Youth Music Monterey County supports two orchestras, a chamber music program, a brass ensemble, a woodwind ensemble, and in-school teaching and performance opportunities throughout Monterey County. Our Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras are led by professional conductor Maestro Danko Druško and feature approximately 100 student musicians.
Youth Music Monterey County was established as a 501(c)(3) organization on May 18, 1988, with the merger of two programs: the Youth Orchestra of Monterey County (est. 1981) and Summer Music Monterey (est. 1965).
The 2019-2020 YMMC Honors Orchestra under Maestro Danko Druško.
Our legacy of conductors includes:
2018-2019 Chamber Players during rehearsal.
Youth Music Monterey County has fostered the excellence of local student musicians by:
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Inspiring and challenging students to high levels of musical achievement
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Instilling standards of excellence, responsibility, and determination
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Supporting and improving academic performance
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Teaching cooperation and leadership skills in a diverse environment
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Communicating respect for the special contributions and abilities of young people to their families and the community at large
Nathan Nguyen '20 (violin)
Select seniors from the Class of 2019 are recognized and awarded scholarships.
"To inspire excellence in individual students and enrich our community by providing young people with opportunities to participate in, and gain greater understanding of, music and its performance."
YMM Mission Statement
Simon Liu '19 (clarinet and piano). Winner of the 2019 Honors Concerto Competition with Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2.
Community Support
A cadre of community members support YMMC programs through concert attendance, donations and sponsorships, volunteering, and grants. Your support bridges the gap between student fees and actual program cost, keeping this high-level opportunity affordable for all student musicians in Monterey County, spanning from the Peninsula to Salinas and South County communities.
Our committed network of Angels, donors, and volunteers ensures a legacy of excellence in music both now and for the future. You are invited to join this very special musical family!