At the Mandarins, our core belief is that music education contributes greatly to the mental and social development of children. The mission of the Mandarins Music Academy is to “Give the Gift of Music” to as many children as possible in an equitable way. Music education and performance provide an emotional outlet of expression for the children that are needed more than ever.
The Mandarins Music Academy began in 2016. While many were advocating for music education at the state and federal level, the Mandarins took a more grass roots, entrepreneurial approach. Just start up band programs and help them grow. So we began with one cute little elementary school program with 11 students at Ehrhardt Elementary School in the Elk Grove Unified School District. The program doubled in the number of schools and children served every year… until COVID hit. We are pleased to reach an agreement with Elk Grove Unified School District to support band programs at all 42 elementary schools beginning in 2022. This program is anticipated to provide music education to over 1,100 students (100 times more students than when we began!)
Every student receives a Mandarins Music Academy t-shirt that they can wear for rehearsals or as a performance uniform.
The class is taught by a Mandarins Music Academy Music Director. They are responsible for teaching two one-hour sessions per week either before or after school. The Music Director is supported by our Music Advisors. These MA’s have an average of 30 years experience teaching in the classroom. They provide feedback and coaching on how the music directors can increase their effectiveness in the classroom.
MMA Black Belt Method
Music Academy Faculty
Special Needs Outreach
Beginning in the Fall of 2023, the Sacramento Mandarins Music Academy has been offering a general music class to students with special needs. The school is called the Jessie Baker School and is part of the Elk Grove Unified School District, the largest district in Northern California. There are approximately 160 students, ranging from 5 to 22 years old.
This program was started by Jim Tabuchi, who was at the time the President and CEO of the Sacramento Mandarins. Their mission is to "Transform Lives through Performing Arts". This is just one of the ways that the Mandarins achieve their mission. The idea behind this program is to give the gift of music by providing access to music and to focus on their abilities, rather than their disabilities. This idea was presented to Jennifer Wilbanks, EGUSD Director of Instructional Support, and she immediately agreed to the program.
MMA Music Director Positions Available
The Mandarins Music Academy is actively recruiting Music Directors to teach these elementary school programs. We are seeking music educators and musicians who are interested in a rewarding job giving the gift of music to the next generation of musicians.
Apply online with the MMA Music Director Application Form here.