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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. Ready to play? Join our Junior Youth & Honors Orchestras for the 2026-2027 Season! • Auditions May 12 & 13 Get Started Here Join us for our next Junior Youth Orchestra & Honors Orchestra concert Songs My Mother Taught Me Featuring Benjamin Goldoust, violin Winner of the 2026 JYO Concerto Competition and students from Orchestra in the Schools Sunday May 10, 2026 | 3 PM Sunset Center, Carmel Songs My Mother Taught Me Sun, May 10 Sunset Center Buy Tickets 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. Auditions for the Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras take place throughout the season. If you’re interested in auditioning please contact office@youthmusicmonterey.org or fill out an audition form . Auditions for the 2026-2027 will be Tuesday, May 12th and Wednesday May 13th. 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 Songs My Mother Taught Me Sun, May 10 Sunset Center +5 more Buy Tickets News Dive into Hidden Depths: YMM Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras in Concert March 1st, 3:00 PM Feb 25 Honors Orchestra Students Take the Stage with the Monterey Symphony Feb 17 It's not too late to give! Dec 29, 2025 YMMC gears up for an exciting 2025-2026 season Youth Music Monterey County's Orchestra in the Schools program (OITS) is currently in session and no longer acceptig applicants as of 09/15/2025. Honors & Junior Youth Orchestras students should be registered, have made tuition arrangements, received their music links via mail or Dropbox, and looking forward to their second concert of the 2025-2026 season on March 1, 2026. Please make sure you have your music for rehearsals. Due to construction at the intersection of Carmel Valley Road and Laurales Grade, please give yourselves some extra time to drive safely. South County Strings registration through the Soledad Unified School District is complete and winter concerts will be announced closer to the performance dates. Please contact SUSD or Ms. Oddie for more details. Events The 2025-2026 Season is in full swing. JYO/HO rehearsals are Wednesdays for JYO at 4:30-6pm and HO at 6:30-8:30pm. Sunday, March 1, 2026 Hidden Depths (Concert #2) 3 PM Sunset Center, Carmel OITS classes are 4pm-6pm at the following various locations: Monday International Schol of Monterey (ISM) Seaside Tuesday Monterey Bay Charter School (MBCS) Pacific Grove Thursday All Saints Day School (ASDS) Carmel Valley and YMMC Music Cottage Monterey (cello only) OITs Spring Concert will be held on May 14, 2026. 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 19, 2020

"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 , a in-school program , and an afterschool program , along with performance opportunities throughout Monterey County. Our Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras are led by professional conductor Maestro Alan Truong 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

Administrative Staff Programs Director Candis Badgley Carlson Artistic Staff Music Director Alan Truong Chamber Players Aleksey Klyushnik South County Strings Director Miriam Oddie Brass Ensemble Director Suzanne Mudge Director, Woodwind Chamber Ensembles Igor Poklad

Angel Levels Angel - Two Dress Circle Tickets to Sunset Center orchestral performances annually - Invitations to after Sunset Center concert receptions - Invitations to the Annual Angel Appreciation Event Read More Archangel This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More Rainforest Action Initiative This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More Renewable Energy Program This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More

Farkhad Khudyev Conductor Back to Staff

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

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

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

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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.

Advertise Supporting Youth Music Monterey County’s concerts through advertising is a simple and wonderful way to support education and the arts. We hope you will become part of the family of students, parents, staff, and community partners who help to sustain quality youth music education in Monterey County through this mutually beneficial program. Your advertisement sustains a key program in Monterey County that provides opportunities for talented and dedicated student musicians to perform with a professional conductor at premiere venues. In return, you and your organization garner positive community exposure through outstanding performances at the Sunset Center located in Carmel-by-the-Sea. We hope you will show your support for music education and for the youth of Monterey County by advertising with us this year. Ad Due Dates: November 3, 2019 (Ad due October 5, 2019) March 1, 2020 (Ad due February 1, 2020) May 3, 2020 (Ad due April 5, 2020) Notes: Programs are printed with black ink. Artwork will be accepted in grayscale or color (color ads will be changed to grayscale) High resolution files in common formats are recommended (.pdf, .jpg, .png, .gif) Feel free to fill out the form below and email your artwork to office@youthmusicmonterey.org , or download an application to mail your advertisement directly to the office. Advertising Rates Full Page 6"x7.5" 1 insert — $300 2 inserts — $375 3 inserts — $450 Quarter Page 3"x3.5" 1 insert — $100 2 inserts — $175 3 inserts — $250 Inside Cover 6"x7.5" 1 insert — $400 2 inserts — $475 3 inserts — $525 Inside Spread 12"x7.5" 1 insert — $700 2 inserts — $825 3 inserts — $1,000 Half Page 6"x3.75" or 3"x7.5" 1 insert — $200 2 inserts — $250 3 inserts — $300 Eighth Page 3"x1.75" 1 insert — $75 2 inserts — $100 3 inserts — $125 Back Cover 6"x7.5" 1 insert — $450 2 inserts — $550 3 inserts — $625 Contact Form Ad Size Which concert(s) would you like to advertise in? * Required Concert 1 Concert 2 Concert 3 Upload your art using the applicable links below, or email it to office@youthmusicmonterey.org . Upload Image Upload Document Submit Thanks for submitting! We'll be in touch.