The Music in the Mountains Youth Orchestra (MIMYO) will present its semester concert on Tuesday, December 3 at 7:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room (Bldg. N12) at Sierra College Grass Valley Campus. Tickets for this concert are $10 for adults; youth age 17 and under, free.
“As an alumnus from the very beginning of MIMYO’s existence, I feel so privileged to be able to mentor them now. I myself am still learning and making mistakes, and so I love watching them get to do the same. Orchestra is a place where we get to create art together,” explains youth orchestra mentor Hayley Watson.
Hayley goes on to remark, “The concert we play on Tuesday will have never been played before, and will never be played again, because music isn’t just the notes you play; it’s how you play them, what you do when you mess up, and how you support your fellow musicians. It is unique, and beautiful. A product of hard work, creativity, and teamwork. I am proud to be able to play with them. I hope you will be proud to be their audience.”
Under the direction of Shannon Devir, MIMYO is the only youth orchestra in the region. Now in its 10th season, MIMYO began in 2015 when MIM adopted the Nevada County Youth Orchestra into its programming.
“This season’s program is filled with repertoire geared towards adventure; and the kids are excited to take their audience on a musical journey,” notes Shannon Devir. “I love working with these kids each week. As musicians, we spend a lot of time honing our craft alone at home, but MIMYO gives us the opportunity to celebrate our hard work together and discover the joy of creating living, breathing music as a team.” MIM works to support students through the teaching of appreciation for music.
The after school program has been sustained through 10 seasons with generous contributions from individuals, like Julia Amaral and Mark Strate, as well as grants from the Community Players Trust, the County of Nevada, and the California Arts Council. The orchestra features about 20 students, their mentors, and some MIMYO alumni.
Marge Shasberger, director of education programs for MIM comments, “The orchestra just gets better every year. This will be a wonderful concert, featuring classics by Bach, Dvorak and Bersovsky and contemporary composers including “Legend of the Dragon Chasers” by Chris Thomas and “Voyager” by Soon Hee Newbold. It’s a fun concert for all!”
The concert is the culmination of the work of the semester. MIMYO rehearsals are held Mondays, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and is a part of Music in the Mountains’ education programs that range from after-school instrumental instruction to in-classroom learning.
The second session of MIMYO, along with other after-school music programs, begins in January and new students are welcome. Interested students/parents should contact Marge Shasberger at Music in the Mountains at marges@musicinthemountains.org..
Music in the Mountains (MIM) is a non-profit organization that strives to make concert programming, presentations, and music education programs approachable and accessible for all. MIM’s mission is to inspire, engage, and connect our community through extraordinary musical experiences.
To support MIM or for more information, call 530-265-6124 or visit www.musicinthemountains.org
What: MIMYO Concert
Where: Multipurpose Room (Bldg. N12) at Sierra College Grass Valley Campus, Grass Valley CA 95945
When: Tuesday, Dec 3rd 7pm
Price: $10 Adults / Young 17th and under free with registered ticket
Tickets: www.musicinthemountains.org or 530-265-6124 and available at the door.