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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 Igor Poklad Director, Woodwind Chamber Ensembles A native of Odessa (Ukraine), Igor Poklad began his musical studies at the Odessa State Conservatory of Music (Clarinet Performance). Having moved to the United States, he continued his education at the San Francisco State University (BM Magna Cum Laude in Clarinet Performance and MM in Music History). While studying at SFSU, he excelled as a chamber music performer and soloists, winning Fremont Symphony Orchestra’s Solo Competition with his performance of Claude Debussy’s Premiere Rhapsody . Following the completion of his studies, Mr. Poklad joined the US Air Force Band of the Golden West and performed extensively throughout the United States. Additionally, Mr. Poklad has performed with a number of the Bay Area orchestras and ensembles (Napa Valley Symphony, San Francisco Concerto Orchestra, Vallejo Symphony, North Bay Philharmonic). Later, he was stationed in Germany as a member of the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) Band, where he was in charge of the Clarinet Quartet. While performing with the USAFE Clarinet Quartet, Mr. Poklad toured throughout Europe and the Middle East. Some of the highlights of his performances overseas include appearances at musical festivals and subscription concerts in Belgium, Great Britain, Italy, Poland, Latvia, Israel, Serbia and Bulgaria. In addition to performing on clarinet and bass clarinet, Mr. Poklad enjoys playing Renaissance and Baroque music on a variety of recorders. Back to Staff

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

Second Virtual Concert Junior Youth Orchestra: Tchaikovsky: Themes from Capriccio Italienne Honors Orchestra: Beethoven: Overture to Fidelio Combined Performance: Tallarico: Advent Rising: The Bounty Hunter 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.

Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras Learn More OITS! ORCHESTRA IN THE SCHOOLS Learn More Chamber Players Learn More Brass Ensemble Learn More Woodwind Ensemble Learn More South County Strings Learn More

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!

Join a community devoted to building the next generation through music! The Angel Network serves student musicians from over 30 schools spanning from Salinas and South County to the Monterey Peninsula. Each year, up to 300 students learn to collaborate and gain confidence while improving their instrumental playing skills. Angels make it possible for YMMC to accept all qualified students regardless of their ability to pay. Covering about a third of the cost of instruction for YMMC students, the Angel Network keeps tuition affordable by bridging the gap between student fees and the cost of the program. With your annual contribution, you help ensure students can experience the powerful instruction provided in the Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras, Chamber Ensembles, and South County Strings. For more detailed benefits, see the different tiers of the Angel Network. Getting involved allows you to see, up close, the opportunities your donation provides. On becoming a member, you receive a hand-crafted sterling silver pin. Wearing it shows your special connection to the musicians of Youth Music Monterey County. Project Name To connect this element to content from your collection, select the element and click Connect to Data. Read More Project Name To connect this element to content from your collection, select the element and click Connect to Data. Read More Browse More Ways to Give 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

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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

2020-2021 Season Repertoire Fall Concert Junior Youth Orchestra: Pirates of the Caribbean Haydn Piano Concerto (Bryan Kim, soloist) Honors Orchestra: Star Wars Hoe Down (from Rodeo)

Audition Requirements Audition Requirements and Expectations AUDITION DATES FOR THE 2026-2027 SEASON: Tuesday, May 12th and Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 Auditions will be held at the YMM Office: 546 Hartnell St., Suite B in Monterey For any questions, please call us at (831) 375-1992 or email us at office@youthmusicmonterey.org . The YMM Office is located at : 546 Hartnell St., Suite B, Monterey YMM Rehearses every Wednesday at Hidden Valley Music Seminars 104 W. Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley JYO 4:30-6:00 pm | HO 6:30-8:30 pm Ready to Audition? Click the button below to request an audition time 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