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In this issue, we bring you exciting news about student milestones, new staff joining our team, and a volunteer highlight.

A NOTE FROM JANE

Spring is here, and with it comes a season of growth, momentum, and celebration across ELM. It’s been an energizing few months, welcoming new faculty into our community, celebrating student milestones, and gathering together for moments that remind us just how special this community is.

One of the things I’m most excited about right now is what’s ahead for our space. As we look toward summer, we’re preparing for renovations that will transform our new home into a true music center with improved acoustics and the ability to bring our full orchestra together for rehearsals in one place. It’s a big step forward for our students and for the future of ELM.

This time of year is also especially meaningful for our high school seniors, who are finalizing their college decisions—a milestone that reflects years of hard work, perseverance, and growth.

For our Spring Concert, elmYO has chosen to perform Danzón # 2 by Mexican composer Arturo Márquez.As an orchestral piece, Danzón #2 sits at the intersection of classical and Latin music and we will be performing it its entirety. For the performance, we will be joined by Bay Area musicians in a side-by-side. If you are in the Bay Area on June 7th, please join us to hear this wonderful capstone piece.

Thank you, as always, for being part of ELM—for your support, your presence, and your belief in our students. I look forward to celebrating all that’s ahead together.

Warmly,

Jane Kramer, PhD, Founder and Executive Director

P.S. Please contact me for a tour and to learn how you can support ELM.

STUDENT NEWS

Brayan Hits A High Note!

We are thrilled to celebrate an incredible milestone for one of our students, Brayan, who has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 D’Addario Foundation College Scholarship. This highly competitive national award provides up to $8,000 over the course of his college journey—an investment not only in his education, but in his future. Brayan’s dedication, perseverance, and commitment to his craft have been evident throughout his time at ELM, and this recognition is a powerful reflection of his hard work. As he steps into this next chapter, we couldn’t be more proud to see him continue to grow as both a musician and a leader. Brayan is the third ELM student to receive this award. Congratulations, Brayan!

FACULTY NEWS

Welcoming Jessie & Ana

It's been wonderful to have Jessie O’Hara Maestas, Music & Education Director and Ana Quintero, Violin Teaching Artist, as the newest members of our ELM family. Having recently relocated from El Paso, Texas where they worked with Tocando, an El Sistema program under the auspices of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, they’ve spent their first few months getting to know our students, families, and the broader Marin community. Their energy, artistry, and shared commitment to music education have already made a meaningful impact at ELM. We’re excited to their reflections on their transition to the Bay Area, their work with ELM students, and what inspires them as educators and musicians.

Since your move from El Paso in January, what have been some of the most surprising or meaningful moments as you’ve settled into life here in the Bay Area?

Jessie: I've spent my entire life in the desert Southwest, and experiencing new blooms, scents, and colors every week astounds me. The constant renewal that happens here is magical.

Ana: I am extremely happy to be close to a city as big as San Francisco. It feels like home, as I spent most of my life in a big city (Bogotá). I love being able to catch a train to enjoy the public spaces in such a vibrant community.

How has joining the ELM community—both in the classroom and musically—shaped your first few months, and what’s been especially inspiring so far?

Jessie: We knew it would be a challenge to establish a community, routines, and sense of "place" moving so far away. The ELM staff, teachers, and families have been so warm and welcoming. It's been such a joy to have this automatic sense of community.

Ana: It's great to work in a community of music educators who set such high goals for themselves and are accomplishing so much as artists. Everyone is really intentional, creative, and supportive.

As a musician and educator couple, how are you finding your rhythm here together—both professionally and personally—in a new community?

Of course we are both so interested in musical ongoings here, but we also love good food, comedy, interesting lectures, natural wonders, and community experiences. We've made time to experience cultural events in San Francisco like the Chinese New Year festival, been to independent movie theaters and musical performances in Berkeley, soaked in the magic of Point Reyes, enjoyed the San Rafael farmer's market, and already had too many good eats to count.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Volunteer Spotlight - Brian McLeran

The San Rafael Rotary Club has long been a champion of community, and in Brian, that spirit shines especially bright. Brian has brought an extraordinary level of dedication, skill, and heart to getting our new building ready for our students and helping our space become one that feels warm, welcoming, and worthy of the incredible young musicians who call it home. His work isn't just about walls and fixtures; it's about sending every ELM student a message that they belong here and that this community believes in their future. We simply can't thank him enough.

What inspired you to get involved with the San Rafael Rotary Club?

I first connected with Rotary through my roofing company’s commitment to supporting local nonprofits. After we donated a roof for a Rotary housing project, a colleague invited me to a meeting. I immediately found a like-minded community—and 35 years later, I’m still a proud member.

What drew you specifically to supporting ELM and the young musicians in the Canal neighborhood?

I was first introduced to ELM when Jane brought students to the Marin Forum, and I was immediately impressed. After attending the grand opening and later an ELM concert, I was deeply moved by the students’ growth and talent. Seeing their impact firsthand, I knew I wanted to get involved and support this incredible work.

When you're working on ELM projects, how does it feel knowing that your work directly creates a better environment for our students to learn, grow, and thrive?

Using my skills as a contractor to improve things in general is very satisfying. I have been a contractor for over 45 years and now that I’m retired, I look for projects that benefit children. I’m not a musician, but I do have skills to help make the learning environment more functional, so students have a place to learn, grow, and thrive.

If an ELM student walked up and asked you why you volunteer your time for them, what would you say?

I enjoy bringing my skills and experience to ELM so you’ll have the opportunity to develop your own skills and talent and give back to the community in your own way.

FAMILY FUN - FAMILY ENGAGEMENT AT ITS BEST!

Our ELM community came together for two joyful family celebrations this season, filled with connection, creativity, and fun.

Our Valentine’s Day celebration brought students and families together for an afternoon of music, laughter, and connection. Students and parents shared snacks, made crafts, and designed cards for their loved ones. The room was full of warmth as families spent time side by side, celebrating friendship, gratitude, and the spirit of community that makes ELM so special.

We continued the celebration into spring with our Easter gathering, where families enjoyed festive crafts, a lively Easter egg hunt, and a fun photo booth that captured the joy of the day. It was an opportunity for our community to come join together to celebrate the season.

These moments are a reminder that the relationships we build—on and off the stage—are at the heart of what we do.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

We are delighted to announce these upcoming events and would love for you to join us in celebrating the hard work, growth, and pride of our students—achievements made possible through your generous support. Purchase tickets here.

elmCATs Recital

May 3rd 2:00pm & 4:30pm / Reception to follow each concert
Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley

Spring Concerts

June 7th 3:30pm & 6:00pm / Reception to follow each concert
Mt. Tam United Methodist Church, Mill Valley

Marin County Fair Community Stage

July 2nd 1:00pm - 1:30pm (estimated)
Sinfonía Strings

Learn more about our events

April 2026

A NOTE FROM JANE