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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.

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

South County Strings Welcome, South County Strings students! For Registration information, call (831) 375-1992 Handbook / Manual

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

Upcoming Events Sun, May 10 Songs My Mother Taught Me / Sunset Center Tickets May 10, 2026, 3:00 PM PDT Sunset Center, San Carlos St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA

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. Give the gift of music to our young people Donate Today YMMC is proud to present our new Music Director, Daniel Brier Learn More 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. 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 Upcoming Events Sun, May 10 Songs My Mother Taught Me / Sunset Center Tickets May 10, 2026, 3:00 PM PDT Sunset Center, San Carlos St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA News Youth Music Monterey County Announces Alumna Blair Miller is a 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 for Music HonoreeCongratulations Blair on your Incredible Success! Apr 8, 2025 Congratulations 2024 Graduates! May 23, 2024 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 18, 2020 Our Corporate Sponsors

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

"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

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

Private Lesson Assistance YMMC has found private lessons to be an essential tool for our students to thrive and contribute to our orchestras. In order that this will not deter any dedicated students from participating on our orchestras, we may have additional funding available to subsidize the costs of private lessons. Only students who qualify for tuition assistance are eligible to apply for private lesson assistance. Our available funding varies from year to year, and may not always be available. Awards are not intended to cover the entire costs of lessons. Eligibility To qualify, students must be enrolled in either the Junior Youth or Honors Orchestra. Students must have submitted an application for financial assistance and have been granted an award. Students may only use the award towards lessons on the instrument they play in a YMMC ensemble. Students must submit a new application for lesson assistance each year. Payment The student's private teacher will receive a letter explaining the amount of the award, and the process for billing YMMC. Private teachers will bill YMMC directly up to the amount, and terms detailed in the award letter. All billing must be directly between the teacher and YMMC. Student Responsibility YMMC expects students on scholarship to attend all concerts, rehearsals, and retreats. Poor attendance may result in a revocation of all or a portion of a student's scholarship. YMMC is only able to pay for lessons that have already taken place. YMMC is not able to pay for lessons scheduled in the future, or for any lessons that the student did not attend. If a student incurs a fee for missing a lesson (pursuant to the private teacher's policies), it is the student's responsibility to pay the teacher for the missed lesson. Private Lesson Assistance Form I applied and qualified for YMM tuition assistance Submit Thanks for submitting!

Sponsor Youth Music Monterey County's Concert Sponsor Program provides businesses the opportunity to publicly show their support for one of Monterey County's premiere arts education programs. Sponsorships for our concerts are available at the following levels and are awarded the following benefits: $1,000 Contributing Concert Sponsors half-page acknowledgement in the concert program. ($300 value) four tickets and a DVD recording of the concert. ($140 value) invitation to an after-concert reception. $2,500 Sustaining Concert Sponsors also receive: reserved seating ($29.99/ticket value) public acknowledgement and thanks at the beginning of the selected concert. mention in concert announcements to the press and any press advertising. $5,000 Encore Concert Sponsors also receive: an opportunity to present their sponsorship check to YMMC personally at the start of the sponsored concert. an announcement of their sponsorship in a press release to the local media. If you're interested in sponsoring one of our concerts, please contact the office . We'd love to work with you!

The concert livestream will begin at 3. RSVP for HV Live Screening Third Virtual Concert Junior Youth Orchestra: Clarke arr. Philips: The Prince of Denmark's March Bizet arr. Meyer: Intermezzo from Carmen Strauss arr. Meyer: Overture to Die Fledermaus Honors Orchestra: Mozart: Overture to The Magic Flute Okoye: Voices Shouting Out Day: Lightspeed Support Youth Music Monterey's mission to inspire and build the next generation through music! Keep the music playing in the minds and hearts of our young people. You can make a difference in their lives and in their future.