About Us

The Big Picture of

Music in the Mountains

a deep commitment to world-class performances and music education

Concerts

Experience world-class musicians up close in intimate solo and chamber concerts throughout the year, and join us each spring for the moving choral performances of the Music in the Mountains Chorus.


SummerFest anchors our concert season with a dynamic performing arts festival that brings together extraordinary professional musicians from across the country, internationally acclaimed soloists, and the MIM Chorus for unforgettable performances — from masterworks to pops and brand-new music.

 

Concerts take place in several different venues:

  • The Center for the Arts in downtown Grass Valley, which sports the incomparable Meyers Sound System.
  • Peace Lutheran Church with its fantastic acoustics.
  • The Bessemer House for intimate gatherings.
  • Sierra College, the perfect home for our Youth Orchestra.

Music Education

We are deeply committed to music education for all children and work closely with school districts, music teachers, and parents to advocate for it. Where schools lack budget for  music education, we step in to create solutions.


  • Music for Young Minds places professional musicians in classrooms, introducing students to music from around the world.
  • FIrst Note offers beginning string lessons after school, at school.
  • The Music in the Mountains Youth Orchestra (MIMYO) is a thriving ensemble with several levels of instruction to boost kids on their musical journey. Each semester culminates in a public concert that usually sells out.


Vision, Mission & Values

We envision a thriving community inspired by transformative music.

  • We serve a community of engaged, connected, and caring people in harmony with each other and their surroundings.
  • Our music brings hope, joy, and comfort.
  • We provide inspirational experiences  through transformative musical concerts.
  • We offer accessible education programs for everyone.

Our Mission is to inspire, engage, and connect our community through extraordinary musical experiences.

Core Values

Accessibility

Our concert programming, presentations, and music education programs are approachable and accessible for all.

Artistic Excellence

We value performances at the highest level of talent and artistry and strive to present guest artists and performers who embody this standard of excellence.

Building Community

We value creating connections among the diverse members of our community, fostering communication and unity through the beauty of music.

Collaboration

Recognizing the interdependence of our social, economic, and artistic community, we value collaboration and a collaborative spirit.

Donor Centric

We believe that all types of donors – monetary, volunteer or otherwise – are central to our success.

Education

Because we know that learning changes minds and lives, we value creating knowledge through the teaching of appreciation for music.

Engaging Programming

We strive to create programs that foster a sense of peace, joy, inspiration, and belonging through exciting musical experiences.

Ethical

In all that we do, we strive to be honorable, fair, transparent, and accountable to the community we serve.

Inclusion

We foster an inclusive community that celebrates all the rich contributions of our audience members, staff, performers, and volunteers.

Nurturing the Human Spirit

We believe music is more than entertainment; Music has the power to unite, heal, and transform people.

To further expand on our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we are developing statements that more fully explain our commitments.