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 2025 – our largest senior class yet – 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!
ASHLEY, OBOE
Elemental Music programs: Encore
Attending UC Riverside to major in biology
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Have fun and make time to practice your instrument. Even practicing for 15 minutes makes a difference. Remember that your teachers want to help, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help - they’re there to support and guide you.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Music has helped me grow, both as a musician and a person. My private lessons gave me confidence and pushed me to take my playing more seriously while also having fun. The support and patience from my teacher made me enjoy playing my instrument and feel proud of my progress.”"
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “I won’t be playing oboe anymore since it was a borrowed instrument from my school, but the experience has been valuable to me. I’ve learned so much through playing and taking private lessons, and I know the skills and lessons will stay with me and help me in other parts of my life.”
Anything else you’d like to add? “I’m thankful for the opportunity to be part of Elemental Music and for the support from the teachers and faculty.”
DANNY, TRUMPET
Elemental Music programs: Elemental Band, Encore
Attending Santa Monica College to major in sports medicine
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Learn to play as many instruments as you can and practice more than you think you should. It's fun!”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “It's been a gift!! I love music. I love the fact that I can play & create music. It's another language and a superpower.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Definitely! I am going to continue playing in college and possibly minor in music.”
Anything else you’d like to add? “I am very grateful to have had all of the opportunities that Elemental has given me. I've been able to be a part of many bands, concert band, brass band, marching band, Wind Symphony, and Mariachi. I want to thank EVERYONE who is a part of this AMAZING program. I want to thank my teacher, John Cross, who has been teaching me since the fourth grade and who is now teaching my little brother trombone.”
ELLE, VIOLA
Elemental Music programs: Encore
Attending San Diego State, Weber Honors College, to major in English and political science
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Get involved with your orchestra and music friends! Making connections and finding family in the people you play music with is what will help you connect to the music you are playing. I am so grateful that I got to play incredible music these past years, but it would not have been nearly as amazing without the friendships I made.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “I haven’t been at Elemental Music for very long, but in the few months I have been, I have grown to love it so much. The instruction I received here was wonderful, and my playing improved exponentially. It is such a wonderful, impactful musical community and I feel lucky to have been a part of it.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Yes!! I intend to audition for the SDSU orchestra in the fall. I can’t wait to explore new avenues in music in such a different environment than I’m used to.”
Eliana, Cello
Elemental Music programs: Prelude, Elemental Strings, Academy Philharmonic, Chamber Music Institute, Encore
Attending UC Berkeley to major in political science
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? “I would tell young musicians to just live in the moment; be present. In life we’re always thinking ahead about what’s next and what we have to do, and with music, it’s when is the next concert, playing test, rehearsal. The music program was the best experience I was lucky enough to have, where I met some of my favorite people and made some of my best memories. It went by quicker than I expected, so rather than stressing, my advice would simply be to just cherish every moment while it lasts.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “To me, Elemental Music has meant community. It’s always nice to go to rehearsals with people I’ve known for multiple years, where we grow together as musicians and individuals, thanks to the many opportunities Elemental provides through its multiple ensembles.”
Anything else you’d like to add? “Yes, definitely!”
EMILY, VIOLA
Elemental Music programs: Prelude, Elemental Strings, Academy Philharmonic, Chamber Music Institute, Encore
Attending UC Santa Barbara to double major in viola performance and applied mathematics
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “You know, practicing…insane idea, but kinda helps when you do it. So maybe do it even if it’s only a little bit. Might save your life and keep teachers from calling you out.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “A lot. Okay but genuinely so so much. Without realizing it, it built up my identity and created a passion I had no idea existed. A love for music that made me brave enough to decide I would major in something that makes me happy and not only on something that’s safe. Honestly no amount of words can express how much Elemental Music means to me and what it has given me. I’ve met some of my absolute favorite people and have gotten the opportunity to play amazing things. Unfortunately it has meant the world to me and I am so sad that I’ll be away from it but I’ll try my best to show up to everything I possibly can, to support it as much as it has supported me.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Yeah… I mean hopefully since I’m majoring in music.”
Anything else you’d like to add? “The kitchen at Elemental Music is amazing - might want to check it out.”
EMILY, CELLO
Elemental Music programs: Elemental Strings, Academy Philharmonic, Encore
Attending UC Santa Cruz to major in pre-med psychiatry
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Practice as much as you can. Looking back now, I wish I had more time in all of these amazing programs!”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Music has given me the chance to be as good as all of the other musicians who might have had external lessons. Elemental Music has made orchestra an equal playing field.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Yes! I will play music in the Santa Cruz orchestra!”
Anything else you’d like to add? “Thank you to Ms. Betsy Retting for always pushing me to be better!”
GRACE, CEllo
Elemental Music programs: Academy Philharmonic, Chamber Music Institute
Attending Santa Monica College to major in communications
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Practice! And comparison is the thief of joy.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Music has allowed me to discover new types of music, and has led me to make new friendships.”"
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Yes, I plan to join the SMC Orchestra and the LMU Orchestra when I transfer.”
Henry, Violin
Elemental Music programs: Elemental Strings, Academy Philharmonic, 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? “Don’t quit until at least sophomore year.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? ““Friends. Fun. Music. Learning. Like, all the things. Also, snacks.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “I will keep music in my life for hopefully the entirety of it. I love playing violin, and I never really want to stop.”
KARINA, Violin
Elemental Music programs: Prelude, Elemental Strings, Chamber Music Institute, Encore
Attending UC Berkeley to major in English
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Find a community and friends who make you want to pursue music. It makes all the tedious parts of practice worth it.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Music means a lot to me because it’s given me an encouraging space to learn and grow as a musician. There were many times when I thought of quitting music, but the teachers and students at Elemental would constantly push me to keep going. This not only made me a better musician, but helped me make lots of friends who I cherish deeply.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “I will try my best to play music after high school, even if it’s just once or twice a month.”
Anything else you’d like to add? “Thank you so much to Emily Call for being my teacher for all these years, I wouldn’t have wanted to be taught by anyone else.”
Nicole, Guitar & Violin
Elemental Music programs: Elemental Guitar, Academy Philharmonic, Chamber Music Institute, Scholarship Lesson Program
Attending UC Berkeley to major in political science and music
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Stay passionate and don’t be afraid to express yourself through your music. It’s okay to have bad days—just keep playing. The love for music grows stronger with time.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Music has been more than just a music program for me, it’s been a community, a place where I’ve grown not only as a musician but also as a person. It gave me the confidence to take my playing to the next level and reminded me why I love music in the first place. All the teachers I had believed in me, pushed me to improve, and supported me through my musical journey. I’m really thankful for all it’s done for me.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Definitely. Music is a huge part of who I am and I don’t see that ever changing.”
NYLAH, CELLO
Elemental Music programs: Encore
Attending Howard University to major in biology
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Practice makes you better and even when it doesn't seem like you're improving, the results will show if you keep practicing.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Music has given me the opportunity to further my abilities playing the cello and has allowed me to learn things I wouldn't have if I wasn't a part of it.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “I definitely think I will keep music in my life after high school graduation. If I have the opportunity, I would like to join a club or be a part of an orchestra.”
ROEN, OBOE
Elemental Music programs: Chamber Music Institute
Attending Dartmouth College to major in linguistics
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Heinrich Heine once said, ‘Where words leave off, music begins.’ Your relationship with music -- your ability to produce it and express its message to others -- is precious and one you should never stop cultivating. Keep your passion for music alive, and remember that making music is not solely about perfect technique -- it's about preserving our musicality to convey the words we cannot say.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “I joined Elemental Music’s Chamber Music Institute to throw myself into a completely new type of ensemble. Chamber music was unfamiliar, and performing without a conductor seemed nearly impossible at the start of my year. However, no matter how difficult our first rehearsals were, CMI taught me invaluable skills as a musician. To me, Elemental Music means pushing myself to new heights, and I am so grateful for every opportunity CMI provided.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Yes!”
Rose, Cello
Elemental Music programs: Academy Philharmonic, Chamber Music Institute
Attending UC Santa Barbara to major in cello performance
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “When you're practicing, and especially when you're performing, make sure you recognize that the music you're playing is far more than just the notes and rhythms. Always remember that you're ‘playing’ music, and make sure you put some emotion into everything you play, even if it's just a scale.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “I've made so many good friends who (hopefully) I'll be able to stay connected with at college and beyond! I've grown so much during my years here, not only as a musician, but as a person as well. I've also loved being in the Chamber Music Institute and getting to play music I don't normally get to play - especially this year with the more contemporary focus. I really hope I can stay in touch with all the people I've met here.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Of course! I want to bring the joy music has brought me to others in my life.”
Anything else you’d like to add? “I want to thank Dr. Jo, Emily Call, and my teacher, Betsy Rettig, for being so supportive of me and helping me so much on my journey. I couldn't have done it on my own, and you all made my dreams possible. Thank you all so much!”
Ryan, Violin
Elemental Music programs: Elemental Strings, Encore
Attending Cal State LA to major in music technology
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Stay consistent and progress isn’t always linear, or quick.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “To me, Elemental Music has meant growth, and learning how to express myself through music. I would not be the musician I am today without Elemental Music.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Yes!”
Anything else you’d like to add? “Wish me luck in my music production career! 🙏🏾“
Salomón, Violin
Elemental Music programs: Elemental Strings, Chamber Music Institute
Attending University of Southern California to major in urban studies and planning
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Find ways to make music fun! Whether that means playing chamber music with friends or finding a solo piece that you really enjoy, you'll improve much faster if you're having a good time. And the better you get, the more fun it becomes—it’s a cycle that keeps building.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Strings was my first introduction to ensemble playing, and the skills I gained there have stayed with me ever since. It was also through Elemental Music that I met some of my closest friends—musicians I still have the joy of playing with today.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Of course! I plan on having a minor in violin.”
Anything else you’d like to add? “Jump at any opportunity to play chamber music or to join a chamber group. It pushes you to develop different skills than in orchestra like leading, listening closely, and making decisions as a team. It's also just a lot of fun. Some of my favorite musical moments have been in chamber rehearsals, simply enjoying the music with friends.”
Sophia, Viola
Elemental Music programs: Prelude, Elemental Strings, Academy Philharmonic, Chamber Music Institute, Encore
Attending Cal Poly Pomona to major in English and communications
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Never give up and practice!”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Music has meant so much to me. I met some of my closest friends through this program and have learned many heartfelt lessons throughout from teachers who have tremendously helped me grow as a person and a musician. Elemental Music has a special place in my heart as it has helped me become who I am today. I will always cherish the after-school/Saturday rehearsals and the memories I have made along the way.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Yes! I plan on joining an orchestra in college (and maybe choir)!”
Tessa, Flute
Elemental Music programs: Chamber Music Institute
Attending UC Berkeley to major in political science and linguistics
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Enjoy the process of making music instead of just focusing on an end goal and use others to inspire you instead of comparing!”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “It has been a great experience to join a chamber group and I’m so glad I was able to participate even if it was for only one year! I loved the opportunity to play in a small trio and play modern styles of music and everyone was so friendly!”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Yes I will definitely be bringing my flute with me to college. I'm excited to join more ensembles and see where else music takes me!”
Zach, Clarinet
Elemental Music programs: Elemental Band, Academy Philharmonic, Chamber Music Institute
Attending UCLA to major in neuroscience
Before you graduate, do you have any words of wisdom for the young musicians in our programs? “Know why music matters to you. Connect with others and explore the large variety of music out there.”
What has Elemental Music meant to you? “Elemental Music has been a source of friendship and growth that I am very thankful for. I have made amazing friends, grown as a musician and person, and established a life-long love for music.”
Do you think you will keep music in your life after high school graduation? “Hopefully! But probably in an extracurricular way. It will be difficult to manage another major or minor in music.”
Anything else you’d like to add? “Thank you, Elemental Music!”