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Youth Music Monterey County supports two orchestras, a chamber music program, a brass ensemble, a woodwind ensemble, and in-school teaching and performance opportunities. Our Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras are led by conductor Maestro Danko Druško and feature approximately 100 student musicians. YMMC gears up for an exciting 2025-2026 season Youth Music Monterey County currently has open registration for Orchestra in the Schools . You may sign up now. Honors & Junior Youth Orchestras students have had auditions and should be registered and received their music links via mail or Dropbox. Please make sure you have the music you need for rehearsals. South County Strings registration is through the Soledad Unified School District and has begun. Please contact SUSD for more details once the school year begins. Upcoming Events Get Ready for the 2025-2026 Season JYO/HO rehearsals are wednesdays for JYO at 4:30-6pm and HO at 6:30-8:30pm. September 3rd is the JYO/HO parent meeting at 5pm. OITS parent meetings are the first day of lessons the week of September 1st-11th. Sunday, September 7, the Welcome Back BBQ, 12-2pm at Hidden Valley Music Seminars with the SignUpGenius for the postluck and your RSVP at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0F45ABAA28A6F58-57844951-welcome Sunday, November 16th , Concert #1 is at 3pm. Please note that some emails erroneously stated the 6th. Please excuse the error. ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Upcoming Events ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Play With Us! Featuring talented young musicians from over 30 local schools, YMMC's Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras present three acclaimed symphonic concerts at Sunset Center each year. Auditions for the Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras take place throughout the season. If you’re interested in auditioning please contact office@youthmusicmonterey.org or fill out an audition form . Three chamber music programs, including the Chamber Players , Brass Ensemble , and Woodwind Ensemble , focus on the intensive study of small-group music and give back to their communities through benefit concerts. Our South County Strings program with over 200 students each year in rural South Monterey County communities with free group string instruction and low-cost instrument rentals. Orchestra In The Schools offers Monterey County children in grades 3-8 in Monterey County an opportunity to learn an instrument, be part of an orchestra and perform with students from other schools. This can be your child’s first musical experience, no experience is necessary. About Us News YMMC invites you to the BBQ 8 minutes ago Updates for YMMC 2 days ago Welcome Back BBQ! 6 days ago Fresh Perspectives YMMC's Master Class and Interview Series Catalyst String Quartet Jan 23, 2021 Peter Scaturro - Video Game Music Jan 12, 2021 Interview with JoAnn Falletta Sep 19, 2020

Stewart Robinson Conductor Back to Staff

Brass Ensemble The 2019-2020 Brass Ensemble. The YMMC Brass Ensemble, directed by Executive Director and Brass Director Suzanne Mudge , offers a great opportunity for its members to experience personal growth and increased confidence. The ensemble plays varied repertoire of many genres spanning four centuries in several configurations of 3-8 players. Playing in small chamber groups develops focus, creativity, and discipline. while building problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills. These characteristics grow a confident child and accomplished performer, and translate to excellent preparation for the challenges of college, career, and life. The YMMC Brass Ensemble actively seeks collaborations and performing opportunities, making connections with our community, and educating and engaging new audiences. We have performed for assisted living communities across the Monterey Peninsula, the Tor House Garden Party, the Carmel Public Library Foundation, and for Carmel Bach Festival off-season events such as Cottages and Gardens and Season previews. Members have also been invited to perform with the Tower Brass during the Bach Festival in July. We host guest artists and clinicians from the brass world, learning from them and increasing the appreciation and joy of being a brass player. All brass students enrolled in YMMC orchestras are eligible – and encouraged – to participate in the Brass Ensemble. There is no additional fee for participation. Learn more about auditioning and becoming a part of the Brass Ensemble today! Audition

OITS Registration Orchestra In The Schools is for students grades 3-8 in Monterey County. OITS offers students get to learn an instrument, be part of an orchestra and perform with students from other schools. Your registration is only complete when you submit this form and pay your tuition, make payment arrangements, or apply for tuition assistance. OITS Program Information Parent Information Parent #1 First Name Parent #1 Last Name Parent #1 Email Parent #1 Phone Parent #2 First Name Parent #2 Last Name Parent #2 Email Parent #2 Phone Emergency Contact Info Emergency Contact Person Emergency Contact Phone Emergency Contact Relationship to Student Student Information Student First Name Student Last Name Student Email Student Phone (optional) School Grade (upcoming fall) House Number + Street Address City ZIP Please put me on a carpool list! Musical Background If you have played an instrument before? Have you had a private music teacher? Are you involved in your school music program? Yes No My school does not have a music program. Are you interested in participating in our chamber ensembles? Yes No What instrument would you like to play? * Required Clarinet Flute French Horn Trombone Trumpet Percussion Viola Violin Cello Bass About your instrument: * Required I have an instrument I will need to borrow an instrument from YMMC Demographics Ethnicity * Required American Indian or Alaska Native Asian Black or African-American Caucasian Latinx Mixed Race (2 or more races) Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Other Prefer not to say Gender Identity * Female Male Non-binary/non-conforming Queer Transgender Female Transgender Male Prefer not to say Student Medical Information Please list any medical conditions/considerations? Continue

seniors & awards 2020 One of the finest year-end traditions at YMM is to recognize the incredible work and effort of our graduating seniors, volunteers, teachers, and alumni. There are so many people who volunteer, working quietly behind the scenes to keep YMMC moving forward and assisting our students in so many ways. We salute Patricia Morgan, our Volunteer of the Year, who drives students from King City to rehearsals and back home each week. This year's Teacher of the Year is Sarah Wadsworth, music teacher at Carmel M.S., who runs a great program and is devoted to her students and their learning. Our Alumna of the Year Award goes to Kelly Wong, who designed and maintains the new YMMC website. She says: YMMC has invariably been a major source of emotional reprieve, human connection, and lifelong friendships for me and my fellow musicians. When I joined YMMC, I never expected to also be joining a tightly-knit family of musicians from all walks of life. From trading laughs with the brass section, to sprinting home last-minute for forgotten black concert socks with some violinists, to letting dinner go cold and sharing stories till dawn with people I now consider my best friends, I cherish every relationship I’ve forged in these orchestras. When I look back at my adventures within the concert halls, it’s not the standing ovations I remember, and it’s not the bad notes that stick. It’s the experiences I’ve amassed and the people I’ve loved. It’s the arresting notion that, maybe, something more beautiful about ourselves emerges in our wake. Though its members come and go with the years, I dearly love this organization and its indefatigable spirit of community, and I’m incredibly lucky to continue to be a part of it as it enters a new era. Student Awards Daisy Swanson The Ruth Philips Fenton Founder's Award Lance Yang Bauer The Pam and Chuck McGowin Award Justin Vu The Adel and Adelya Award Class of 2020 Seniors Farewell and congratulations to our Class of 2020! We're honored to have played with you and wish you well in your coming journey. Here's what some of them will be up to in the fall: Akshara Amin Violin Monterey High School '20 Lance Yang Bauer Violin Stevenson School '20 Emory University, double major in Music & Philosophy, Politics, and Law Ryan Knight Trumpet Carmel High School '20 University of the Pacific, major in Biological Sciences, minor in Jazz Studies Daisy Swanson Violin York School '20 Bob Cole Conservatory of CSU Long Beach, double major in Marine Biology and Music Helen Liuyi Yang Viola Stevenson School '20 Wellesley College, Economics & Sociology Mitali Chowdhury Bassoon Pacific Grove High School '20 Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Computation & Cognition Annabelle Norman Violin York School '20 Justin Vu Violin York School '20 Pepperdine University, major in Sports Medicine and minor in Music

South County Strings Call (831) 375-1992 for Registration Information Youth Music Monterey's South County Strings program brings free instruction and string instruments to students in grades 3-8 in southern Monterey County. A team of music instructors provides violin, viola, and cello instruction in group lessons during the school day. Students are not charged for the lessons and instruments are provided by YMMC. Music classes begin in September and run throughout the school year through June. The program is designed to introduce new students to music and string instruments and to help intermediate students develop their skills. Students receive a minimum of two hours of instruction per week, give in-school and after-school performances for their peers, and perform at community venues. Students also receive free or subsidized tickets to concerts throughout Monterey County and attend workshops with visiting musicians—such as the YMMC Chamber Players, who visit the schools to perform for and work with young string students. Youth Music Monterey's South County Strings program is a partnership with the Soledad Unified School District and Bradley Union School District to provide students to study cello, viola, and violin in areas where music education and performance opportunities are sparse.

Become an Angel! The Angel Network of Youth Music Monterey County is a family of devoted music supporters who ensure that local student musicians can experience the unique and powerful music education of the Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras. You can help build the next generation of musicians and music lovers by becoming a member of the Angel Network. When you get involved, you will see up close what your donation is helping to secure. 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 Salinas and South County communities to the Monterey Peninsula. As an Angel, you will receive a hand-crafted silver pin and will enjoy special events featuring individual performances by our talented musicians, as well as the benefits detailed in each tier below. This committed network of Angels ensures a legacy of excellence in music both now and for the future. You are invited to join this very special musical family! Become an Angel Now Angel $500 annual donation you'll receive Handcrafted Angel Network pins Listing in concert programs Two Dress Circle Tickets to Sunset Center orchestral performances annually Invitations to after Sunset Center concert receptions Invitations to the Annual Angel Appreciation Event Archangel $1,000 annual donation you will receive Angel benefits plus Video recordings of Sunset Center concert performances upon request Archangel Bronze $2,500 annual donation you will receive Archangel benefits plus Reserved Seating at all Sunset Center concerts upon request Archangel Silver $5,000 annual donation you will receive Archangel Bronze benefits plus 10 complimentary guest tickets annually upon request Solo/Duet Student Performance if requested* Archangel Gold $10,000 annual donation you will receive Archangel Bronze benefits plus 10 complimentary guest tickets annually upon request Chamber Student Performance if requested* Thank you for your interest in the Youth Music Monterey County Angel Network! We hope you will consider becoming a part of our special family of benefactors. Your support ensures the availability of an unparalleled music education program in our community! Become an Angel Today! Browse More Ways to Give Archangel Platinum $25,000 + annual donation you will receive Archangel Gold benefits plus: Opportunity to attend a private event with Music Director, Artistic Staff, & Board *Schedule to be determined by student availability

Artistic Staff Aleksey Klyushnik Chamber Players Aleksey Klyushnik holds the Master of Music degree from Yale University and both the Bachelor of Music degree and the Artist Diploma from Colburn Conservatory in Los Angeles. Aleksey has always had great passion for chamber music. He has performed in the most elaborate instrumentation ensembles where he played music ranging from medieval to newly composed works. As a chamber musician he collaborated with many top artists. Aleksey was invited to Chamber Music Northwest for two consecutive summers as Protégé Project fellow. Also, Aleksey had been a member of the Maestro Chamber Music Academy in Santa Monica, and participated in the Yellow Barn Chamber Music Festival. As an orchestral musician Aleksey participated in Pacific, Verbier and Lucerne music festivals performing in venues throughout Europe, US and Japan. Aleksey has collaborated with many great conductors, some of which include Pierre Boulez, Valeriy Gergiev, Charles Dutoit, Andrew Davis, Mikhail Pletnev, Esa-Pekka Salonen and Zubin Mehta. Aleksey has performed regularly with several orchestras in Southern California, including San Diego Symphony, Opera Pacific Orchestra and Long Beach Symphony. Currently he serves as Assistant Principal Bass with Santa Cruz and Stockton Symphonies and has played with multiple ensembles and orchestras in the Bay Area and Central California including San Francisco Symphony and Opera. In addition to his performance career Aleksey is a dedicated teacher and maintains a private studio of over 20 cello and double bass students. Back to Staff

Woodwind Ensemble The 2019-2020 Woodwind Ensemble. The YMMC Woodwind Ensemble program consists of woodwind duo, trio, quartet, and quintet ensemble groups that meet on a weekly basis. Open to all woodwind musicians in the YMMC orchestras, participating students gain exposure to classical chamber music repertoire in an environment that encourages musical development. Students will develop team-based leadership skills, critical thinking skills, and deepen their ability to imagine and express themselves musically. Musicians involved in the woodwind ensembles program are considered YMMC ambassadors, and as such are enthusiastic performers in interactive outreach concerts that are typically organized toward the end of the season. Performance venues continue to evolve and currently include Carmel Bach Festival, assisted-living residences, and an end-of-season Woodwind and Brass Ensembles Recital. As with all our chamber music programs, all woodwind students enrolled in the YMMC orchestra are eligible – and encouraged – to participate in the Woodwind Ensemble. There is no additional fee for participation. Audition

Become an Angel! Welcome! We're thrilled that you've decided to join us. The Angel Network is a family of devoted music supporters whose annual gifts help sustain the availability of our unparalleled music education programs. You can fill out the application below to pay online, or contact the office to pay by cash or check. Learn More More Ways to Give Youth Music Monterey County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 94-2863607). Contributions are tax-deductible by law. Donorbox form

Administrative Staff Candis Badgley Carlson Program Assistant Clarinetist Candis Badgley Carlson enjoys a multifaceted career as a sought-after chamber musician, educator, freelancer, and arts administrator. Currently, she is the Program Assistant at Youth Music Monterey County. Previously, she has been the Woodwinds Teaching Artist with Youth Orchestra Salinas as well as a faculty member at California State University Northridge, teaching clarinet and chamber music. In demand as a chamber musician, Candis has performed with numerous chamber groups, including the LA Chamber Music Company, the Felici Trio, N’Cinq Woodwind Quintet, Exploration Music Project, CSUN ChamberFest, and most recently with the Monterey County Pops Woodwind Quintet. Mrs. Badgley Carlson also founded Valley Chamber Ensembles, a Los Angeles-based non-profit that strives to enrich the community by providing an experience and an education through chamber music. Through four seasons, she programmed several unique concerts and became a grantee of the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture. An active orchestral musician, Mrs. Badgley Carlson has performed with several orchestras including OperaSLO, Mission Opera, Lompoc Pops Orchestra, Ventura Symphony Orchestra, Sierra Nevada Pops Orchestra, Valencia Philharmonic, Moorpark Ballet Company, and Monterey County Pops. She has performed as a soloist with the CSUN Symphony Orchestra as a winner of the 2016 Concerto Competition. Additionally, Candis has recorded for motion pictures, several short films, and can be heard on the Marks Record recording “Music from the Heart from the Heartland.” Additional experience includes recording for the BMI program Uni Music Mentors with Emmy-nominated composers Cindy O’Connor, Rebecca Kneubuhl, and Tony Morales. Most recently she can be heard on bass clarinet on the motion picture soundtrack SICK. Mrs. Badgley Carlson received her Bachelor of Music from Wichita State University under Dr. Suzanne Tirk and her Master of Music from California State University Northridge under Dr. Julia Heinen. Back to Staff

Vince Gomez Conductor Back to Staff