At the end of each school year, Elemental Music provides two alumni scholarships to Santa Monica High School Seniors who have demonstrated perseverance and persistence to keep music as a vital part of their lives.
Many current SAMOHI students participated in our programs when they were in elementary school, developing the ensemble skills that would become so vital to their high school music experience.
We are proud to announce the two Outstanding Alumni Scholarship Winners for 2020: Ansel Garcia-Langley and Ian Seklawi.
Jason Aiello, Director of SAMOHI Orchestras and Assistant Director of Elemental Strings, writes this of Ansel:
Ansel is the epitome of a responsible student. In orchestra, Ansel was always prepared musically and he advanced in orchestras every single year, which is difficult to do especially as a cellist. This year he was a wonderful orchestra ambassador speaking to current 8th graders and their parents about the importance of participating in music throughout high school. Outside of orchestra, Ansel is heavily involved in environmental groups and at the start of this pandemic he spearheaded a campaign targeted to high school students about the importance of their actions in contributing to flattening of the curve. Ansel is a Valedictorian candidate. He will be attending MIT, and hopefully solve climate change to save our world, but no pressure Ansel!
And of Ian, he writes:
I remember Ian as a 5th grade violinist in Elemental Strings and thinking, “I’m not sure how much he’s practicing”. Then I remember Ian’s 8th grade audition, still as a violinist, and thinking “I’m still not sure how much he practices”, but he is very tall. So, naturally I asked if he had ever considered playing bass. I had no idea Ian would become the bassist he is today. Ian started as a beginner in the String Orchestra freshman year and through hard work, and finally practicing, progressed all the way to Symphony as a senior. He is Valedictorian candidate and will be attending UC Berkeley, where I’m sure he will continue playing bass in the orchestra.
Congratulations to both Ansel and Ian on all of their achievements in music and beyond. We are so proud to call you alumni, and wish you the best of luck as you begin your college journey!