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A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
I am proud to say that "we are Monterey County's Orchestra"! And why...because we take the Monterey County Pops! Orchestra free of charge directly to the people throughout Monterey county from South County to North County, from Salinas to Marina, from Seaside to Monterey and Carmel.
At Monterey County Pops! we are Making a Difference Through Music and are dedicated to ensuring that everyone in Monterey County can delight in a day of free, live music, whether at a concert, school program, or Music for Seniors program.
A “POPS” orchestra acts as a bridge, embracing a rich tapestry of musical genres, from traditional to popular to classical masterpieces, all delivered in a way that is both accessible and enjoyable for every listener.
This past year, we have taken a bold step forward by launching an unprecedented array of in-school workshops designed to ignite a passion for music in students of all ages—from the curious young minds in elementary schools to the aspiring artists in middle and high schools. Through our School Residency Programs, we proudly bring our talented professional musicians into local schools, offering a day filled with engaging music education. The impact goes beyond music education, as we reach young minds early to allow them to discover a world beyond their day-to-day lives.
Our Music for Seniors program connects generations through the magic of live music. By partnering with senior care facilities throughout Monterey County, we bring our talented Brass and Woodwind musicians to perform concerts that evoke cherished memories and foster a sense of belonging for residents who may not be able to attend events in person.
Our holiday concert celebrations take this commitment a step further by live-streaming performances, allowing county residents and seniors to participate from the comfort of their homes or within their care facilities, creating a shared experience that transcends physical barriers. The Monterey County Pops! believes in the transformative power of music, enriching lives and weaving together the fabric of our community with each note.
Join us in this musical journey and let us foster a sense of belonging and connection through the universal language of music!
Douglas Lee
Douglas Lee
President, Monterey County POPS!
CARL CHRISTENSEN
Music Director & Conductor
Carl Christensen was born in Pittsburg, California and attended the University of Southern California (Doctor of Musical Arts). Carl performed in Mexico for 10 years as Principal Trombone of the Orchestra of the State of Mexico, the Orchestra of the National Opera, and the Mexico City Philharmonic. He taught trombone at the Mexican National Conservatory of Music. Locally, Carl performed with the Monterey County, Santa Cruz, and Sacramento symphonies, the Monterey Brass Quintet, Ensemble Monterey and the Monterey Bay Symphony. Carl was an Instructor in Music and Director of the Orchestra and Band at Hartnell College in Salinas for over 30 years. For many years he was president of the Salinas Concert Association. Carl created the on-going Salinas Recorder Project to teach the soprano recorder and musical literacy to elementary school students in Salinas.
Carl served as Outreach Director and Conductor for the Carmel Bach Festival and Director of the Brass Ensemble for the Festival. Carl regularly guest conducted with the National Symphony of Guatemala and the UNT Orchestra in Tucumán, Argentina. In November 2011 he appeared as the Guest Conductor for the Inaugural Concert of Instrumenta Oaxaca 2011, in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Carl is co-author and programmer of Foundations of Music, a college music text now in its seventh edition.
Honors include: Outstanding Graduate of the USC Wind Department; USC Wind Departmental Award; Teaching Excellence awards at Hartnell College; and, Outstanding Music Educator by the Central Coast Section of the California Music Educators Association.
KEN WHITE
President Emeritus
Ken brings extensive leadership experience to the Monterey County Pops.
Ken has previously served the community as the chair of the Carmel Unified School District Board of Education, as a Carmel city council member, and as the Mayor of Carmel.
Ken chairs the Salvation Army Advisory Board and the Friends of Sunset Foundation, a service organization managing the concessions at the Sunset Center and using the profits for special Sunset Center projects including providing tickets to youth and seniors.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
President
Douglas Lee
Vice President
Steve DeCarli
Treasurer, CPA
Robert Lee, CPA
Secretary
Brenda J. Thomas
Joan P. Breuch
Ron Breuch
Maren Christensen
Chuck Elliot
Victor Muñoz
Judy Proud
Symphonie Sidhu
Ken White (President Emeritus)