Music and Nature together is the best therapy for anything. The San Francisco Community Music Center in the Mission has both of these. I have been a student at this wonderful music school for many years and each  individual year my music becomes better and the plants and flowers grow larger and brighter.  When one begins to walk on the steps of the school, one’s ears are covered in beautiful music and one’s view is greeted with vines and gorgeous plants glazing the light green paint of the Victorian house that is the school building. This place brings tranquility to the
stress of everyday life.

After school, when my classes take place, I usually am drained to the bottom of my feet, only having enough energy to carry the electric Bass strapped over my right shoulder.  However, after stepping off of the MUNI bus and being surrounded by city sounds, my personal engine is completely refilled to the very last drop and replenished after being in my Music class.

At the Community Music Center, I see students of every age, ethnicity, and race, each person’s face looking happy. The teachers and staff are dedicated and caring.  Here, I learned how to play the violin, the electric bass, and singing in the Children’s Choir.  My father and I enjoyed singing in the Christmas “Los Posadas” program. I am now learning to play the upright bass instrument.

For many years, the San Francisco Community Music Center has provided many opportunities to both grow as a musician and also as a human being.  It has taught me the C major scale and also how to treat the people around me with respect.  It has taught me how to be disciplined in achieving my goals in a fun and beneficial way.  I have brought each of these attained attributes and utilized it in my daily life. But the most important value this school has taught me is that Music is the best remedy.  It brightens my spirit and soothes my soul. The Community Music Center is a special gift to everyone in the community.

Like the beautiful plants and flowers that surround it, it is a Beautiful Garden that I am so grateful for.

The Community Music Center is celebrating its 90th Year!  I hope you and your family will visit this Beautiful Garden in our midst!

Minh Jeffrey Anh Le is a high school senior, and has been attending the San Francisco Community Music Center since elementary school.