By Mark Muckenfuss

For the first time, the California Orchestra Academy is holding its summer music festival for young musicians at CSU Monterey Bay this week culminating in two free weekend concerts, one at Cabrillo College and the other at CSUMB. 

The California Orchestra Academy is a pre-professional training orchestra comprised of students aged 14-24 from Monterey and Santa Cruz counties, California, the United States, Canada and beyond. Participating students undergo a rigorous audition process months in advance to learn from and perform with top-notch faculty and professional musicians.

Juanita Cole, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, said the event, which started with workshops last week, is a chance for students to gain important experience and for the community to engage more with the university.

“As part of our president's priorities for CSUMB, we strive to serve our external community by fostering meaningful connections and contributing positively to the cultural fabric of the region in a way that benefits current and future Otters,” Cole said. 

Los Angeles-based cellist Ameena Maria Khawaja was one of the seasoned musicians providing the masterclasses for students and prepping them for the full orchestra performance. She said she was looking forward to the concerts.

“We’re doing a world premiere, so that’s really exciting,” Khawaja said. “I hope the audience sees what’s possible with students who have come and practiced [with the orchestra] for just 10 days.”

“El Cascabel: A Mariachi Symphonic Overture” will premiere Friday, July 14, at Cabrillo College’s Samper Recital Hall. Also on the program are Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F Minor and “Conga del Fuego,” by Mexican composer Arturo Marquez. The same pieces will be performed on Saturday, July 15, at the World Theater on the CSUMB campus.

Khawaja said the program is designed to make such experiences accessible to young musicians.

“Our goal is to give universal exposure to everyone,” she said. For those without the necessary resources, she added, “We provide scholarships so everyone is on a level playing field as they move forward.”

The student workshops provide an opportunity for the players to work with a professional, such as Khawaja, who has played with such artists as Sia, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Khalid, Coldplay, and Mary J. Blige. She has performed at the Grammy Awards, the Hollywood Bowl and other prestigious venues and events. 

On Tuesday afternoon, she sat listening to Taylan Dincer, of Carmel, play his cello, accompanied on bass by another student, Oscar Yanez, of Salinas. The workshop, she said, was a chance to help students progress in their playing.

“You can give them an outside perspective to what they’re doing and give them some new things to work on,” she said. “It’s a lot about getting them to connect who they are to their instrument.”

After praising Dincer for his playing, she talked to him about adjusting the way he was holding his bow and on how best to use it. 

“You’re not giving yourself enough bow,” she said, spanning her fingers from the tip of the bow to a spot about a third of its length. “You’re not using this much of it. Did you know that?”

It’s the kind of input Dincer, 18, said he was looking for. 

“I think I portray myself in emotion very well,” he said. “But things like timing and bowing, I could use some pointers on.”

Anna Kim, 13, of Pacific Grove, said she was hoping to gain more confidence.

“I’m nervous,” she said. “Everyone is so good. But I think if I practice hard, I can do it.”

Even with her anxiety, she was looking forward to the concert. She called playing with an orchestra an “awesome” experience.

“You get that rush,” she said. “It feels so cool. It’s like you’re in the music.”

Cole is hoping the audience will be similarly swept away.

“I wholeheartedly encourage people to attend this magnificent concert,” she said.

Here is the performance schedule: 

• Open rehearsal: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 13, at CSUMB’s World Theater, 5260 Sixth St., Seaside. Admission is free. Parking is $5. 
• Concert: 7 p.m. Friday, July 14, at  Cabrillo College’s Samper Recital Hall, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos. Admission is free. Parking is $4. 
• Concert: 3 p.m. Saturday, July 15, at CSUMB’s World Theater. Admission is free. Parking is $5. 

Click here for ticket reservations.