Music: A tradition of youth music education has hit the 20-year mark in Santa Monica, as Elemental Music’s wide range of student performers hit the Barnum Hall stage at Samohi March 9 for a 20th Anniversary Celebration Concert. The showcase featured 300 musicians from Santa Monica and Westside LA, performing in ensembles for classical guitar, string orchestra, choir, concert band and full orchestra. All of Elemental’s choir programs came together for the show, with 100 students ages 5-10 singing on stage. A joint performance between Elemental Strings and Elemental Band featured 51 string and band students playing as a full orchestra for the first time. Another combined performance was between 45 string, wind and brass players aged 11-13, the program’s Academy Philharmonic, joining with award-winning Ballet Folklórico Flor de Mayo. Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock joined the program to present a commendation in honor of Elemental’s 20th anniversary season. More than 600 students receive instruction through Elemental during a typical school year, with the program also providing scholarships through its Scholarship Lesson Program. For more information, visit elementalmusic.org.
