THE BUFORD HIGHWAY ORCHESTRA PROJECT

purpose

The Buford Highway Orchestra Project (BHOP) holds its after-school classes and student performances at the Latin American Association (LAA), a trusted community anchor with nearly five decades of service to local families. Located in the heart of the Buford Highway Corridor, the LAA facility offers a safe, culturally familiar, and centrally accessible environment for our students and families. The building is fully equipped with ADA-compliant features, including ramp access, elevators, and accessible restrooms, ensuring that students with physical disabilities can participate in all program activities without barriers. The location also offers secure entry, proximity to public transportation, and ample space for both instruction and large community events, making it an ideal hub for both music education and inter-generational engagement. Beyond physical access, BHOP is deeply committed to programmatic accessibility. We ensure that all communications, instruction, and materials are provided in-language (primarily Spanish and English) and through preferred parent platforms such as WhatsApp, printed flyers, and text messaging. Our choice of venue, and our practices within it, reflect our core belief: that access is not just about entry, but about belonging, dignity, and consistent support.

For more information, please contact Juana Alzaga at juana.alzaga@welovebuhi.org.

For contributions to support this program, contact Lily Pabian at lily@welovebuhi.org.

origin story

Our Executive Director Lily Pabian, who grew up on Buford Highway, was Juana Alzaga’s student and mentee over thirty years ago. They recently reconnected and this project is born out of the importance of music, art, and education for children on Buford Highway. Music, like other forms of art, speaks a universal language, and we want to make sure our community musicians have access to resources and mentorship that will allow them to tap into this form of art.

“I am honored and thrilled to launch this project with We Love BuHi, bringing a unique opportunity for disadvantaged children along the Buford Highway corridor. We presently have 14 eager children that meet every Tuesday and Thursday. Due to the pandemic, we meet on Zoom as we start learning the language of music, but we are eager to move to in-person classes when possible.” —Juana Alzaga

“Playing in an orchestra changed my life, but I started late and by that age it took much more work on my end to catch on. This project is super personal for both Juana and I; she was my teacher and mentor over thirty years ago, and I want the children of Buford Highway to have that too.” —Lily Pabian