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ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY - SAN GABRIEL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
MUSIC IMMERSION EXPERIENCE

Music Immersion Experience Overview December 2019
Please Scroll to the Intersession Camps section for Summer Camp!
Fundamental Period
Fundamental is a period that focuses on general music education and ensemble preparation for classes such as violin, band, and orchestra. These classes are where students learn their main instrument. Grades 1-3 focus on the violin. Grades 4 and 5 are able to choose band instruments (Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, or Trombone) or orchestra instruments (Violin or Cello). All of our TK, K, and SPED students will have their fundamental class before the end of their school day.
This is a music class that allows students to learn a secondary instrument, take a deeper dive into subjects like music theory, or use an alternative art form to use as a creative outlet.
About MIE
The Music Immersion Experience Program at Roosevelt Elementary School in San Gabriel is a tuition free, comprehensive music program provided for every student, every day at Roosevelt Elementary School in San Gabriel, California. The models of El Sistema, Harmony Project, The Conservatory Lab Charter School in Boston, as well as traditional, local programs, were used in the careful development of this program.
The MIE program consists of a "fundamental period," which all students participate in automatically, and an "elective period," which students in the 2nd-5th grade can optionally participate in. Starting with the 2022-2023 school year, there will be an additional "Extra MIE" time to provide structured care for students until 5pm daily. Currently the program serves 386 students in TK-5th Grade.
There are 18 part time Resident Artists and 3 Assistants currently on the MIE staff. The MIE program is administered by the SGUSD Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator, Samantha Theisen, and Roosevelt Elementary Principal, Cheryl Wilson. (See STAFF page for more info)
The Music Immersion Program at Roosevelt Elementary is supported by the San Gabriel Unified School District. SGUSD considers the subject of Music to be a vital part of our students' well rounded education, and it is greatly supported by the school district on all levels. Additional Support through a grant has been generously provided by the D'Addario Foundation.
For more information:
San Gabriel Unified: http://www.sgusd.k12.ca.us/
Roosevelt Elementary: http://roosevelt.sgusd.edlioschool.com/
MIE Extra
MIE extra classes provide a chance for students that stay later in the day to rotate as groups each trimester through more musical experiences and instruments, perform for their peers, explore other art forms, or take part in a physical activity.
Upcoming Events
Elective Concert: Piano and Handbells
April 16th at 2:00 PM
Roosevelt Elementary School
Elective Concert: Ukulele, Pre-Band, and Guitar
April 17th at 2:00 PM
Roosevelt Elementary School
Elective Concert: Composition and Songwriting Factory
April 24th at 3:15 PM
Roosevelt Elementary School
Elective Concert: Little Orchestra and Guitar
April 29th at 3:15 PM
Roosevelt Elementary School
Mariachi San Gabriel Cinco de Mayo Celebration
May 1st at 5:30 PM
Roosevelt Elementary School
Rock Fest 2025
May 8th at 5:30 PM
Roosevelt Elementary School
Dismissal Times
Grades 1-3
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Fundamental Only: 3:10pm
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Elective: 3:45pm
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MIE Extra: 4:45pm
Grades 4-5
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Fundamental Only: 3:45pm
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Elective: 4:45pm
Wednesday/Minimum Day Grades 1-5
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Fundamental Only: 1:50pm
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Elective: 2:45pm
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Jamboree and MIE Extra: 4:45pm
Jamboree
Jamboree is a performance based opportunity for students to build confidence and foster a sense of community. It is also a great way to expose them to a diverse range of musical genres and styles through performances by guest artists.
Meet The Team

Cristopher Aguilar
4th Grade Band, Mariachi, Music Theory, Art

Darvin Aguilar
SDC, TK, 1st Grade, Mariachi, Orchestra, Composition, Mariachi

Victor Burguan
Kinder, 3rd Grade, Pre-Rock Band, Rock Band, Music Exploration, Chess Club



Albert Burrola
Orchestra, Mariachi, Rock Band
Anthony Burrola
Orchestra, Guitar, Burrola Bash
Brian Cannady
Substitute

Robert Cartwright
Band, Music Exploration, Glee Club, Movie Music

Iwen Chuang
Kinder, 1st Grade, Piano

Jason Chavez
Band, Pre-Band, Rock Band, Chess Club

Veronica Fernandez
Health Clerk

Jordan Garcia
Assistant

Sara Jones
Site Coordinator

Christian Lomeli
SDC, 2nd Grade, Pre-Mariachi, Mariachi, Composition

Marwan Nassar
1st Grade, Camerata, Ukulele, Soccer Club

Alex Sotelo
2nd Grade, Guitar, Songwriting Factory, Book Club

Alida Lopez
Assistant

Jacob Olvera
Band, Percussion, Melody Magic, Book Club

Laura Tinoco
Assistant

Vanessa Martinez
Substitute

Erika Salas
2nd Grade, Pre-Mariachi, Mariachi, Little Orchestra, Glee Club

Angeline Tran
Lead Assistant

Michael Urquidi
TK, 3rd Grade, Handbells, Pre-Rock Band, Rock Band
Supporters
We are grateful to the following for their generous support of the MIE Program

The National Endowment for the Arts
The Music Immersion Experience Program is a proud recipient of a 2021 NEA Grant for Art Projects WEBSITE
D'Addario Foundation

The D'Addario Foundation has supported the MIE program since 2018 with a cash grant and music education products. We are so grateful to this phenomenal foundation and company! WEBSITE

J. Brown Violin Maker
All stringed instruments used by the MIE program were carefully selected, and set up by J Brown Violin Maker in Claremont, CA. The instruments were then provided at a deep discount to the program. The company has a long history of supporting music education. For more information, please visit their WEBSITE.

Guitar Center Foundation
2020 - Donation of over 30 instruments: Guitars, electric and acoustic guitars and bass guitars, amplifiers, tuners, and stands to support the MIE expansion to Del Mar High School. WEBSITE.
Instrument and Equipment Donations
A Very Special Thank You to the following people for their generous support of our program through instrument donations.
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Dr. Gary Scott, President, San Gabriel Unified School District Board of Directors Flute, and Trumpet, and trombone for the Roosevelt Band
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Dave and Anne Fruehling - Electric Guitar, Electric Bass,stands, and cables for the Roosevelt Rock Band

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Andrea Szeredy - Donation of over $9,000 worth of Instruments and musical equipment!
Contact the MIE Program
🎵 MIE Summer Camp 2025🎵
“Using Music to Make People”
MIE is not your average camp!
It’s a full Music Immersion Experience designed to help kids grow into confident, creative, and well-rounded individuals. For 10 years, we’ve been building community, character, and a love of music, one student at a time!
Camp Dates: June 9 – July 3
Location: Roosevelt Elementary School
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Breakfast and lunch provided)
Theme: Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns
Camp Fees: Free for ELOP-eligible students and $125/week for all others.
What Makes MIE So Special?
Music First
Every child makes music daily. MIE is centered around instrumental and vocal instruction that boosts creativity, focus, and confidence.
Well-Rounded Fun
Campers also enjoy art, movement, puzzles, and other hands-on classes that encourage learning through play and imagination.
More Than Classical
From violin and choir to rock band, mariachi, ukulele, and songwriting, kids get to explore different genres and instruments.
Why Families Love MIE:
MIE doesn’t just teach music—it builds confidence, collaboration, and critical thinking. We’re “Using Music to Make People” by nurturing well-rounded, thoughtful, and creative individuals.
What Families Are Saying:
"Music is a valuable skill that not every parent is capable of providing for their child. MIE makes it possible." - MIE Parent, 2024
"I think it’s very good. All teachers are great. The kids really enjoy MIE."- MIE Parent, 2025
"I love the work you do. Please keep it up!" - MIE Parent, 2024
"Great program for kids to experiment and learn music." - MIE Parent, 2025
👉 Ready to Register?
There’s plenty of space, but don’t wait—get your spot today!
📩 Have questions? Reach out to Site Coordinator Sara Jones at: jonessa@sgusd.net
