As the second largest affiliate of the Young Audiences National Network, Young Audiences of Louisiana (YALA) is a 62 year old arts and arts education nonprofit that is managed almost entirely by artists. YALA offers wraparound services that include: afterschool and daytime arts integration programs; arts integration professional development for teaching artists, educators and school leaders; and workshops for caregivers. We make this happen through partnerships with local museums, community centers and places like the Community Book Center on Bayou Road.
Also the regional affiliate of Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning, one of our most cherished relationships in the community is with Louisiana Wolf Trap teaching artist Roscoe Reddix. Director of Marketing and Communications Virginia Hampton sat down with Mr. Reddix outside the Rook Cafe on Freret St. in late September of 2023 to learn more about YALA’s favorite singing storyteller.
Surrounded by stories and art growing up in church with music all around, young Roscoe was built for the doors that YALA and Louisiana Wolf Trap eventually opened for him as an amazing artist and culture bearer. Roscoe credits his early educational experiences with his deep understanding of art as education. As he said, “Black History and Story was Interwoven with Everything We Did”.
Roscoe grew up in New Orleans in a middle class family. His father is a visual artist and his mother an entrepreneur, both graduates of HBCUs. His grandfather was a preacher who, 20 years following emancipation, purchased the building that now houses Haven United Methodist Church.
Perhaps it was this rich cultural tradition that helped him make the educational choices that led him to become a Teaching Artist.
The full interview with Roscoe Reddix can be found on our website: Polishing A Jewel: Roscoe Reddix’s Legacy with YALA and Louisiana Wolf Trap