YACM Board of Directors Vote to Re-Open!
“The development of children matters and the Living Arts are the greatest means for personal development and social cohesion.” Wanda Cook, Executive Director
Young Artists Conservatory of Music (YACM’s) has provided the children and youth throughout Solano County with expert musical instruction and exceptional performance opportunities since 2005.
In March of 2020, the economic shutdown and shelter in place orders needed to protect us all from COVID-19 created an abrupt and unanticipated end to YACM’s 15th anniversary year.
“In March 140 private music students were attending lessons, classes and rehearsals. Our Annual Benefit Dinner was scheduled for May. Solano Youth Theatre was preparing for the production of West Side Story and Aladdin. The Black Tie Gala Concert was scheduled to showcase our most accomplished Featured Soloists who represent our standard of excellence in musical training. Our programs extended to public school music programs in Vallejo where we served 1500 of our county’s most under-resourced student populations”, says President of the Board, Kevin Phillips. “By April, all of that was gone. Our Board was confronted with what felt like an impossible challenge for a performing arts organization. How do we bring back the performing arts education in this midst of this pandemic?”
Today, the leadership of YACM is more committed than ever to do our part to keep our members safe and ensure the positive impact of the arts in Solano.
“Livings Arts for the Art of Living” ...Wanda Cook
YACM is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts as the greatest means for personal development and social cohesion. “Amid uncertainties surrounding the opening of theaters and performance venues, the fact remains that expert instruction in the arts continues to have lasting positive effects on children and youth”, says founder and Executive Director, Wanda Cook. “The performing arts are more than an experience in performance. They are an experience in living.
YACM will reopen to the public on July 6, 2020. With a “Back to Basics” phase 1 plan. Enrollment is open now for the CORE-Arts Program with private lessons and small group classes. “The skills acquired to become a musician are also the skills needed to develop into a creative, imaginative, confident, resilient and intentional young adult. This is the ‘Art of Living’”, adds Wanda Cook.
In-Person Musical and Orchestra performances will remain on hold until performance venues reopen. However, as COVID-19 health and safety protocols are put in place, YACM will also offer limited membership to programs such as Solano Youth Chamber Orchestra, Fuse and Spark A Cappella, as well as the new Speech Arts programing ensuring class sizes are under 10 participants. “Our first priority is for the physical well-being of our families and community”, says Board Member, Tom Davies. “However, we cannot ignore the psychological impact the shelter in place protocol has on our youth. The combination of our outstanding music programs with “the living arts” initiative will advance our mission of improving the overall well-being for youth in our community.
YACM offers programs for children ages 4 and up. The Vacaville facility is housed in a stately Victorian building with lovely gardens. YACM Teaching Artists are chosen for their expert teaching abilities. Families appreciate YACM’s exceptional performance experiences for their children. You can learn more about enrolling in our programs or serving as a volunteer in the garden, office, or programs at www.yacmusic.org.
