Youth Music Monterey County

Youth Music Monterey County offers Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras, Orchestra In The Schools for grades 3-8, Chamber Players, Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, South County Strings for grades 3-8, and an afterschool program. Orchestra In The Schools lets Monterey County children learn an instrument, join an orchestra, and perform with students from other schools, and no experience is necessary. South County Strings includes free group string instruction and low-cost instrument rentals.

Programs

• Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras — Three symphonic concerts at Sunset Center each year; auditions take place throughout the season. Tuition and/or lesson assistance available.
• Orchestra In The Schools — grades 3-8 · Monterey County children can learn an instrument, be part of an orchestra, and perform with students from other schools. No experience is necessary.
• Chamber Players — One of three chamber music programs focused on intensive study of small-group music and benefit concerts.
• Brass Ensemble — One of three chamber music programs focused on intensive study of small-group music and benefit concerts.
• Woodwind Ensemble — One of three chamber music programs focused on intensive study of small-group music and benefit concerts.
• South County Strings — grades 3-8 · Free group string instruction and low-cost instrument rentals in rural South Monterey County communities.
• Afterschool program — Listed as one of the programs Youth Music Monterey County supports.

At a glance

• Ages: 8–14 years old
• General schedule: Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras provide three symphonic concerts at Sunset Center each year. Auditions take place throughout the season.

About the provider

Youth Music Monterey County was established in 1988. Its mission is to inspire excellence in individual students and enrich the community by providing young people with opportunities to participate in, and gain greater understanding of, music and its performance. Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras are led by professional conductor Maestro Alan Truong, and the organization supports performance opportunities throughout Monterey County and gives back through benefit concerts.

Youth Music Monterey County asks every family to commit to six volunteer duties to help keep costs low. Registration and tuition assistance application must be completed and received in the office by September 1 if applying for tuition assistance. The first payment or completed financial assistance application with tax returns is due by the third rehearsal of the season. A student whose tuition payments are not current may be disqualified from performing.

Last updated October 20, 2026.