The end of the school year 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 enrolled in our programs – many of whom we have known since they were in elementary school.
Making up our Elemental Music Class of 2024 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!
IZABELLA, SAXOPHONE
Elemental Music programs: Encore, Elemental Strings, Elemental Band, Elemental Guitar
Attending California State University Long Beach with an undecided major
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Don’t get discouraged by a few setbacks. Mastery takes time and practice. You should always express yourself because music is a form of communication. One music piece can tell a whole story.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Music has taught me to persevere, whether I was playing the saxophone, guitar, or viola. Without Elemental Music, I wouldn’t be where I am today. These private lessons and classes have helped me in my journey as alto sax marching band section leader, in jazz band, and in wind ensemble.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “I will keep music in my life after high school graduation whether it’s in a jazz band, concert band, marching band, or even playing just for fun.”
Jade, Violin
Elemental Music programs: Encore
Attending the California State University Long Beach to major in education and minor in music
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Never give up no matter how hard it may seem. Continue to practice your instrument and be amazing musicians.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Music has meant a great deal to me. Ever since I was a kid, I've been a part of Encore. My teachers have helped me not only become a better musician, but also a better version of myself. This program has helped shape my life in a variety of ways. It has also helped me grow as a musician and person. I have learned so many things, from different bow techniques to accountability – all the way to how to express myself through music. This program has given me the opportunity to help me improve my violin and music skills. I will forever be thankful for this program!”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “I am going to keep music in my life, as I hope to gain a minor in music and continue playing my instrument in an orchestra and just for fun.”
Anything else you’d like to add? “Thank you so much to everyone for making this program possible. A special thank you to Emily Senchuk and Susan Feldman for supporting me throughout this journey and helping me become a phenomenal musician. This program has had a huge impact on my life and I will never forget the memories and lessons I have learned. It has inspired me, and will continue to inspire many more kids! I would not be who I am today without this program in my life! ☺️ ”
JÓIA, Bass
Elemental Music programs: Prelude, Elemental Strings, Chamber Music Institute, Encore
Attending Idyllwild Arts Academy for a post-grad year studying bass performance, with A Plan to attend music conservatory in the following year.
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Practice…your…Instruments!!!! We all know it isn’t always fun, but you will thank yourself later!”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Music has meant a community and a place to create beautiful music with beautiful people! From when I was in Prelude all the way up until now, Elemental Music has been a consistent and familiar place to come back to. When I think back to when I was a little fourth grader in Prelude, I have a deep appreciation for how far Elemental Music has been able to take me. It is so hard to have to leave behind my music family of so many years, but I will keep all of the lessons that I have learned close to me forever!"”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Absolutely! I will definitely keep music in my life after graduation. I plan on doing it forever!”
Anything else you’d like to add? “HUGE thank you’s to everyone in Elemental Music who has helped me grow as a musician and also as a person. I’ll miss you guys!”
Lila, Flute
Elemental Music programs: Elemental Band, Encore
Attending Santa Clara University to major in communications with a minor in psychology
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Music is your secret friend! It brings happiness and relaxation. Music actually helps you in school - it develops your mind. Even in the moments where playing an instrument feels challenging, you should stick with it because the outcome is always worth the work.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “For me personally, music has been a healthy emotional outlet – an amazing way to “vent”. Music has helped my creativity to flourish. Refining my skills on the flute specifically has made me more knowledgeable about music universally.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Yes, I will absolutely keep music in my life after graduation. Music has always been an important part of my life. It has given me a hobby that’s evolved into a recognized talent – something that’s given me pride.”
Anything else you’d like to add? “Music is a universal form of communication – it transcends language barriers and brings people together. Music is energy – music is art – music is life.”
Mariana, Violin
Elemental Music programs: Prelude, Elemental Strings, Academy Philharmonic, Chamber Music Institute, Encore
Attending California State University Long Beach to major in nursing
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Success doesn't just come from raw talent, but from dedication and a willingness to learn and grow. Keep believing in yourself and even though something gets hard, keep going because the end result can be beautiful.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? ““It has meant everything to me, it encouraged my musical journey and progress. I wouldn't be where I am today without their support and kindness. At first I did want to give up, but they helped ignite my fire again.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Yes.”
MOLLY, VIOLIN
Elemental Music programs: Elemental Strings, Academy Philharmonic, Chamber Music Institute
Attending Seguinland Institute for a gap semester and then starting at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia to major in film production
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Don’t be afraid to talk to people in your different groups because everyone is really nice and it makes rehearsals so much more fun!”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Music has meant so much to me! It’s helped me grow so much as a musician but also as a person - I’ve made so many meaningful memories and connections with people through Elemental Music that I am so grateful for!”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Yes! I’m definitely going to keep listening to music, playing violin, and going to concerts for the rest of my life!”
Anything else you’d like to add? “Thank you so much for bringing so much joy into my life! I’m really going to miss Elemental Music!”
Naomi, CEllo
Elemental Music programs: Encore
Attending UC Santa Cruz to major in biology
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “You should continue with music and cherish every moment you have.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “I have met my amazing private teacher Ms. Little and we have connected in so many ways.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Yes.”
Yelena, Violin
Elemental Music programs: Chamber Music Institute, Encore
Attending UCLA to major in cognitive science
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Consider joining a chamber group! Being in a quartet has definitely helped me become a more attentive musician, and it is always fun to play music with friends. Additionally, try to seize every opportunity that comes around! Even if something seems like a challenge, try your best to approach it with an open mind, as this can lead to valuable experiences and new horizons in your musical journey.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “The Elemental Music program has been such an important part of my musical career, and I'm so grateful for the chance to have participated in it. Being a part of Elemental Music has helped me develop a strong passion for music and my instrument, while also acquiring valuable insights and skills. Beyond the musical aspect, it has provided me with opportunities to learn from talented musicians and build new friendships. Above all, it has created a supportive environment where musicians can share their passion for playing, making it a truly rewarding experience.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Absolutely! Music will always be a part of my life, and I look forward to joining musical ensembles in college and beyond.”
Zee, Violin
Elemental Music programs: Prelude, Elemental Strings, Academy Philharmonic, Chamber Music Institute, Encore
Attending California State University Long Beach to double major in music education and music performance
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Just do it! You learn so much more by trying something out and making mistakes than you do worrying about messing up and hesitating. Once you stop being afraid of making mistakes you realize that having fun is just another way of feeling confident.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “It’s hard to put into words just how much Elemental Music means to me. I have always found a place of community and support in Elemental Music. The variety of different programs and people behind each one have enabled me to take every step into my future with full confidence. I’ve made so many friends with musicians my age, parents, teachers, and mentors along the way. To me, Elemental Music is a place where my dreams were seen and nurtured no matter what path they took. Thank you to the Elemental Music family for raising me from grades 4-12 as both as a musician and as an active member of my community— these have been the best past 8 years of my life. There is no better word for Elemental Music than ‘home.’”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “I hope to have an impact on others the same way Elemental Music did for me as I become a music teacher in the future.”
Anything else you’d like to add? “Thank you to all of the wonderful staff and teachers who have helped me and supported me for all these years. No matter what event it was or what program I was in, there was never a shortage of people who were there to help me do my best. I would not be the person I am today without the impact of Elemental Music in my life. It’s a program that changes lives, and I am so very grateful to have been a part of it for the past 8 years. Thank you for the music and the memories.”