Young Musicians Choral Orchestra

Artistic - provide comprehensive music training for students ages 9-18 from four counties in the bay area. Each student both sings in the chorus and plays in the Orchestra. Students are trained in the genres of jazz, classical and rhythm and blues. Students receive: weekly private lessons on 1-3 instruments, including voice lessons; weekly rehearsal for the chorus, the Orchestra and the jazz big band. Students perform regularly at recitals, special concerts and outreach performances, throughout the community. The 6-week long summer institute prvides intensive, conservatory-like music training. Monday through friday, culminating in a final concert, which is free and open to the public.

Academic/leadership development-ymco students receive academic tutoring, sat training, college counseling and college application assistance. Ymco section leaders in the Orchestra and in the chorus provide leadership training through our mentoring programs. The leader must hold the members of their sections accountable for the music and for cooperative and supportive behavior.

Student services-all ymco students participate in the program at no cost to their parents. The program provides the following services: private and group music lessons; instruments and music supplies; transportation via bart & ac transit tickets; complimentary meals; performance attire; travel for live college auditions; and access to computers and recording equipment.