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Give A Gift! An investment in Youth Music Monterey County offers opportunities to build the next generation through music. Your gift supports scholarships, tuition assistance, lesson assistance, music instruction, instruments, and memorable performance opportunities for over 300 young people throughout Monterey County. Every dollar counts, and no donation is too small or too large. Browse below for all the ways you can give! Youth Music Monterey County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 94-2863607). Contributions are tax-deductible by law. You'll receive an acknowledgment of any tangible benefits received. Donate Now Ways-to-give Donate Give a one-time gift of any size, through any means Sponsor Put your name on one of our concerts Advertise Promote your business in our concert programs Angel Network Help sustain YMMC through annual gifts of $500 and up. In-Kind Non-monetary donations like wine and instruments Shop Take home our archive of concert audio and video Legacy Giving Leave a lasting legacy for the next generation Volunteer Keep our students fed and our programs running Our Donors Thank you to our donor family and Angel Network

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

Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras Info Register South County Strings Info Orchestra In The Schools Info Register

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

Legacy Giving Create a Legacy for Classical Music Education Leaving a gift to Youth Music Monterey County in your will or by beneficiary designation is a great way to assist in building skills for life in the next generation through music. Back to Ways to Give How You Benefit You will be remembered as someone who provided happier, more productive lives for children through their pursuit of music. You decide how much to give and retain control of your assets during your lifetime, so if circumstances change, you make adjustments to the gift as needed. Your gift costs you nothing now. You are able to give your gift anonymously. You may choose to leave the gift in memory or honor of someone who inspired your value of music. Choose your unique way of giving: Gift by designating YMMC as beneficiary of an account Retirement accounts Life insurance policies Certificate of Deposit Donor Advised Funds Bank or brokerage accounts Charitable Gift Annuity Bequests Make the Most of Your IRA If you are over age 70-1/2, you can save on income tax by making direct donations to charities, such as YMMC, from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Gifts in Your Will Taking care of your family first is most important, but you might want to give a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or name YMMC as a contingent beneficiary next in line after your loved ones. Thank you for your interest in leaving a legacy for generations of young musicians. For help in planning a Legacy Gift for Youth Music Monterey County, please contact the office at (831) 375-1992 or by email . Contact Us Back to 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

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

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

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

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Tuition Assistance Dear Parent or Guardian, In order to ensure that no child is excluded from our programs for financial reasons, YMMC offers need-based tuition and private lesson assistance each year. Please complete this online application and submit supplemental documentation to the YMMC office by September 1, 2024, for consideration. You are REQUIRED to include a copy of your most recent income tax return (federal income tax form 1040). All applications are confidential and reviewed by a board and staff committee. If you are requesting tuition assistance later in the season, please contact our office directly to: executivedirector@youthmusicmonterey.org.. Student recipients of financial aid are expected to attend all rehearsals and maintain private lessons throughout the year. Students must be in good standing in order to apply and qualify for assistance. The financial aid status of the student may be reviewed at any time throughout the year, at the Committee’s discretion, and is subject to the student’s compliance with policies laid out in the Orchestra Member/Parent Handbook and the continuance of private lessons. You will be notified of your award amount once all applications have been reviewed by YMMC Board and Staff, no later than September 30, 2024. Please mail a copy of your most recent Tax Return Statement (MANDATORY) to: Youth Music Monterey County 546B Hartnell Street Monterey, CA 93940 phone: 831-375-1992 fax: 831-375-0645 YOUR SCHOLARSHIP FORM WILL NOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT YOUR TAX STATEMENT. It is due in our office by September 1, 2024. If you have any questions concerning financial aid options, please contact our office. Thank you! PRIVATE LESSON ASSISTANCE: The orchestra repertoire becomes increasingly challenging throughout the year In order to meet these challenges, it is important that all students receive the guidance and support of a private music instructor throughout their membership in YMMC. In support of this, YMMC may elect to assist with the cost of private lessons through special donation drives and other fundraising activities. Please let the office know if you need this kind of assistance. Tuition Assistance Form Student Information Student Name Grade Instrument Orchestra Placement Choose an ensemble. Do you study music privately? * Yes No Other How often? Cost per lesson Name of Private Teacher How long have you studied with your teacher? Parent/Guardian Information Parent/Guardian full name Occupation Title Employer Annual Employment Income Other Income (source, amount) Parent/Guardian 2 full name Occupation Title Employer Annual Employment Income Other Income (source, amount) Marital status (optional) Any financial implications of marital status? Number of family dependents Amount of tuition assistance requested a) Please use the space below to describe the reason(s) you are applying for financial assistance. b) If you feel there are any unusual circumstances that should be considered for full financial assistance, please explain: c) List any other scholarships or financial aid that you are receiving for your child’s school/music education. Dollar amount recieved d) May we contact your child’s principal, teacher, and/or youth organization leader for a recommendation? (If yes, please include names, organization, and contact information.) e) To what extent have you volunteered in the past or you plan to volunteer this year for YMM? f) Any additional information that we should know? I understand a copy of our family’s 2024 income tax statement must be submitted to the YMM office by September 1, 2024 for consideration of this application. Parent/Guardian Signature Clear Submit Thank you for submitting! Our office will get back to you soon. Other Questions

Farkhad Khudyev Conductor Back to Staff