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Vince Gomez 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

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.

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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

"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 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 Daniel Brier 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: Maestro Stewart Robinson 1981-1984 Maestro Farkhad Khudyev 2012-2019 Maestro Vince Gomez 1984-1992 Maestro Danko Druško 2019-2023 Maestro John Larry Granger 1992-2012 Maestro Daniel Brier 2023-2025 Youth Music Monterey County has fostered the excellence of local student musicians by: Inspiring and challenging students to high levels of musical achievement Instilling standards of excellence, responsibility, and determination Supporting and improving academic performance Teaching cooperation and leadership skills in a diverse environment Communicating respect for the special contributions and abilities of young people to their families and the community at large Building the next generation through music Each year, the Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras of YMMC provide more than 100 local student musicians a unique, high-caliber learning opportunity under the direction of a professional conductor. This experience helps them develop knowledge of symphonic literature, as well as technical and artistic skill. These musicians delight hundreds of community members with outstanding performances at the Sunset Center in Carmel. The orchestras draw many of the best young musicians from throughout Monterey County – from Salinas and Monterey to Carmel Valley and Pacific Grove. Socio-economically diverse and distinguished by talent and commitment, these youth are leaders in school and private music programs today, and are the musicians of tomorrow. Chamber Music Three chamber music programs provide Honors Orchestra musicians opportunities to advocate for the arts and give back to the local community through public performances representing YMMC. These programs consist of the Chamber Players , the Brass Ensemble , and the Woodwind Ensemble . Accessible and Essential Music YMMC’s South County Strings Program involves formal partnerships between YMMC and South County school districts, including Soledad Union School District, San Antonio Union School in Lockwood, and Bradley Union School in Bradley. A team of instructors provides free violin, viola, and cello instruction in group lessons during the school day to students in grades 3-8 living in rural south Monterey County. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Youth Music Monterey County is committed to championing the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in our board, our staff, and our students. We strive to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We believe in the inherent dignity of all individuals and the value of diverse perspectives for the current organization and its future generations. YMMC understands that education is a critical tool in eradicating systemic racism and social injustice. As an educational institution in the field of music, we know we are also raising the next generation of global citizens. The experience of making music teaches students leadership, teamwork, collaboration, respect, compassion, empathy, and critical thinking. YMMC believes music should be available to all people regardless of cultural, geographic, or financial considerations. YMMC is inclusive and welcomes qualified music students irrespective of race, gender, or socioeconomic circumstance. YMMC honors the importance of diversifying its performance repertoire to provide opportunities for under-represented composers, instrumentalists, and vocalists to serve as role models for students and audiences. We are dedicated to broadening our repertoire to be inclusive of other cultures and ethnicities, women, people of color and differing gender identities. YMMC is committed to having a diverse board and staff to bring varied points of view to the decision-making process, reflect the cultural make-up of Monterey County, and provide role models of leadership to our students. YMMC celebrates diverse traditions and experiences and strives to catalyze community engagement and social understanding through music. 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! Explore Ways to Give

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

Tuition Assistance Tuition Assistance Form Tuition Costs Youth Music Monterey strives to keep our programs accessible to all students in our community. We work hard to raise funds and write grants to offset the costs of tuition for all students. Because every student's tuition in YMMC is subsidized, we ask that every family commit to six volunteer duties to help keep our costs low. Junior Youth and Honors Orchestra Payment Options include: One-time ($1,500 due by September 1) Three payments of $500 are due by 9/1, 12/1, and 3/15 Monthly ($150/10 months, first payment due by September 1) Tuition and/or Lesson assistance available Orchestra In The Schools Payment options include: One-time ($750 due by September 1) Tuition and/or Lesson assistance available Tuition Assistance Tuition assistance may be available to students who demonstrate financial need. To be considered, you must complete the tuition assistance form , and submit a copy of your most recent tax return. If you are opting to apply for tuition assistance rather than submitting a payment on September 1st, your registration and tuition assistance application must be completed and received in the YMMC office by September 1st. Private Lesson Assistance Private lessons are an essential tool for our students. We may have additional funding available to subsidize the costs of private lessons for students who need financial help. Only students who qualify for tuition assistance are eligible to apply for lesson assistance. Please see our Private Lesson Assistance Application for complete details. Funding varies from year to year and is not guaranteed. Multi-Student Discount Families with more than one child enrolled in our JYO/HO programs will receive a multi-student discount of an additional $100 off per student. i.e. student one $1500, student two $1400, student three $1300 etc Payment Plans We offer three payment options: full year, per concert (3 payments), per month (10 payments). Payments are always due at the beginning of the pay period that you have selected. The first payment (or completed financial assistance application with tax returns) is due by the third rehearsal of the season. A student whose tuition payments are not current may be disqualified from performing. If at a later point during the year you would like to request Tuition Assistance, please visit this page . Chamber Groups YMMC offers several chamber ensembles to allow our students additional opportunities. We currently offer Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, and a mixed instrument ensemble The Chamber Players. The costs of these programs are covered in tuition, and are offered to our students at no additional expense. Please see the Parent/Student Guide or contact the office for more details. Instrument Rentals YMMC is also able to offer instrument rentals to our students. Rentals are $20 per month and also require a $50 refundable deposit. Students asked to use an auxiliary instruments (A & Eb clarinets, piccolo, english horn, etc.) in a YMMC concert may borrow the instrument without a rental fee; however, a refundable deposit is still required. To enquire about an instrument rental, please send an email to Program Manager for Youth Music Monterey, programmanager@youthmusicmonterey.org Quick Links: Private Lesson Assistance Tuition Assistance

Register for South County Strings First Name / Tu primer nombre Last Name / Tu apellido School / Tu escuela Classroom Teacher Name / El nombre de maestro de aula Grade / El año escolar Do you have Internet access at home? / Tiene acceso a Internet en casa? * Yes / Si No / No Sometimes / A veces Have you ever been enrolled in South County Strings before? / Estuviste matriculado en el programa de South County Strings el año pasado? * Yes / Si No / No Instrument Preference / Instrumento de preferencia * Violin / Violín Viola / Viola Cello / Violoncelo Do you need an instrument? / Necesita un instrumento? * Yes, I need an instrument / Si, necesito un instrumento No, I have my own / No, voy a traer mi propio instrumento Parent First Name / Primer nombre de tu padre Parent Last Name / Apellido de tu padre Phone / Teléfono Email / Email Emergency Contact Name / Nombre del contacto de emergencia Emergency Contact Phone / Numero del contacto de emergencia Address / El domicilio How would you like to recieve communications? / Le gustaría recibir comunicaciones por: * email / email postal mail / apartado postal phone / teléfono Language preference: if we have to contact you by phone, which language is best? / Idioma de preferencia: Si tenemos que contactar a Ud. por teléfono, que idioma es mejor? * English / Ingles Spanish / Español I give my permission for images taken of my child on behalf of Youth Music Monterey County (YMMC) to be used in YMMC promotional materials. / Doy mi permiso para que las imágenes tomadas de mi hijo o hija en nombre de la música de la juventud del Condado de Monterey (YMMC) para ser utilizado en materiales de promoción de YMMC. * Yes No I have reviewed the parent teacher handbook and understand the terms and conditions outlined therein. / He revisado el manual de padres y maestros y comprendo los términos y las condiciones descritos en el mismo. View handbook / Ver manual Parent Signature / Firma del padre o de la madre Clear Submit / Enviar Thank you for submitting! ¡Gracias por enviarnos!

Master Class and Interview Series presented by Youth Music Monterey County This Master Class is free, and no tickets are required. Upcoming master classes may be exclusive to YMM students, Check our Events page for details. For events happening during YMM rehearsals, please check our JYO rehearsal calendar for full dates and details. Many previous master classes are recorded and available to view, scroll down to access our archive of videos! Fresh Perspectives Recordings Archive Catalyst String Quartet Jan 23, 2021 Peter Scaturro - Video Game Music Jan 12, 2021 Interview with JoAnn Falletta Sep 18, 2020 Mariam Adam: Clarinet Masterclass Sep 4, 2020 Paul Hauer: Violin Coaching Sep 1, 2020 Past Fresh Perspective Master Classes Load More