The Mission Statement of Manhattan Beach Elementary Strings

Every human being is born with musical potential. From the time we are born, our brain has a special inclination to recognize musical patterns and relationships. This seed of musical potential will be cultivated and grown through the learning of a string instrument.

Each student’s unique set of abilities and experiences will be valued in the music classroom. The acceptance and sharing of these experiences will help each student grow as a person and musician. Students will be challenged to be critical thinkers by engaging in dialogue about listening, performing, and creating music.

Music education provides a valuable opportunity for students to hear the world in new and different ways, represent their feelings through a non-verbal medium, and participate in the unique human experience that occurs while making music.

--Dan Mollick, orchestra teacher