At YOSAL, we celebrate music and fun all year round!

This summer, 50 YOSAL students filled the month of July with music, learning, friendship, and plenty of fun.Over the course of four weeks, our first - and second-grade students sang and danced, while our beginner instrumentalists came together to form an orchestra for the very first time. Our Summer Orchestra explored classic movie tunes, and six talented solo vocalists received individual coaching to help develop their voices and confidence.

Of course, summer isn't complete without a little old-fashioned fun! At the end of each day, students enjoyed games and activities, with favorites including a lively scavenger hunt and our hilarious Wheel of Misfortune, complete with some very special prizes.

YOSAL &  the Cabrillo Festival

For the second year in a row, YOSAL and the Cabrillo Festival partnered to bring five professional musicians to deliver masterclasses to our wonderful YOSAL students. After an intense morning of music-making, students headed to the Santa Cruz Civic Center for a field trip to observe a live rehearsal of the Cabrillo Festival Orchestra.

The day concluded with a special Q&A session featuring the music director, soloists, composers, and orchestra musicians. Our students had the chance to ask questions, hear about the musicians' experiences, and get an inside look at the world of professional music.

Students are back!

This September, YOSAL welcomed almost 200 new and returning students for another year of music making.  Our first few weeks included introducing a new orchestra to the organization as well as featuring our Teaching Artists in the community at the Salinas Relay for Life and El Gabilan Library.

Introducing Prelude - Our New Orchestra!

As part of our ongoing efforts to better support and challenge our young musicians, YOSAL is excited to introduce Prelude, a new orchestra designed specifically for our second-year instrumentalists.

Prelude gives the students the opportunity to build their large ensemble skills , and continue strengthening their musicianship, while making beautiful music together

Faculty Spotlight: 

Meet Gregory Messa!

YOSAL is thrilled to welcome Gregory Messa as our new Music Director! In addition to his extensive experience as a music educator and professional percussionist, Greg brings his expertise in conducting and music pedagogy to YOSAL. He is excited to continue inspiring, educating, and nurturing our students as they grow as young musicians!

• What excites you about this new role?

I'm so excited to get to hear our journey first hand from the podium, from our first notes together to our first performances. Our groups have already shown their excitement and improvement in just three group rehearsals, and to think of what we can create at this rate is tremendous!

• What does YOSAL mean to you?

YOSAL is a very special place to me, where we all work together to support each other in learning and creating something totally unique, not only our music but also our community, where each student and volunteer leaves their own special mark in our collective voice and the memories we create.

• What else do you do outside of YOSAL?

I play and perform lots of different types of music, and love spending time outdoors with my family and friends doing activities like camping, kayaking, hanging at the beach,   hiking, and seeing new places.

• If you were a superhero, what would be your superpower?

Perfect Pitch! Seems like a superpower to me! 

YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS!

Your generosity allows us to continue to use music as a vehicle for social change; your support will enhance our efforts and ensure the youth of Salinas have access to the transformative effects of music education!

Visit https://www.yosal.org/donate and make a difference TODAY!

Upcoming Events

November 14 -  Recital Series #2 -  Enjoy 30 minutes of world class chamber music performed by our fantastic Teaching Artists!

• Where?  El Gabilan Library, 1400 N Main St, Salinas, CA

• Time: 11:30 am

• Free and open to all! 

December 11, 2026 - YOSAL Winter Concert 2026! YOSAL students take the stage in a magical evening full of music, community, and surprises!

Where?  Sherwood Hall, 940 N Main St, Salinas, CA
Time: 7:00 pm
Free and open to all!