New Hope Presbyterian Church
OUR STORY
New Hope is a Community of Praise, Music and Worship Where All People Matter. We exist to bring justice, peace and hope to the community.
Our Story
The New Hope Orange County Orchestra (NHOCO) was founded on a simple belief: every child deserves the opportunity to experience the transformative power of music, regardless of their zip code or financial circumstances.
For years, New Hope Presbyterian Church invested in youth music education through a small violin program. As our students grew, we recognized a larger need in Orange County. While many talented young people dreamed of playing in an orchestra, barriers such as the cost of private lessons, instruments, transportation, and limited representation often placed those opportunities out of reach. Nationally, Black musicians remain significantly underrepresented in professional orchestras, highlighting the need for greater access and inclusion.
In 2024, New Hope Presbyterian Church partnered with conductor Dwayne Burrell and Dr. Charles Dickerson, founder of the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, to launch the New Hope Orange County Orchestra. Our vision was to create an orchestra where young musicians from historically underserved communities could receive high-quality musical instruction while developing confidence, discipline, leadership, and a lifelong love of the arts.
Today, NHOCO provides tuition-free orchestral education for children and youth ages 5–20. We remove financial barriers by providing instruments, music instruction, ensemble experiences, and performance opportunities in a supportive, inclusive environment. Our students perform throughout Orange County while building skills that extend far beyond the concert stage.
More than an orchestra, NHOCO is a community where young people discover their potential, celebrate their unique voices, and learn that excellence belongs to them. Through music, mentorship, and meaningful relationships, we are cultivating the next generation of musicians, leaders, and changemakers.
At NHOCO, we believe that when every child has the opportunity to learn, perform, and belong, the entire community is enriched.
Mission Statement
New Hope is a Community of Praise, Music and Worship Where All People Matter. We exist to bring justice, peace and hope to the community.
Background Statement
New Hope Presbyterian Church seeks to lift up those who are facing disparity and marginalization. Establised in 2008 and fully chartered in 2017. New Hope has historically sought to bring hope, awareness, advocacy, justice and equity to the community. The church seeks to lift up those who face the challenges of hunger, racism, discrimination, homelessness. Through our partnerships and collaborations in the community, New Hope continues to use its resources to provide initiatives and advocacy that support music equity, health equity and a better quality of life for those who may otherwise go without.
Impact Statement
2024--1. Established a Youth Based Orchestrata that focuses on support Black youth in Orange County 2. Partnering with the OC Chamber of Commerce to bring Health Equity and Awareness for African Americans in the Community. 3. Continued Parntership with UC Irvine School of Medicine to support minority medical students and the advancement of health equity in OC. 4. New Hope is an orginal supporter and organizer of the HEEAL Collective--a collaboration of churches and community non-profits that seek to support health equity in Orange County for African Americans.
Goals for 2025: 1. Strenthening the Youth Orchestra and working with affinity groups in the community to add to its vitality and reach. 2.Working with missional partners in Kenya and Orange County to expand opportunities for medical students to get experience and internships in impoverished areas of Kenya. 3. Enhancing our current food distribution and community garden ministry in order to support more people who struggle with food insecurity.
Needs Statement
The New Hope Orange County Orchestra (NHOCO) was created to ensure that every child—regardless of income or background—has access to high-quality music education. We provide tuition-free orchestra instruction, private and group lessons, instruments, and performance opportunities so that financial barriers never prevent a young person from discovering their musical potential.
As a newly established youth orchestra, our greatest need is sustainable operating support to build the organizational capacity necessary for long-term success. An investment of $50,000 would enable NHOCO to hire a part-time administrator to coordinate enrollment, communications, fundraising, volunteer management, and program operations, while also expanding our team of music coaches and teaching artists to provide high-quality instruction and mentorship for our growing number of students.
Demand for our program continues to increase as more families seek affordable access to music education. However, providing lessons and orchestra instruction at no cost requires significant financial resources. Without additional operational funding, our ability to serve more students and maintain the quality of instruction is limited.
Investing in NHOCO is an investment in young people. It ensures that children have access not only to music education, but also to the confidence, discipline, creativity, and leadership skills that will serve them throughout their lives. With strong community support, we can continue removing barriers, expanding opportunities, and empowering the next generation of musicians and leaders across Orange County.
Geographic Areas Served
All of Orange County. Specifically, Anaheim, Santa Ana and Stanton,
Top Three Populations Served
- African Americans
- Latinos
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ)
Statement from the CEO/Executive Director
When I look into the eyes of a child holding a violin for the very first time, I don't just see a young musician—I see limitless possibility.
The New Hope Orange County Orchestra was born from a conviction that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. Too many children in our community have the passion and ability to excel in music, yet financial barriers prevent them from accessing quality instruction, instruments, and orchestral experiences. I believe that no child's future should be determined by their family's income.
As both a pastor and an educator, I have witnessed the transformative power of music. It teaches discipline, perseverance, teamwork, creativity, and confidence. More importantly, it reminds young people that their gifts matter and that they belong.
Our mission extends beyond preparing students for the concert stage. We are developing leaders, building character, and creating a community where every child is encouraged to dream boldly and pursue excellence. Every rehearsal, every lesson, and every performance is an opportunity to inspire hope and transform lives.
I invite you to join us in this journey. Together, we can ensure that every young person who dreams of making music has the opportunity to learn, grow, and flourish. Your partnership helps create a future where the arts are accessible to all and where every child can discover the extraordinary potential within themselves.
Thank you for believing in our students and for helping us make music a bridge to opportunity, hope, and lasting change.
With gratitude,
Rev. Chineta Goodjoin Founder & Executive DirectorNew Hope Orange County Orchestra
CONTACT
New Hope Presbyterian Church
2580 West Orange Ave
Anaheim, CA 92805
CHINETA GOODJOIN