Search Results

Vince Gomez Conductor Back to Staff

Audition Requirements Audition Requirements and Expectations AUDITION DATES: Students interested in scheduling an audition should send an email to office@youthmusicmonterey.org OR call 831-375-1992. The YMM Office is located at : 546 Hartnell St., Suite B, Monterey YMM Rehearsals are at: Hidden Valley Music Seminars 104 W. Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley Audition Form Audition Requirements for Woodwinds & Brass Junior Youth Orchestra - Be prepared to play one-octave major scales in the concert keys of G, D, F, & Bb major in quarter notes at 80 mm per quarter note - Play a piece under 2 minutes in length which demonstrates your current level of study. This can be school sheet music, an etude, or a solo. - Demonstrate basic skills through a brief sight-reading passage Honors Orchestra - Be prepared to play one-octave major scales in the concert keys of C, G, D, F, Bb, & Eb, in slow eighth notes (quarter note at 80mm), two octaves wherever possible - Play the chromatic scale that shows your current range on the instrument in quarter notes at 80 mm per quarter or faster - Demonstrate knowledge of dynamics, phrasing, rhythm, accuracy, and good pitch through the playing of two prepared selections, 1-2 minutes each and of contrasting styles - Demonstrate good sight-reading skills in a passage of orchestral literature Audition Requirements for Percussion Junior Youth Orchestra -Demonstrate ability to play quarter, 8th, & 16th notes in time, by yourself and with a metronome,on the snare drum between 80-100 mm per quarter. -Demonstrate basic rudiments such as flams, drags, & double stroke open-roll rudiments -Demonstrate ability to play a mallet instrument (treble clef) or timpani (bass clef) using school sheet music or a solo/etude piece one minute in length -Demonstrate sight reading ability and rudiments on the snare and either on mallets or timpani on orchestral passages Honors Orchestra -Demonstrate ability to play quarter, 8th, & 16th notes in time, by yourself and with a metronome, on the snare drum, between 80-100 mm per quarter. Demonstrate basic rudiments such as flams, drags, & double stroke open roll rudiments. -Demonstrate ability to play a mallet instrument (treble clef) or timpani (bass clef) using school sheet music or a solo/etude piece one minute in length. -Demonstrate sight reading ability and rudiments on the snare drum and either on mallets or timpani on orchestral passages -All percussion equipment will be provided but you should bring your own drumsticks. Bell & timpani mallets will be provided Audition Requirements for Strings Junior Youth Orchestra JYO First Violin - Play 2-octave scales in G, D, A, C, & Bb major Ability to play in 3rd position & playing at the level of Suzuki books 4-5 or equivalent - Demonstrate a variety of bowing skills on the string as well as a “brush bounce stroke” - Play a piece under 2 minutes in length which demonstrates current level of study - Have an understanding and some experience playing vibrato - Demonstrate sight-reading ability which may include the above-mentioned skills JYO Second Violin - Play 2-octave scales in G, A, C, & Bb major - Able to play in 1st position keys of G, D, C, & F major - 1 to 1-1/2 years of experience and at the Suzuki level 2-3 or equivalent - Play a piece under 2 minutes in length which demonstrates current level of study - Demonstrate sight-reading skills with a variety of simple rhythms in 1st position JYO Viola - Play 1-octave scales in C, D, & G major (2 octaves in C major preferred) - 1 to 1-1/2 years of experience and at the Suzuki level 2-4 or equivalent - Play a piece under 2 minutes in length which demonstrates current level of study - Demonstrate basic skills through short sight-reading selection JYO Cello - Play scales in 1 or 2 octaves in the key of C, D, G, & A - Demonstrate ability to play in 1st & 4th position - Playing for at least 2 years - Play a piece under 2 minutes in length which demonstrates current level of study - Demonstrate basic skills through short sight-reading selection JYO Bass - 1-octave scales in G, D, C, & F major - Solo selection which demonstrates intermediate level performance - Demonstrate basic skills through short sight-reading selection Audition Requirements for Strings Honors Orchestra Honors First Violin - 3-octave scales & arpeggios in C, G, D, A, E, F, Bb, & Eb major Fluent in position work & at the level of Suzuki Book 7 or above or equivalent - Demonstrate mature vibrato - Play well in tune in a variety of keys and bowing styles, demonstrating high level of musicianship, intonation, phrasing,& dynamic contrasts - Play a piece under 2 minutes in length which demonstrates current level of study - Demonstrate the ability to sight read standard orchestra repertoire Honors Second Violin - 3-octave scales in C, G, D, A, F, & Bb major - Fluent in 1st, 3rd, & 5th positions - Have a developed vibrato - Demonstrate controlled spiccato and ability to play with a variety of bowing styles - Play well in tune and demonstrate knowledge of dynamics and varied rhythms - Play a piece under 2 minutes in length which demonstrates current level of study - Demonstrate sight reading skills at level of Honors Orchestra Honors Viola - 3-octave C major scale, 2 octave scales in D, G, A, f, & Bb major Demonstrate sight reading skills - Playing at level of Suzuki book 5 or higher or equivalent - Play a piece under 2 minutes in length which demonstrates current level of study Honors Cello - 2-octave scales in C, D, G, A, F & Bb major - Demonstrate advanced playing ability, musicianship, intonation, dynamics & phrasing - Able to play octave harmonic thumb position (8th) - Demonstrate skill in performing a variety of bowing styles, both on & off the string - Play a piece under 2 minutes in length which demonstrates current level of study - Demonstrate sight reading skills at level of Honors Orchestra Honors Bass - 2-octave scales in C, G, D, A, F, & Bb major - Perform 2 short selections of different styles at high school level or higher - Demonstrate a variety of position work, tempi, dynamic contrasts - Demonstrate a variety of bowing styles, both on & off the string - Demonstrate sight reading skills at level of Honors Orchestra

Junior and Honors Orchestra Info Welcome JYO & HO Students and Families! Use the quick links below or browse further down for access to season information, calendars, competitions, and more. Audition Pay Tuition Register Calendar 2025-2026 Season Details Rehearsals & Concert Dates YMMC rehearsals take place on Wednesdays. The Junior Youth Orchestra (JYO) meets from 4:30 - 6 PM, and the Honors Orchestra (HO) meets from 6:30-8:30 PM. Rehearsals are at Hidden Valley Music Seminars, 104 W. Carmel Valley Rd., in Carmel Valley. HO Placement Auditions will take place on August 20th, 2025 at the YMM Office at 546 Hartnell St., Suite B in Monterey. JYO Placement Auditions will take place in September 2025, official date TBD. Rehearsals will start on August 27th, 2025 and run every Wednesday. See the full JYO/HO Season Calendar here . Google Calendar Click the link for your student's ensemble to add the ensemble-specific calendar to your personal calendar app. JYO Calendar: http://tiny.cc/JYOcalendar HO Calendar: http://tiny.cc/HOcalendar JYO&HO Combined Calendar: http://tiny.cc/JYOHOcalendar Our concerts take place at Sunset Center in Carmel. They're on Sundays starting at 3 pm with dress rehearsal call times starting around 12 noon. More specific information will be sent out prior to each concert date. This year, the dates are: Concert #1 Sunday November 16, 2025 Concert #2 Sunday March 1, 2026 Concert #3 Sunday May 10, 2026 2025-2026 Concerto Competitions Every concert season, members of the Honors and Junior Youth Orchestras may choose to prepare a solo concerto to be performed with the orchestra he/she is in. Students perform their solo work before a panel of judges. The Honors Concerto Competition will be an open competition with a panel of judges and open to audience members to listen. The competition winner typically plays their concerto in the next concert (Concert #2 for Honors, Concert #3 for JYO), however this concert order is not a guarantee. If you are interested in taking part in a concerto competition, we encourage you or your private music teacher to contact our music director first to verify that the concerto is suitable to play in our ensembles before you begin preparing it. Forms and extra information about requirements are available on the website prior to the competition date, but please feel free to reach out to us with any questions now. Honors Concerto Competition Auditions: Saturday October 18th, 2025 1-4 PM Application due by 5:00 p.m. September 30, 2025 Junior Youth Concerto Competition Auditions: Saturday, February 14th, 2026 1-4 PM Application due by 5:00 p.m. January 20, 2026 Both Concerto Competitions will take place at Carmel Presbyterian Church (Junipero St & Ocean Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea) Retreats During the rehearsal cycles for each concert, YMM orchestras each year take part in 2-day retreats at Hidden Valley Music Seminars or another location. It's an opportunity to bond with their fellow musicians, take part in rehearsal and sectional intensives, and learn from fascinating guest musicians who come and present their work. Retreat Dates Saturday October 4th, 2025 Sunday October 5th, 2025 *Ensemble & Rehearsal Schedule TBD FAQ's Where can I request tuition and lesson assistance? You can request financial assistance when you register or go here to see our tuition assistance or lesson assistance forms. When are auditions? Live, in-person auditions are generally held each May and August. Exact dates and locations are posted here on the Audition page. Auditions at other times are allowed at the discretion of YMMC's Music Director. Please inquire by email to office@youthmusicmonterey.org . Other q ue stions? Send an email to office@youthmusicmonterey.org . Tuition Pay Tuition Tuition and Financial Aid Tuition Assistance Private Lesson Assistance Instrument Rental Forms Audition (For new students and current students changing ensembles) Audition Requirements Registration (Required yearly) Absence Form Program Information JYO&HO Calendar 2025-2026 Student and Parent Handbook 2025-26 Private Teacher List Snack Sign Up List 2025-2026 Honors Open Concerto Competition Audition will be held: Saturday October 18, 2025 1-4 PM Carmel Presbyterian Church Junior Youth Concerto Competition Audition will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026 1-4 PM Carmel Presbyterian Church JYO Concerto Competition Rules & Application 2025-2026 Honors Orchestra Concerto Competition Rules & Application 2025-2026

Junior Youth and Honors Orchestra Registration Welcome to Youth Music Monterey! We're excited to play with you! Your registration is only compete when you submit this form and pay your tuition, make payment arrangements or apply for tuition assistance. Student Information Student First Name Student Last Name Student Email Student Phone School Grade (upcoming fall) House Number + Street Address City ZIP Please put me on a carpool list! Student Medical Information Medical conditions/considerations? Emergency Contact Info Emergency Contact Person Emergency Contact Phone Relationship to Student 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 Musical Background Instrument Ensemble: * Required Junior Youth Orchestra Honors Orchestra School Music Teacher 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 Demographics Ethnicity * Required American Indian or Alaska Native Asian Black or African-American Caucasian Latinx 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 Continue

Donation Box Donate Today! Now is a great time to give the gift of music education with Youth Music Monterey County! Your support ensures the availability of an unparalleled music education program in our community. No gift is too small or too large. Fill out our online donation form below, or make a check payable to Youth Music Monterey County. If you intend on giving a gift of more than $500, please consider joining our Angel Network family of donors! Learn about the Angel Network More Ways to Give

Farkhad Khudyev Conductor Back to Staff

Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras Learn More Orchestra In the Schools Learn More Chamber Players Learn More Brass Ensemble Learn More Woodwind Ensemble Learn More South County Strings Learn More

Tuition Payment Tuition and lesson assistance are available to families who demonstrate need. See below for more information. Junior Youth and Honors Orchestra Payment Orchestra In the Schools Payment Tuition and lesson assistance are available to families who demonstrate need. Financial Assistance Information Tuition Assistance Form

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

Sponsors and Partners Youth Music Monterey County’s programs are funded by the following foundations, institutions, businesses, sponsors and community partners, as well as hundreds of individual donors. We are incredibly thankful for their investment in our community and helping to build the next generation through music.

This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. < Back Archangel This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Power in Numbers $1000 annual donation you'll receive Programs 50 Locations 200 Volunteers Project Gallery Previous Next

Board of Directors The directors who currently serve YMMC include music educators, parents of past or present program participants, community leaders, and business professionals with fundraising, non-profit, and musical experience. Executive Committee Peter Meckel, Vice President Mari Rondeli, Secretary Board of Directors Ed Gavrin Amelia Maaske Cindy Schroeder Advisory Board Farkhad Khudyev, Music Director of the University of Texas Symphony, Assistant Professor of Orchestral Studies, University of Texas, Butler School of Music Jung-Ho Pak, Conductor, Cape Cod Symphony, Conductor, World Youth Symphony Orchestra, Director of Orchestras, Interlochen Arts Camp