YOSAL was founded in 2010 by philanthropists Joanne Taylor, Lois & Don Mayol, and then-superintendent of the Salinas City Elementary School District, Donna Vaughan. Together, they joined forces to address the need for music education and social change in Salinas, and Youth Orchestra Salinas was born.

Inspired by Venezuela’s El Sistema, YOSAL began with just 40 students and throughout the years has grown to serve hundreds of Salinas youth of all ages. We offer musical training to at-risk and underserved youth, emphasizing the importance of social development and encouraging accountability, self-discipline, and excellence in each of our students. The skills acquired from the focused instruction students receive at YOSAL is reflected in improved math and language skills, better communication, and a higher graduation rate.

We believe our students are the future leaders of Salinas, Monterey County, and our country as a whole. Providing equal opportunities to each member of our community is of utmost importance, and as musicians and educators we relish in the opportunity to fulfill this duty to support the next generation.