CHORAL ORCHESTRA
IN 45 SECONDS, ALL OUR STUDENTS ARE ABLE TO GO FROM CHORAL FORMATION TO ORCHESTRA FORMATION, MAKING YMCO UNIQUE FROM ANY OTHER YOUTH ORCHESTRA OR CHOIR IN THE WORLD!
YMCO was the first program to really empower me to reach for my dreams.
- YMCO alum Brianna Pang
YMCO is a chorus and an orchestra, combined, to provide students the experience to successfully engage in music-making on the highest level. The human voice is Mother Nature’s oldest instrument, unduplicated, unique and beautiful. The chorus is a natural outlet for students to use their voices, electrifying and inspiring audiences with gorgeous choral sound.
Playing an instrument is an acquired skill, perfected in weekly private lessons with leading teachers from the Bay Area. The orchestra, comprised of every student vocalists, saxophonists, pianists, etc…. is the foundation for YMCO’s comprehensive approach to music training. Exposure to the great works of Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Stravinsky, and Bernstein, is a life-changing experience for young musicians.
With the amazing resources and teachers that YMCO had to offer [me], not only have I become a better musician, but a leader as well. I met some world-renowned musicians that have taught me to not only become courageous but also to never give up when life seems difficult.
- YMCO alum Khris Sanchez
YMCO CLASSICAL
Classical Training
YMCO is a chorus and an orchestra, combined, to provide students the experience to successfully engage in music-making on the highest level. The human voice is Mother Nature’s oldest instrument, unduplicated, unique and beautiful. The chorus is a natural outlet for students to use their voices, electrifying and inspiring audiences with gorgeous choral sound. Playing an instrument is an acquired skill, perfected in weekly private lessons with leading teachers from the Bay Area. The orchestra, comprised of every student….vocalists, saxophonists, pianists…. is the foundation for YMCO’s comprehensive approach to music training. Exposure to the great works of Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Stravinsky, and Bernstein, is a life-changing experience for young musicians.
YMCO JAZZ
Jazz Training
YMCO’s jazz training has been heralded by world-renowned clinicians who have donated time and energy to its development. The YMCO Big Band is the core training ensemble, coupled with two or more jazz combos. Presently, the combos – "4" Cast and The R&B Combo, perform regularly throughout the Bay Area. Based on the straight-ahead tradition, steeped in the blues, YMCO Jazz intends to ‘swing you into bad health’ (Frank Foster). Jazz is an evolutionary art form, best taught by musicians who are performers/teachers. YMCO’s instructors are supported by visiting artists, who donate services for clinics and master classes when they come to the Bay Area to perform. Thus far, clinics and workshops have been given by Marcus Belgrave, legendary trumpeter and educator; Kenny Garrett, alto sax; Herlin Riley, drums; Rodney Whitaker, bass; Ndugu Chancler, drums; Patrice Rushen, piano; Bennie Maupin, saxophone; and Hubert Laws, flute.
OPERA/MUSICAL THEATER
Conducted by Jim Meredith
YMCO’s fabulous Opera/Musical Theatre program is taught and conducted by Jim Meredith, who has been the Vocal Chair for an outstanding 20+ years. He is a musical partner with mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade and dramatic soprano, Olivia Stapp. Past performances have included excerpts from Les Miserables, West Side Story, The Fiddler on the Roof, Cinderella and many more.
SUMMER INSTITUTE
The Summer Institute is a six-week camp for YMCO students who begin each day with a purpose to increase their knowledge and skills learned throughout the regular year. Students are committed to learning and reconnecting with their classmates and teachers. In 2023 YMCO celebrated students’ summer accomplishments with a return to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Their summer experience is a combination of musical training, academic reinforcement, and personal development.
YMCO programs enhance students‘ competitive appeal, success in higher education, life-long learning. Students perform in the choral orchestra, jazz ensembles, musical theatre shows, and operas. Our services are provided at no cost to students and their families.