HistoryYouth 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). 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 Our Mission 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.SpecialtiesYouth Music Monterey County supports two orchestras, a chamber music program, and in-school teaching and performance opportunities throughout Monterey County. The Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras are led by professional conductor Maestro Farkhad Khudyev and feature approximately 100 student musicians. The South County Strings Program provides free in-school string instrument instruction to students in grades 3-8. The YMMC Chamber Players music program provides Honors Orchestra musicians opportunities to advocate for the arts and give back to the local community through public performances representing YMMC.