program Description
Elemental Strings is our intermediate youth orchestra program.
Hundreds of string students have taken part in our original ensemble program, which has been running since 2004. This program places 3rd-5th grade students into either intermediate-level Sinfonia or advanced Chamber Orchestra. They will gain valuable experience as orchestral musicians in the large group rehearsals and also develop their technical skills in small sectional rehearsals with our expert staff.
Additionally, students experience the thrill of learning chamber music in the final unit of the year, and study and perform in small ensembles without a conductor.
Over the year, Elemental Strings students polish their sound and explore new musical ideas, all while learning how to work together as a team and making new friends!
Students with 8 months of playing experience are eligible to join the Elemental Strings orchestras. Email Co-Director Josephine Moerschel with questions!
SCHEDULE & TUITION
Elemental Strings meets on Fridays from 3:45–5:45pm at John Adams Middle School (2425 16th St., Santa Monica).
Tuition for the 2024/25 season is approximately $430/trimester, for a total of $1,295 for the season. Tuition averages to approximately $24/hour. Participation is a year-long commitment (27 rehearsals).
Early Bird Discount for those who enroll by June 1: $50
Non-refundable deposit of $250 is due upon enrollment.
Tuition reduction is available on a sliding scale. Our Tuition Reduction Form is short & sweet. Please submit your form ASAP so we can help determine a family-friendly tuition rate for you and start making music! Payment plans are also available.
Ensemble Placement
During the Elemental Strings ensemble placement, every student will be asked to play:
1–2 major scales (as many octaves as the student feels comfortable preparing)
a brief prepared solo (something out of your orchestra book is fine!)
demonstrate music literacy through sight-reading
Ensemble placements will be held in September 2024. If your child is interested in joining our programs, please fill out the form below and Co-Director Josephine Moerschel will contact you with more information in August.
“Up until joining Elemental Strings, our daughter has primarily learned from one teacher. Now, she learns from the conductor, her section teacher and other teachers in the program. At a point in her musical life when she may have started to feel isolated, she’s now part of a vibrant community of music learners.”
If you would like to speak with our Translation Liaison to answer questions and provide information in Spanish, please email Juanita Devis. You can also visit our Spanish website for more information!
Si usted desea hablar con nuestra Traductora Intermediaria para que responda sus preguntas y reciba la información en español, por favor envíe un correo electrónico a Juanita Devis. ¡También puede visitar nuestra página de internet en español para más información!