Page 24 - Greet HWY 68 Loop 06.25

KIDS HAVING FUN
Hot Fun In The
Summertime!
BY CAROLINE MERRITT
As it gets closer to summer you may feel
the warm breezes through the air or the
fresh smell of flowers as you’re walking
on a sunny day. There are many things
to look forward to in Monterey County
during these summer months.
If you’re looking for entertainment this summer, you
can go to the pool, watch the sunset on the white sandy
beaches of Carmel, or enjoy an evening of entertainment
at the Monterey County Fair.
In addition, there are many community pools
along Highway 68 you can go to with your friends to
“Concierge Designer & Warehouse Team” led by Sally Cardinale co-owner enjoy a hot day out in the sun. If you’re looking for
We are ready to handle all your Special Moving Needs. a spot to swim, you can purchase a membership at
Interior Designers, Hospitality FF&E, Chamisal or Titus. Both have many opportunities for
Warehouse Receiving, Delivery and Installation. entertainment, including pickleball courts, tennis
The only mover on the Monterey Peninsula to represent courts, snack bars, and room to run around. Chamisal
UNITED VAN LINES, AMERICA’S #1 MOVER . has a waterslide, and Titus has a diving board, which
®
kids of all ages can enjoy.
OUR FAMILY HAS MOVED FAMILIES SINCE 1972
As the days get longer, keep an eye out for a warm
evening. Grab a pizza from Angelina’s Pizzeria and
.
®
head out to the white sandy beaches of Carmel. You
can take in a wonderful sunset with your friends,
family, or your pet.
Cal -T-102808 Another local favorite is the Monterey County Fair.
Visit CardinaleMoving.com for a At the fair, you can find many food vendors, enjoy
music, look at the 4-H animals, or go on rides that give
FREE estimate or give us a call at (831) 632-4100 you an adrenaline rush and lights that light up at night.
24 June 2025
YOUNG ACHIEVERS
Daniel
Hernandez
Salinas’ musical talent shines
BY JUDY PROUD, MONTEREY COUNTY POPS!
IN 2018, DANIEL WAS GIFTED a set of clarinets, one dating
back to the 1960s, which has supported him through his
musical journey. However, as he advances professionally, he is
encountering new challenges. Many orchestras and ensembles
now require clarinetists to play secondary instruments, such
as the bass clarinet or E-flat clarinet. Daniel sought out Carl
Christensen and Monterey County Pops! in hopes of securing
financial assistance for a bass clarinet—an essential step in
launching the next phase of his career. The Monterey County
Pops was instrumental in facilitating Daniel’s acquisition.
Daniel’s musical journey began with the Harden Middle
School band, where he first picked up the clarinet. In 2013, If you would like to be
he joined the Youth Orchestra of Salinas (YOSAL), which featured as a Young Achiever
introduced him to classical music. A year later, a collaboration or know someone who is
perfect for this spot, contact
between orchestras led him to Youth Music Monterey (YMM), Laurie.Martin@n2pub.com
where he played until his high school graduation in 2018. or call 272-4620.
Daniel performed with various ensembles during these
formative years, including YOSAL, YMM, Everett Alvarez
High School band, regional and all-state honor bands, and the
Monterey County Pops.
In 2015, Daniel began taking private lessons with Erica
Horn, the then-principal clarinetist of Monterey County Pops
and chamber music director for YMM. Recognizing his passion
and potential, Erica never charged him for a lesson, offering
to teach him for free when she learned that financial barriers
were preventing him from pursuing private instruction. Daniel’s
skills flourished under her unwavering support and mentorship,
leading to opportunities to perform with the Monterey County
Pops. His mother, Celia Orozco, also played a crucial role,
ensuring he attended lessons every weekend for three years.
Their combined support helped Daniel earn a place at Cal State
Fullerton’s School of Music, where he completed a Bachelor of
Music in Performance in 2023 and an Artist Diploma in 2025.
Most recently, Daniel was admitted to the Master’s program
at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, where he will begin
his studies in the Fall of 2025. Additionally, he secured a
position with the newly formed Civic Orchestra of Los Angeles
after a successful audition.
Alongside his performance career, Daniel has developed
a passion for music education. He teaches private clarinet
lessons and directs beginner and intermediate band programs,
often working with organizations similar to YOSAL and
YMM—the programs that shaped his own musical foundation.
Congratulations Daniel and Monterey County POPS! for
recognizing and nurturing such outstanding talent, you make
Salinas proud!
Greet HWY 68 Loop 25