Page 25 - Greet HWY 68 Loop 06.25

KIDS HAVING FUN YOUNG ACHIEVERS

Daniel
Hot Fun In The Hernandez

Summertime! Salinas’ musical talent shines

BY JUDY PROUD, MONTEREY COUNTY POPS!
BY CAROLINE MERRITT
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
As it gets closer to summer you may feel High School band, regional and all-state honor bands, and the
the warm breezes through the air or the Monterey County Pops.
fresh smell of flowers as you’re walking In 2015, Daniel began taking private lessons with Erica
on a sunny day. There are many things Horn, the then-principal clarinetist of Monterey County Pops
to look forward to in Monterey County and chamber music director for YMM. Recognizing his passion
during these summer months. and potential, Erica never charged him for a lesson, offering
If you’re looking for entertainment this summer, you to teach him for free when she learned that financial barriers
can go to the pool, watch the sunset on the white sandy were preventing him from pursuing private instruction. Daniel’s
beaches of Carmel, or enjoy an evening of entertainment skills flourished under her unwavering support and mentorship,
at the Monterey County Fair. leading to opportunities to perform with the Monterey County
In addition, there are many community pools Pops. His mother, Celia Orozco, also played a crucial role,
along Highway 68 you can go to with your friends to ensuring he attended lessons every weekend for three years.
“Concierge Designer & Warehouse Team” led by Sally Cardinale co-owner enjoy a hot day out in the sun. If you’re looking for Their combined support helped Daniel earn a place at Cal State
We are ready to handle all your Special Moving Needs. a spot to swim, you can purchase a membership at Fullerton’s School of Music, where he completed a Bachelor of
Interior Designers, Hospitality FF&E, Chamisal or Titus. Both have many opportunities for Music in Performance in 2023 and an Artist Diploma in 2025.
Warehouse Receiving, Delivery and Installation. entertainment, including pickleball courts, tennis Most recently, Daniel was admitted to the Master’s program
The only mover on the Monterey Peninsula to represent courts, snack bars, and room to run around. Chamisal at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, where he will begin
UNITED VAN LINES, AMERICA’S #1 MOVER . has a waterslide, and Titus has a diving board, which his studies in the Fall of 2025. Additionally, he secured a
®
kids of all ages can enjoy. position with the newly formed Civic Orchestra of Los Angeles
OUR FAMILY HAS MOVED FAMILIES SINCE 1972
As the days get longer, keep an eye out for a warm after a successful audition.
evening. Grab a pizza from Angelina’s Pizzeria and Alongside his performance career, Daniel has developed
.
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head out to the white sandy beaches of Carmel. You a passion for music education. He teaches private clarinet
can take in a wonderful sunset with your friends, lessons and directs beginner and intermediate band programs,
family, or your pet. often working with organizations similar to YOSAL and
Cal -T-102808 Another local favorite is the Monterey County Fair. YMM—the programs that shaped his own musical foundation.
Visit CardinaleMoving.com for a At the fair, you can find many food vendors, enjoy Congratulations Daniel and Monterey County POPS! for
music, look at the 4-H animals, or go on rides that give recognizing and nurturing such outstanding talent, you make
FREE estimate or give us a call at (831) 632-4100 you an adrenaline rush and lights that light up at night. Salinas proud!

24 June 2025 Greet HWY 68 Loop 25