It was standing room only on a recent Tuesday morning when 126 second-graders took the Monte Vista Elementary School stage to sing for students and parents. The students were led by music teacher Ann Kleinsasser who also accompanied on piano. They performed songs such as “Erie Canal,” “Land of the Silver Birch,” “We Are the Rain in the Rainbow” and three-part round, “Soda Pop.” The music concert showcased what the young students learned from “Mrs. K” in weekly music lessons during the school year. Kleinsasser teaches rhythm, dynamics, notation, pitch and musicality.

Kleinsasser has taught music to Monte Vista students for eight years. Due to a generous grant from the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, Kleinsasser will be able to continue working with the youngsters. The grant supports the school’s primary music program, which is led by Kleinsasser in kindergarten through second grade. The program also provides recorder lessons for third-graders.