PAFO Testimonials
“PAFO is truly an amazing ensemble. The level of professionalism the students show is remarkable - it is like working with a fully professional orchestra, but some of the kids are so young - it is hard to believe. Aside from being fantastic musicians, Jorge and Erica are some of the most selfless and dedicated people I have met, and truly a joy to work with. I cannot wait to work with them and with PAFO again!”
— Enrico Fagone, GRAMMY® Award nominated conductor; Principal Bass, Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana; Martha Argerich protégé
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It’s really amazing how much PAFO has grown. It has completely surpassed my expectations, and we wouldn’t have been able to happen without such amazing leadership in Jorge and Erica. My daughter was one of the founding members of PAFO, and now she is a senior at Dartmouth College. When she applied, she didn’t think she would major in music, but after 3 months at Dartmouth she decided to major in music, and will pursue it as a career. In large part this is thanks to the experience PAFO gave her. I was here and heard every single rehearsal from the beginning, and I honestly think there is no better place for your kids to be on the weekend. Especially when you think of what kids normally do on the weekend, but here they focus so much on playing music and improving. They grow so much from it and they also have so much fun. I think it is such a nurturing environment. My daughter participated in many other orchestras, including ensembles that have been established for decades and are affiliated with the premiere professional orchestra in Orange County. PAFO was so different, it was by far the most challenging orchestra, the most influential in my daughter's musical growth, and it gave her so many more opportunities than any other musical program - orchestral, chamber music, or anything. PAFO has done incredible things, for example, three months after being founded they played the whole original (1.5 hour!) Nutcracker Ballet. During the first season, they played over 100 pieces - last year was much more! You will be amazed how much and how fast your kids will grow. Jorge and Erica train the students the way professional orchestras train - no matter what level you are at, you will grow exponentially. Their leadership is really innovative, and since they are such high-level professionals, they have the ability to attract and bring phenomenal musicians to teach and play with the students. I cannot say enough to thank all the dedicated leaders and teachers here at PAFO.
– Kelly
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I’ve been here since the beginning, and if there is one thing I know, PAFO is really unique. I’ve been in ensembles in so many places, and I can honestly say that you will not find two more dedicated people in Jorge and Erica to raise your kids with. That is what you do here, you raise your kids with the orchestra, and it is such a positive environment to do that. Music cuts across political, economical, racial, cultural lines - I've experienced it myself, and I've seen it transform kids. You can’t choose a better activity for your kids than PAFO, it really doesn't get better than this. And if they are too young or not ready to choose it for themselves, I urge parents to support them in choosing PAFO - they will grow so much from it and will love it!
– Lori
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“This will be my 6th year in PAFO. To be honest, PAFO has played the biggest part in creating who I am as a musician, and also who I am as a person. I truly feel very dedicated to PAFO - I’ve made so many memories, I have so many friends and I really feel at home here. Everyone supports me, and I really feel I can do my best in this environment. This is an amazing experience, and I think you should all join.
-– Dora, PAFO Symphony Student
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“This will be my 7th year with the orchestra, and I cannot say enough about how much I’ve learned - there is no other musical ensemble that is anything like PAFO. I've been in other musical groups and the way they do everything here is different. From rehearsals and sectionals, to family concerts and formal events, this really is a much more full experience than anywhere else. We learn through mentoring and by getting mentored, we learn to play solo, how to play in a group - there are really so many things you learn and it is so much fun. It might sound daunting since there are a lot of concerts, and because students are expected to play at the highest level, but it isn't scary at all - the teachers equip you really well to be able to do it, everyone can. We are like one big family, there is no one left behind, and everyone is taken to the highest level. It has been a great experience.”
-– Sandy, PAFO Symphony Student
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“As a parent, I couldn’t be happier with the Pacific Academy Foundation Orchestra. The program not only nurtures musical talent but also fosters personal growth and confidence. My child has flourished under the guidance of their incredible teachers, who provide both individualized support and a strong sense of community. PAFO is an outstanding program for any young musician."
— PAFO Parent
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"PAFO has been an incredible experience for my child in so many ways. Not only has his technical skill on the violin improved remarkably, but they’ve also gained an immense amount of confidence performing in a professional setting. The supportive and nurturing environment provided by the coaches and fellow students has made a huge difference in their progress and self-esteem. I’ve seen my son embrace challenges, push past his comfort zone, and thrive as both a musician and an individual. I truly believe the program’s approach is helping my son develop lifelong skills."
— PAFO Parent
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"The PAFO Family Concerts are such a wonderful experience for both the students and the parents. My daughter absolutely loves the extra coaching they receive, and I can see how motivated she is after every session. The professional approach to rehearsals, along with the guidance of dedicated coaches, is teaching students not only about music but also about discipline, focus and responsibility. I’m always impressed with the growth they show after each concert. It’s a joy to see them excited about improving and playing classical music."
— PAFO Parent