Orchestra, for his 65 years of volunteer service to young people.
Katz said the award he received has great meaning to him because, “We must leave more than footprints in the sand so that future generations can spread this doctrine of people helping people.”
Katz was chosen from more than 3,500 nominees nationwide because, using classical music as his vehicle, he instills young people with discipline, confidence and the ability to express themselves.
He began his youth symphony in 1937 during the Great Depression in Southern California.
“People had no hope back then,” Katz says. “I was the only one that believed that this orchestra would last more than a month, but I said it would because I made a commitment-a commitment to give youth a chance to be heard.”
Katz continues to keep his promise, touching the lives of thousands of young people from diverse social, economic and ethnic backgrounds, and his philosophy, “Give Youth a Chance To Be Heard,” remains the orchestra’s motto. Many of them travel a hundred or more miles to attend weekly practice sessions.
“Katz provides young people an opportunity to focus their energies on the positive-away from drugs, gangs and violence-to make our nation a better, more harmonious place to live,” states a press release from the orchestra. “He teaches young people the importance of giving.”
Performances of his Jr. Philharmonic Orchestra are always volunteered with all proceeds going to charitable causes.
Conducting the symphony through much of the 20th century’s history, including World War II, earthquakes, floods, fires and riots, Katz has never missed a rehearsal or concert performance. In 65 years, he has never charged members nor accepted government support-volunteering to personally fund the orchestra as a service to the community. He insists that his organization remain completely noncommercial, and he never solicits contributions. Instead, he financially supports his Jr. Philharmonic Orchestra in every way-music, instruments, even concert apparel for those in need.
“I hope to inspire younger generations with the spirit of volunteerism,” Katz says.
The orchestra is open to young people ages 12-25. For information regarding Jr. Philharmonic performances or to audition, call 323.272.3667.