Mandarins Music Academy

Music Director Spotlight: Kamden Riley

I started my own music journey in my elementary school band playing the clarinet. I owe much of my current happiness and stability to the slew of band directors that I had the pleasure of learning from in my past. Opportunities such as jazz band, marching band, winter performance groups, and many more have left deep impressions in my mind. When it came time to think about careers, there was only one thing I found satisfactory. To repay the next generation and pass on the wonder and personal expression that I was given by my directors. I have taught elementary concert band, middle school concert band, and high school marching band for the last four years as I pursue my degree in music education. I graduate this Spring and plan to begin working full time in a music classroom next school year.

The Laguna Creek HS Bandtasmic Regional Band Day was a wonderful event! We are so proud of all the current and former Mandarins Music Academy students who performed that day! They were really enjoying making music with the "older" kids.
Special thanks to directors Jeffrey Edom, Ariann Guntvedt, and Robert Holm. Keep up the great work, everyone!

Looking forward to the Mandarins Music Academy Honor Band on Sunday, April 19. Save the date.

Music Director Spotlight: Lillian Guerrero

"My name is Lillian Guerrero and I’m currently a music education major at American River College. I am from Redding California and only recently moved to Sacramento a year and a half ago. I first started playing music in 5th grade on the alto saxophone and quickly took to many other wind instruments throughout middle school. Becoming a teacher, a good one, is very important to me because in times where I was young and couldn’t find very many friends, my band teacher was my best friend. Music gave me an emotional outlet and made me feel like I could finally commit myself to something and be good! It helped my confidence, social skills, and leadership abilities.

When I entered high school, I found a new love for jazz music and committed myself to the trombone after many years of concert trumpet. Since moving to Sacramento, I’ve met a plethora of musicians and played with many ensembles! I love the opportunity I have here and Mandarins Music Academy has provided me a place to truly start sharing my passion and love for music and I am eternally grateful for that."

MMA Director Spotlight: Hunter Dalton

"I have been in music programs myself for the last 8 years. I started off in beginning band my 7th grade year playing Euphonium, quickly switched over to playing Tuba, and I have continued learning new instruments since. Throughout my years in middle school and high school, I participated in multiple regional honor bands, as well as California All State Concert Band my senior year. I am now in my second year of college; I am attending Sacramento State for a degree in Music Education and Tuba performance. Outside of the school setting, I am also part of a local band called Someone You Can Call which recently hit 100,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Creating and releasing music on streaming platforms and social medias has shown me a different side of music which I have truly grown to love.

I currently teach at John Ehrhardt Elementary and Pleasant Grove Elementary. Teaching with Mandarins Music Academy has been one of the clear highlights of my musical journey. Helping young students achieve their goals and discover their passions, just as my teachers have done with me 8 years ago, is an incredibly rewarding feeling. I hope to have as meaningful of an impact on my students as my teachers had on me."

MMA Director Spotlight: Eddy Oleynik

"I have been enjoying music for most of my life. I was born into a musical family due to my grandpa, who started his own orchestra in Ukraine. My mom raised me to play piano starting at 5, and I pursued my musical goals through college at Sacramento State, where I was part of the Jazz program. I have since been performing professionally, directing band programs, and teaching private lessons.

I especially love teaching at schools like Zehnder Ranch, where I get to provide students with a space to learn and pursue their goals. Many of these students have eagerly waited to be accepted into the program and quickly thrive due to their passion. I also share their excitement and look forward to showing off their skills in one of our end-of-the-year concerts!"

MMA Director Spotlight: Jayden McCain

“I’m a Sacramento-based saxophonist, composer, and music leader, and my music lives at the intersection of jazz tradition and modern storytelling. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to perform at concerts, festivals, and venues across California, bringing energy and connection to every stage I step on.

Alongside performing, I’m passionate about composing and teaching. I’ve written original works that reflect my own experiences and the collaborations I’ve built within the Sac music community. I teach at McGarvey Elementary through the Mandarins Music Academy, where I have the opportunity to guide and inspire the next generation of musicians.”

The Mandarins Music Academy has an exciting opportunity this summer! Please follow the QR code, or the link in our bio, to fill out an interest form. We would love to have our MMA students join us for 2 weeks at our exciting new day camp at the Mandarins Event Center!

Our MMA students and Music Directors had so much fun this past Sunday at our Spring Music Festival! Thank you to our students and staff, who contributed their time and hard work, especially our guest conductors Jeff Edom and Robert Holm, to putting on this incredible show with our special guests, the Immortal Winds! 🎶

(We may have outdone ABBA with our rendition of Mamma Mia)

We are excited to announce our next event, the Spring Music Festival! The application is now open and the deadline is March 30th. Please ensure your child is a 1st degree blue belt or higher before applying. Follow the link in our bio for more information!

In addition to having band classes in every EGUSD elementary school, we also have a general music program at the Jessie Baker School! Students learn basic rhythms, listen to music, as well as play percussion instruments such as tambourines, glockenspiels, boomwhackers, frame drums and more! Thank you to the Jessie Baker School staff for welcoming us onto campus every week and supporting our goal to bring the gift of music to as many children as possible.

Attention MMA band families! The Sacramento Mandarins will be hosting a brunch to celebrate their birthday on Saturday, March 22nd! Follow the link in our bio to buy tickets. Seats fill up fast, so be sure to snag your tickets soon to participate in this celebratory event!