Shared values are the fundamental beliefs, principles, and priorities collectively embraced by a group, and not just a few individuals or directors. Our staff uses these values as a compass to guide decision-making at all levels—from how we interact with students, how we build trust across our team, how we structure field trips, and even how we hire newcomers to join our team of rock stars.

Even though the YAMA orchestras are at the core of our program, we are so much more than just a music-making program!

Earlier this spring, our Philharmonia and Combo orchestras participated in a pop-up concert at the Valley Mall on a special Yakima extravaganza day. We went from the Mall to Miner’s to Skateland. Trips like these are one of the unique perks of our program.

On Friday, March 20, a small group of Philharmonia students and YAMA staff put together a pop-up chamber music concert at Rooted Yakima Valley!

On March 26 and 27, teaching artists converged at YAMA for two days of hands-on professional development in a collaboration with the Teaching Artists Training Institute. We hosted facilitator Alan Wong, a lifelong Seattleite with over two decades of experience supporting youth, educators, and communities across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

This year, five incredible Assistant Teachers joined our team! Angelina, Belen, Dianna, Dylan, and Salvador have all brought a new level of dedication, creativity, and heart to our orchestras.

Learn about what the AT experience is like by reading an interview we conducted with Angelina and Belen.

What does it look like when a professional soloist steps into a room full of young musicians? For students in YAMA's Chamber, Combo, and Philharmonia ensembles, they got to find out firsthand when violinist Denise Dillenbeck paid a visit to our program on February 18.

Regional Practicums are an exceptional opportunity for hands-on professional development, intentionally designed for Teaching Artists working in after-school and community-embedded settings, and we are delighted to announce that the Pacific Northwest TATI Practicum will take place at our YAMA site on March 26 and 27. 

With one semester working together under our belts, each of our YAMA ensembles are excited about what the spring will hold. We’ve revisited our goals from October and have a few new milestones that we will target.