The Elizabeth Mandell Music Institute (EMMI) is a renowned high school music program. In addition to the outstanding college preparatory academic offerings at Crossroads, EMMI students study music theory, harmony, analysis, counterpoint, rhythm and ear training at the conservatory/college level. Chamber Orchestra classes meet twice a week and culminate in four annual concerts. Chamber Music classes also meet twice a week, and ensembles are coached by prominent Los Angeles musicians, culminating in two concerts a year. Solo recitals are presented monthly.
Students participate in master classes given by leading American and international artists. EMMI incorporates creative elements into the program, including improvisation, composition techniques and arrangement. As part of EMMI’s progressive curriculum, students attend cross-genre workshops throughout the year, including blues and jazz, Celtic styles and Carnatic music. In harmony with the Crossroads philosophy of developing each student’s full human potential, EMMI students attend symposiums on topics ranging from physical wellness and injury prevention to musical entrepreneurship for the 21st century.
EMMI has performed at Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Bing Theater at USC and, most recently, at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Graduates of this outstanding program have gone on to prolific careers as concert masters, composers, opera singers and recording artists.
The Institute was named in honor of the late Elizabeth Heller Mandell, a Crossroads grandmother and parent of alumni as well as a former Trustee of the School.