18 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 12-18, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com MC GIVES Youth Orchestra Salinas (YOSAL) started in 2010, but its origin goes back to 1974 in Venezuela. That is when Dr. José Antonio Abreu gathered 11 children in a parking garage to teach them to play music. His concept became known as El Sistema (the system), with an underlying philosophy that empowering young people in disadvantaged communities to thrive in arts and culture can lead to positive social change. In Salinas, it’s about more than a youth orchestra—it is a community, says Diana Ramirez-Rosales of YOSAL. “There’s not a better tool than music to bring people together,” she says. Student musicians learn classical and Mexican regional music, and have access to a multitude of instruments— many of which would otherwise be cost-prohibitive. Over the past year, YOSAL worked with local artist/performer Amy Burkman to share the joy beyond the stage. Burkman painted four murals showing students playing instruments, displayed at Natividad hospital, downtown Salinas, Sherwood Hall and Northridge Mall. All have a QR code that leads to a mini-documentary Burkman also produced called SEEDS. It tells the story of YOSAL, showcasing the impact the nonprofit has had in the community. (SEEDS is viewable for free on YouTube.) Over 200 students from 15 schools are currently enrolled in YOSAL’s music programs, and 150 are on the waiting list. The nonprofit’s Big Idea for Monterey County Gives! is to expand its teaching fellowship program, which provides local college music students with the opportunity to develop their teaching skills, forming the next generation of local music teachers. It also helps shorten the waiting list because more teachers means more spots for students. Ramirez-Rosales says people can contribute in different ways, by donating cash or instruments, or by attending YOSAL concerts. The winter concert takes place on Friday, Dec. 13. “It’s not just learning to play an instrument and sound good and feel great on stage,” Ramirez-Rosales says. “but all of these values.” YOSAL’s winter concert takes place 7-9pm Friday, Dec. 13. Sherwood Hall, 940 N. Main St., Salinas. Free; reservations encouraged at yosal.org. COURTESY OF YOSAL High Note Youth Orchestra Salinas builds community through music, inspired by a movement to create social change. By Celia Jiménez Student musicians in Youth Orchestra Salinas (YOSAL) rehearse for their upcoming winter concert, set for Dec. 13. How to Donate Go to www.mcgives.com and click the Donate button.
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