On Friday, October 25, Music in the Mountains (MIM) held its annual Gala at the Miners Foundry Cultural Center in Nevada City. The event raised over $100,000 to support children’s music education, community programs, and world-class orchestra performances.
MIMYO, the Music in the Mountains Youth Orchestra, performed during the event. Founded more than 40 years ago, MIM’s mission is to bring high-quality music programming to Nevada County. Tim Geckle, Chair of MIM’s Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of their work. “It takes an ensemble of people and a dedicated community to ensure our efforts continue to impact the lives of young people who might otherwise not have access to music education,” he said.
More than 100 attendees gathered to celebrate MIM’s impact on local youth. MIM has been instrumental in filling the gap left by budget cuts in Nevada County schools, where music education is often lacking. The organization currently serves over 700 students in the area, providing programs that include a Carnegie Hall-based curriculum for K-8 students through its Music for Young Minds initiative.
In addition to classroom instruction, MIM offers after-school string classes and the opportunity for students to participate in the MIMYO, the region’s only youth orchestra. MIMYO, under the direction of Shannon Devir, delighted the audience with a stirring performance of “A Million Dreams” from the hit movie The Greatest Showman.
Concert Master Micah Gordon, a talented young violinist, shared his gratitude after the performance. “I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to play the violin,” Gordon said, visibly moved. “It is because of people like you that I’ve had the chance to be part of an orchestra.” His heartfelt words highlighted the profound impact that music education can have on a young person’s development, from boosting creativity and confidence to enhancing brain function.
The Gala was supported by a range of local businesses, including Foothill Flowers, Smarter Broadband, Stucki Jewelers, and Weiss Landscaping, among others. These sponsors, along with numerous individual donors, are key to MIM’s success.
MIM continues to be a vital part of the community, not only through its performances but also through its educational outreach. The organization offers a variety of music programs, including a community chorus, annual concert performances, and after-school programs. MIM is a Platinum-Star-Rated 501(c)(3) non-profit that celebrates over 40 years of classical music performance and music education in Nevada County.
As the community rallies around MIM, the organization remains dedicated to enriching the lives of young people through music.
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