To the Great House: The Arkestra in the 1970s

By the mid-1970s a reinvigorated organization emerged, fueled by a wave of new recruits that, while less bohemian in lifestyle and somewhat older than the previous group, came with a higher degree of musical training and experience, as well as a strong commitment to the Arkestra ethos and aesthetic. They formed more collective spaces, “Great Houses,” which became community art centers, and actively supported new community-oriented venues that emerged during this time in Venice as well as in South Central Los Angeles. All of this contributed to a continuing and strong community presence, renewed focus on creating music, a broader orchestral palette, and a more socially cohesive organization.