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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. Join us for our next Junior Youth Orchestra and Honors Orchestra concert Hidden Depths Featuring Katherine Lin, violin Winner of the 2025 Honors Concerto Competition and students from South County Strings Sunday March 1, 2026 | 3 PM Sunset Center, Carmel Songs My Mother Taught Me Sun, May 10 Sunset Center Buy Tickets 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. 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 . 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 More info 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 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

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

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

Farkhad Khudyev Conductor Back to Staff

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.

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

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