OCTOBER 2024
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A NOTE FROM JANE
Fall at ELM generally buzzes with the excitement of a new year and this one has been no different. In fact, these past few weeks have been especially exciting. This is largely due to the welcome influx of 20 new bright-eyed wind and brass students who began their ELM journey to and through college this September. While they are learning to play their first notes on their trumpets, trombones, flutes, and clarinets, they will be ready to perform in their very first ELM concert on December 15th. An exciting occurrence to be sure. We hope you will join us.
In this issue of our News & Notes, we welcome two new faculty members, interview an ELM student who completed an internship with the SF Park Conservancy, and share information about our first annual ELM Family Fiesta.
Here you can also learn about opportunities to deepen your connection with ELM as a volunteer reading buddy, sing with us at the annual Dios de Los Muertos celebration, and join us for our Fall Open House tour.
As always, thank you for supporting our students, our programs, and our mission.
Warmly,
Jane
Jane Kramer, PhD, Founder and Executive Director
P.S. Please contact me for a tour and to learn how you can support ELM.
WELCOME ZOE & GARY!
We are overjoyed to welcome two new ELM teaching artists – violinist Zöe Merrill and trombonist Gary Jones. We asked them to tell us what delights them most about being part of ELM.
Zöe Merrill, Violin
"I'm delighted to be part of such a welcoming, positive, and tight-knit community that includes ELM students and their families, fellow teachers, staff, board members, and community supporters. I'm excited to continue to get to know everyone involved in ELM."
Gary Jones, Trombone
“The most delightful part of teaching at ELM is the smile on my students’ faces when they figure out a new skill. I never have felt more proud than the first time my beginners learned 'Hot Cross Buns'!"
STUDENT CONNECTIONS
20 young students start their ELM journey
This summer, ELM enrolled a cohort of 20 young students for our wind and brass program. The students came to ELM for a few hours over a period of two weeks to meet the teachers, explore the instruments (flute, clarinet, trumpet and trombone), and then choose their preferred instrument.
While students were in class, Sara, our parent coordinator, hosted a parent orientation that reviewed the details and requirements of the music program (4 days a week including Saturday, the importance of attendance, and the 10 year commitment), introduced our ‘reading buddy’ program and our other programs that will support their children in becoming confident, resilient, and conscientious students ready for college and/or a career of their choosing.
Reading Buddies continues to make an impact on reading scores
Our Reading Buddies program is underway! Our volunteer buddies started several weeks ago with their reading partners. We are fortunate to have enough buddies to read with students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. Claudia has done an amazing job building out the ELM library and helping students choose books that are both fun and challenging. We have also started a 5th grade “book club,” where ten students and two ELM staff members read together and have discussions about the story to support their reading comprehension skills.
FAMILY FUN WITH ELM
On September 21, ELM celebrated the new school year with our first annual Fiesta de la Familia. The community joined together to eat, dance, play games, and even play a little music. We could not have done this without the leadership of ELM Board member Rita Escajadillo, her committee, and all the volunteers who helped make this amazing event come to life.
Día de los Muertos
Please join the ELM Chorus at Pickleweed Park on Saturday, November 2nd at 5:00pm for their performance at the Day of the Dead celebrations. We invite everyone from the community to attend.
ELM SPOTLIGHT
Summer Student Spotlight: An Environmental Internship
ELM student Angelica Calderon’s experience last summer with Deer Hill Expeditions - a three-week adventure camp in Colorado - inspired her to explore environmental work this summer. With ELM’s support, she applied (and was accepted) to the Parks Conservancy LINC (Linking Individuals to their Natural Community) Internship.
Read more about Angelica’s internship experience.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES & EVENTS
October 26
Fall Open House
10:30am - 12:00 PM
Venetia Valley School, San Rafael
Want to experience ELM in action? On Saturdays ELM students come together to rehearse in their orchestra. Join us to see ELM students practice, watch our amazing teachers instruct, and meet the ELM community.
November 17
Fall Chamber Music Concert
3:00 - 5:00 PM
Sweetwater Music Hall
Registration coming soon.
December 15
Winter Concert
Showcase Theater, San Rafael
Pre-Orchestra & Sinfonia Ensembles
1:00 - 2:00 PM
Intermezzo & elmYO Orchestras
4:30 - 5:30 PM
Registration coming soon.
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ELM provides youth with an immersive music education that empowers them to pursue their dreams and access resources they need to succeed in life.