May is a bittersweet time at Elemental Music. We love celebrating all of our students and their hard work in our season-end concerts. At the same time, we also know that we have to say goodbye to the seniors who are currently in our programs – many of whom we have known since they were in elementary school.
Making up our Elemental Music Class of 2023 is an amazing group of students with diverse interests, but who are all connected through their shared passion for music. We are so proud of them. Learn more about them in our spotlight features below!
Alexandra, Violin
Elemental Music programs: Elemental Strings, Academy Philharmonic, Encore
Attending Santa Monica College as part of the Loyola Marymount University Transfer Program to major in political science
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Listen to your private teachers - all those exercises and little details pay off!”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Music has been more than just a program. It has been a support system and even a family. I have met so many teachers who have pushed me to be my best version of myself not only as a musician but as a person. I have also met peers that have become my closest friends. I am so thankful for Elemental Music!”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Yes, of course!”
CITLI, oboe
Elemental Music programs: Elemental Band, Encore
Attending the California Institute of Technology to major in mechanical engineering
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “My advice to you would be to seize every opportunity that comes your way and to approach each situation with a sense of curiosity and eagerness to learn. By doing so, you will gain valuable experience and knowledge that will help you to grow and develop into the best possible version of yourself. Don't let fear hold you back from exploring new things and discovering your full potential. Remember that every challenge and experience is an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Participating in Encore and the Bergmann Program has been a transformative experience for me, not just in terms of my musical growth, but also in forging a deep and meaningful bond with my music teacher. My mentor has been an exceptional role model, guiding and inspiring me along my musical journey. Through Elemental Music, I have cultivated a profound passion for music and my instrument, and I cannot express enough gratitude for the invaluable lessons and skills I have acquired. I carry these treasures with me into the future, knowing they will shape my path in remarkable ways.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Absolutely! The oboe has been an integral part of my life, deeply influencing my journey and shaping who I am today. It has brought me immense joy and fulfillment, and I am excited to carry this passion with me to college.”
Anything else you’d like to add? “Thank you for this amazing experience! :)”
Francisco, cello
Elemental Music programs: Elemental Strings, Academy Strings, Academy Philharmonic, Chamber Music Institute
Attending Chapman University to major in cello performance
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Find things you enjoy in music!”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental has been an opportunity for me to discover myself and what music means to me.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Of course I will.”
Anything else you’d like to add? “I’d like to thank Ms. Call for being such a great coach and teacher over the past couple of years.”
JOAQUÍN, viola
Elemental Music programs: Elemental Strings, Academy Strings, Academy Philharmonic, Chamber Music Institute
Attending CalPoly Pomona to major in physics
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Enjoy the music you play. Don’t treat rehearsal like an assignment or a responsibility.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Over the years, I have made friends and connected with many people through the program.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Definitely.”
LUCA, percussion
Elemental Music programs: Encore
Attending Santa Monica College
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Be involved as much as you can to enjoy the music program.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “To me, Elemental Music was about learning from great musicians and forming connections.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “I will keep music in my life after high school for sure.”
Rosie, cello
Elemental Music programs: Prelude, Elemental Strings, Academy Strings, Chamber Music Institute
Attending Reed College to major in Math
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Join a chamber group!!! Doing chamber music has been such a valuable and genuinely fun part of my whole musical life. It can be intimidating, not having a section to cover you if you make mistakes, but that ends up pushing you to improve so much and keep performing better. And just by virtue of spending so much time rehearsing and performing with them, you end up forming great friendships with the people in your groups. Plus chamber music is just some of the most creative, interesting, and fun music you're gonna get to play. It's an awesome experience! Do it now!”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Music has been a really crucial part of what's made music so important in my life! It's made me look past what I used to see as the inconvenience of cutting out so much time for music, and learn to appreciate and value every minute I get to spend playing some really great repertoire with interesting and amazing people. Most importantly, it's a space where I've been able to connect with other musicians who see it as more than an obligation, and just genuinely love playing.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Yes!! I want to keep doing music in any capacity that I can. I'm planning to continue playing in ensembles, in the Reed orchestra or a chamber group if possible.”
Sebastian, viola
Elemental Music programs: Elemental Strings, Academy Strings, Academy Philharmonic, Chamber Music Institute
Attending Harvey Mudd College with the intention to declare a major in engineering
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Stick with it! If you practice, you’ll improve. If you improve, you’ll play with more advanced musicians. If you play with more advanced musicians, you’ll play better music. If you play better music you’ll have more fun! If you have more fun, you’ll practice… Making music is such a joy and one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Music means everything to me. Since joining the program as an elementary schooler, I’ve grown with the community through middle school and high school and have gained crucial skills in perseverance, communication, hard work, leadership, and service. Mentoring younger students in the program is so fun and I always love exploring the magic of musicking.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Yes, I plan to play music in college and ideally forever.”
Anything else you’d like to add? “I would like to thank the Elemental Music Program leadership and staff for their dedication to this important program—one that has contributed significantly to who I am today. I hope to always share the power of music and make people feel like they belong.”