About Us

The Big Picture of

Music in the Mountains

a deep commitment to world-class performances and music education

Concerts

At the heart of our concerts is the SummerFest series. It features the MIM Festival Orchestra – comprised of extraordinary professional musicians from all over the country – along with soloists and our own MIM Chorus of dedicated volunteers. It’s a thriving performing arts festival celebrating music, community, art and culture in the days leading up to July 4th. The concerts culminate in a joyous celebration of our country’s birth. You’ll thrill to powerful masterworks, pops favorites, and new pieces hot off the presses.

 

There are also concerts throughout the year featuring world renowned artists in small ensembles and solo performances, as well as the annual Spring Choral Concerts.


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 have a deep commitment to music education. We work closely with school districts, music teachers and parents in advocating for the importance of music education. And where schools cannot provide due to lack of budget, 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 concert - usually sold out - open to the public.

Vision, Mission & Values

We envision a thriving community inspired by transformative music.

  • We want to serve a community of engaged, connected, and caring people in harmony with each other and their surroundings.
  • We will present inspiring concerts and accessible educational programs for everyone.
  • Our music brings hope, joy, and comfort.
  • We will provide transformative music by presenting inspirational concert experiences.
  • We will present 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.