A special thank you to YAMA for sharing the amazing work being done by Yakima students!

We’re hard at work preparing for our Seattle Symphony side-by-side concert and Benaroya Hall debut next month. Student fingers are flying as they practice fast notes in the pieces we’ll be performing. The sixteen YAMA alumni will be joining us for this experience (we’re SO excited!) have been coming through at daily practice when on breaks from college or work, in preparation for this show. 

And while we are definitely feeling the high stakes nature of this performance – traveling to perform with an internationally-acclaimed orchestra feels like a BIG DEAL! – the Seattle Symphony has been deeply committed to having this experience truly be about breaking down barriers, including fourth walls, and co-facilitating an experience that is not just symbolically but actually side-by-side.

Seattle Symphony players made the multi-hour trek from Seattle to Yakima in April to spend the day with our students and team. We’ve incorporated active relationship-building and connection time into our plans for our entire experience with the Seattle Symphony.

We were audience members at a Seattle Symphony show 5 years ago, clapping and cheering at the end of Carmina Burana. The following year, we returned to Seattle to be coached by a Seattle Symphony guest conductor. And now, this year, students won’t be in the audience, or just participating in a single workshop – we’ll be up on stage, each sitting next to Seattle Symphony members that we’ve gotten the chance to know and who have gotten the chance to get to know us, making beautiful music together with no walls in between us. We hope to see you there!

*Photos and text provided by YAMA.*

YAMA's Spring Showcase
May 19 @ 6:30 pm
Seasons Performance Hall | 101 N Naches Ave., Yakima

Seattle Symphony Side-by-Side Concert
June 7 @ 7:00pm
Benaroya Hall | 200 University St., Seattle

Visit yamamusic.org/events for more details.

We always welcome your support. Donate online or via mail by sending a check to YAMA at P.O. Box 317, Yakima, WA 98907. Your generosity makes it possible for our youth to grow as leaders through music.

Garfield students recently participated in the VFW Art Contest (representing America) in Yakima. One of the Garfield Greats received 1st place and is participating in the State VFW Auxiliary Department level. Three other students also won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place this year.

Students at Garfield Elementary learn about the magic of the bass from YAMA. Yakima Music en Acción (YAMA) grows confident young leaders in the neighborhoods it serves by widening access to professional music learning, igniting collective pride, & empowering students & families.