FORWARD
A Note from Beth Elliott,
Founder and Artistic Director
When I started Kadima over forty years ago, I wanted to create a place where young people could become better musicians by learning and playing together.
That idea has never changed.
If you’ve spent any time with me, you’ve probably heard me say, “The only color we don’t do is the color of not practicing.” Everyone laughs, but they also know I mean it.
I’ve always believed that you should find something you love and really commit to it. Work at it. See how far you can go. I have high expectations for our students because I know what they are capable of. I expect them to practice, to come prepared, to listen, and to give something to the people playing alongside them.
At Kadima, no one succeeds alone.
“Music is meant to be shared.” -Beth Elliott
Side-by-side learning has always been an important part of what we do. Younger musicians learn from older ones. Students learn from an extraordinary faculty who care about them and expect a lot from them. And everyone learns what it means to be part of an ensemble. We listen to each other, we support each other, and we get better together.
I also believe that every young person who wants to make music should have the opportunity to do it. A child’s circumstances should never determine whether they get to discover what they are capable of. Bringing music to young people throughout our community, including through the outreach work of the Kadima String Quartet, is an important part of who we are.
Some of my proudest moments come when former Kadima students return as teachers. They grew up here, and now they are sharing what they learned with the students coming after them.
That is what I mean when I say, “You play and you pass it on.”
You pass on the music. You pass on what your teachers gave you. You help the person sitting next to you. And when that person gets better, you get better too.
“Every Rehearsal is Another Chance to Move Forward” -Beth Elliott
Kadima means forward, and that is what I want for every student who comes through our doors. Find something you love. Work at it. Keep learning. Help the people around you. And keep moving forward.
Of course I’m proud of the universities and conservatories our students attend and the musicians they become. But I’m just as proud of the people they become.
I’ve always thought of these kids as my kids. Watching them grow up, and then watching some of them come back to teach the next generation, means more to me than I can say.
Thank you for being part of Kadima.
You play. You pass it on.
Beth Elliott
Founder & Artistic Director