Hundreds of voices

These girls are some of the roughly 900 students from 28 schools who were showcased at the festival.  (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)

After a yearlong process of applications, auditions and practices, students lift their voices at the afternoon performance.  (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Norwalk High School student Brandon Harris joins other students in song. The teens practiced for months to master songs from composers such as Vivaldi and Argentina’s Astor Piazzolla. Most of the melodies were religious-themed works that touched on faith, devotion and gratitude.  (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)

South Torrance High student Shawn Tan hides behind his song book at the formal affair. All of the boys were dressed in tuxedos while the girls wore gowns.  (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Music director Grant Gershon instructs the voices of his young charges. “They work very hard to learn this challenging music, many with limited resources,” he said. “When I look out there and see them, I am very optimistic about the future of music in Los Angeles.”  (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)