Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles prepares for historic cross-country tour

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- What began with just nine Los Angeles students has grown into an orchestra preparing for its biggest move yet - a nationwide tour!

The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, led by conductor Charles Dickerson, provides music education and performance opportunities for young musicians while emphasizing discipline, perseverance and excellence.

The orchestra will return to the Walt Disney Concert Hall on Sunday, July 12, for its 18th annual Season Finale Concert.

The program will preview themes from ICYOLA's first national tour - titled "I, Too, Sing America" - which will celebrate historically overlooked voices and stories through music. The group will perform in South Dakota, Washington, D.C., and New York.

For students, the opportunity represents a milestone achievement.

"It's like a really big inspiration for me, because I never thought I was going to be like, touring at 14," Arlington Jordan said.

Violinist Amber Daughtry said the orchestra is ready for the experience.

"I think this is the perfect time to capture such a moment. I think we're ready for this," she said.

Tickets for the Season Finale Concert are now on sale and can be purchased here.

Hit play in the video player above for the full Eyewitness News interview with Dickerson.