Blue Bear
Spring 2016 Marina | SOMA | Noe Valley | Mid-Market | Mill Valley
It’s time to play!
camps that rock! sign up today! bluebearmusic.org/summercamp2016
Blue Bear Spring Quarter 2016 All Ages Private Lessons
Short Seminars 8
One-on-one instruction for kids and adults.
Teens, Kids & Toddlers
Adults Band Workshops
10
Join a 10-week student band workshop and perform at a nightclub in April!
Group Classes
29
A special week of one-night classes in between each quarter. Attend one free with your paid Member Fee!
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Guitar, vocals, ukulele, and more for beginning, intermediate, and advanced players.
Group Classes
30
After-school bands, voice, and instrument petting zoo!
Summer Camps
32
Weeklong music day camps in San Francisco.
All-Star Bands
36
Songwriting/Recording 28
Weekend band workshops for those serious about developing ensemble playing skills.
For those who prefer working on original music, songwriting, recording, and more.
Rockin’ music classes for infants and toddlers and their parent/caregiver.
About Us Why Blue Bear? From the Directors Spring Quarter Calendar Policies & Procedures Community Programs
2 4 6 7 9 44
Little Bears
38
Support 48 Gifts, Grants & Scholarships 50 Board of Trustees & Staff 55 Teacher Bios 56 General Info & Locations 62 Goings On 64 bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 1
About Us Adults Group Classes Blue Bear offers small group classes in guitar, voice, bass, ukulele, and music theory, run on an 11-week quarter system. They’re an affordable way to either start your adventures in music or enhance your skills and keep growing as a musician. See pages 14-27.
Band Workshops Band Workshops are the heart and soul of Blue Bear! Student bands rehearse for 10 weeks under the guidance of a professional musician and instructor and then perform a 40-minute set in a local San Francisco club. See pages 10-13.
Songwriting/ Recording For those who prefer working on original music or recording, Blue Bear’s Creating Music Program offers songwriting classes and individualized instruction that use our in-house recording facility, Studio Z. See page 28.
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Short Seminars Between quarters, Blue Bear offers Short Seminars, classes that only meet for one evening on a wide range of music topics. They are led by some of Blue Bear’s most popular teachers, along with special guest instructors. You can take one Short Seminar free with your annual membership fee. See page 29.
Private Lessons Blue Bear offers year-round private instruction on most instruments and voice, as well as music theory, composition, sight singing, ear training, and improvisation. Our students range from “square one” beginners both young and old, to serious musicians preparing themselves for study at places like Berklee College of Music and Musicians Institute. See page 8.
Teens, Kids & Toddlers Group Classes (ages 6 to 17)
Little Bears (ages 4 mos. to 5 yrs.)
Blue Bear offers after-school classes like Instrument Petting Zoo and Singing and Performance, as well as After School Rock Bands for tweens and teens who are already rockin’. See page 30.
Little Bears music classes are for the very young ones and their parent or caregiver. Our teachers are musicians who involve students in music through singing, rhythms, games, and movement to improve speech development, and motor skills as well as listening and concentration. See pages 38-43.
Summer Camps (ages 8 to 17) Blue Bear’s weeklong music day camps include rock band, guitar, voice, songwriting, and recording. See pages 32-35. All Star Bands (ages 11 to 17) Our youth All Star Band program is for young musicians in grades 6-12 who are serious about developing their musicianship and ensemble playing skills. All Star Bands rehearse on Saturdays and each band has the opportunity to play a live show three times during the year. See page 36.
Community Programs Blue Bear is a nonprofit organization committed to making a difference beyond the scope of our in-house programs. We partner with a variety of schools and community centers to provide free and low-cost youth music education. Most Blue Bear Community Programs are partially or fully underwritten by our generous supporters. See pages 44-47.
A local nonprofit arts organization. Blue Bear is a nonprofit organization founded in 1971. As the Bay Area’s preeminent school of rock, blues, jazz, folk, and other popular music styles, Blue Bear is a home for musicians of all skill levels and a place where each student’s unique talents and goals are recognized and supported. We are located at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco, with satellite locations at Lennon Studios in SOMA, at the Center for New Music in MidMarket, Noe Valley Ministry in Noe Valley, and at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley. Blue Bear also partners with local schools and community organizations to bring exciting music programs into the classroom. bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 3
Why Blue Bear? Students of all ages pursue music studies at Blue Bear, year after year. Here are a few reasons why.
Community Blue Bear welcomes everyone, whether you just want to play music for your own personal enjoyment or you’re seriously considering music as a career. Blue Bear unites people who are passionate about music. Many of our Band Workshops have spun off practice bands that continue to play together long after the end of the quarter. Some have even turned into regularly gigging bands. And of course, many friendships (and a few marriages) have begun in Blue Bear classes! Blue Bear fosters a casual and supportive atmosphere, free from the judgment, academic rigor, and competitiveness of some schools. Blue Bear has a strong track record. We’ve offered popular music instruction since 1971, so our programming reflects deep experience and lots of student feedback.
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Individualized Attention Blue Bear offers one-on-one consultations. As a new student, you’ll discuss your musical experience and goals with Program Director Dennis Criteser, who can answer your questions and work with you to determine which teachers and classes are best suited to your needs. Consultations are available whenever you have questions about what to do next. Blue Bear keeps class sizes small. Most of our guitar classes are limited to six or seven students. Voice classes that involve solo singing are usually limited to five or six, while most vocal technique classes are limited to eight. At these sizes, our teachers can give individual attention as needed.
Top Notch Teachers Blue Bear instructors are committed to teaching as a profession. Our teachers are here because they are dedicated to helping students meet their goals, not just to make some extra money on the side. And if a teacher you start with doesn’t seem like the right fit for you, it’s easy to notify our staff and request a different one.
Blue Bear provides flexible payment and scheduling options for private lessons. You can pay by the lesson, or prepay for four or ten lessons to get the lowest per-lesson rate. Refunds for unused lessons are available and you may cancel a lesson with two days’ advance notice. (Most schools don’t allow cancellations at all.)
Blue Bear teachers work as musicians. Our instructors are experts in their craft, with significant experience in all facets of the music industry (see pages 56-61).
Convenience Blue Bear has ample low-cost parking. Parking in the Fort Mason Center pay lot is easy and inexpensive, with free parking usually available nearby. If we know in advance that a Fort Mason Center event will make parking scarce, we’ll send you an e-mail alert.
When you consider Blue Bear’s unique benefits and affordable cost, it’s easy to see why many students continue their studies here for several years. bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 5
Spring Flowers Welcome to Spring at the Bear! As spring is the season of renewal, it might be a good time to renew your commitment to playing music. There is a dizzying list of benefits derived from studying music, but the sheer joy of playing has got to top the list! We have been using the Albus Dumbledore quote from Harry Potter for a while now: “Ah, music,” he said, wiping his eyes. “A magic beyond all we do here!” As magical as hearing music can be, it can’t approach the magic of playing music when you are “in the zone.” I know - studying music can be frustrating, it can be challenging, but the results are nothing short of amazing! Besides the magical, indescribable part of music creation comes the many more direct benefits of studying music. These include the personal attributes of patience, perseverance, selfdiscipline, concentration and empathy; the practical attributes of problem solving, strategizing and teamwork; the physical attributes of brain function and coordination; and the undeniable fact that playing music simply increases happiness! So, get in the zone! Play music. Relish the sound of your instrument or voice. Share your sounds along with your love of music and make a musical contribution to the great flowering of springtime! And as always, please join with us as we continue our tradition of changing lives through the transformational power of playing music!
Steve Savage Co-Founder and Executive Director
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It’s Time To Play Blue Bear’s mission is simple: to empower you to play the music you love. To that end we offer a broad selection of programs for aspiring and accomplished musicians of all ages. Our Little Bears classes, for ages 4 months to 5 years, are a wonderful introduction to the joys of music. For kids and teens we offer private lessons yearround, and during the school year our after-school and All Star bands are back in action. And now it’s time to think Summer Camps for your young rocker see page 32 for week-long day camps in songwriting, rock band, voice and guitar. For adults we have private lessons, band workshops, and group classes covering guitar, voice, ukulele, bass, theory, and songwriting. If you’re free one night April 4-7, check out one of our Band Showcases at the Beat Box, 314 11th St. in the City. You’ll see Blue Bear students in action as they show off ten weeks of hard work. While most programs take place at our main Fort Mason campus, you’ll find some program offerings in Noe Valley, SOMA and midMarket locations. Back in 1979 and 1980 I studied piano and sax at Blue Bear. The lessons learned and the musical connections made helped many a musical dream come true for me. My sincere hope is that you too will discover at Blue Bear a place to enter into music or to deepen your musical skills as part of a community of people making and learning music together.
Dennis Criteser General Manager/Program Director
spring QUARTER 2016 CALENDAR Winter Band Showcases April 4-7 Short Seminars April 4-7 Little Bears Classes April 11-July 3 (12 weeks) Kids Classes April 11-June 2 (8 weeks) Adult Classes April 11-June 27 (11 weeks) Band Workshops April 11-June 20 Spring Band Workshops Showcases June 27-30 Blue Bear is closed for Memorial Day, but open Saturday May 28 bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 7
private lessons
Private Lessons Blue Bear offers private instruction for students ages five years and up, on most instruments and voice, plus music theory, recording, songwriting, sightsinging, ear training, and improvisation. Our students range from “square-one” beginners to serious musicians preparing for study at elite music schools.
Prices, Payments & Schedules Start lessons anytime — just give us a call at 415.673.3600 to discuss teacher and scheduling options. • One-hour and half-hour lessons are available Monday through Thursday afternoons and evenings, and Saturdays during the daytime. • You can schedule one-hour lessons either weekly or every other week. • Purchase a 4-pack or 10-pack for a discounted rate. • Take a trial lesson with a teacher at the single-lesson rate. To continue, you must pay our annual $35 Member Fee.
Private Hours Most instruments Drums, Voice, Studio
1 lesson $65 $70
4 lessons $245 $265
10 lessons $570 $625
Private Half-Hours or Shared-with a-Friend Hours (per student) Most instruments Drums, Voice, Studio 8 Spring 2016 415.673.3600
1 lesson $37 $40
4 lessons $135 $145
10 lessons $315 $340
To drop your lessons
Private lesson refunds
We will reserve your spot on your teacher’s schedule until you tell us you want to discontinue your lessons, even when your lesson package ends. If you wish to stop, you must notify us at least two days before your next scheduled lesson. And just tell us if you’d like to try a different teacher or instrument anytime.
Any remaining lesson credit is refundable for one year after your last charged lesson. For partial refunds on a 4-pack or 10-pack discount package, charged lessons will be pro-rated at the next higher rate.
To cancel a lesson • Notify the desk in person. • Call the desk at 415.673.3600. • Email cancel@bluebearmusic.org. • Don’t cancel through your teacher.
For lessons canceled with two days’ notice, you will not be charged. Lessons canceled with less than two days’ notice will be charged in full so your teacher can be paid for the reserved time.
If your lesson is on: You need to notify desk by: Monday Saturday 3pm Tuesday Anytime Sunday (leave a message) Wednesday Monday 8pm Thursday Tuesday 8pm Friday Wednesday 8pm Saturday Thursday 8pm
If you are behind on tuition, we will ask you to catch up before confirming your next lesson. We may sometimes call to ask if you’re able to move your lesson time on a particular date. If the change is not convenient, feel free to keep your usual time.
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private lessons
Policies & Procedures
adult classes
Adult Band Workshops The heart and soul of Blue Bear! Our band workshops are student bands that rehearse and later perform a 40-minute set of material at a San Francisco club. Get placed in a band after a brief discussion with Program Director Dennis Criteser. You’ll help choose the songs the band plays, and an experienced professional will guide the rehearsals. A full band consists of two singers, two guitarists, bass, drums, and keys. Horn players are welcome too. We’ll supply the drums, amps, keyboard, and PA. Band workshops are 10-weeks long plus performance and cost $395 (or $135x3). To enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 Member Fee.
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Rock & Blues Wide open to style, material may range from oldies to blues, alternative to Top 40—you name it!
Rock, Soul and R&B Includes material from classic artists like James Brown and Aretha Franklin.
Blues, Soul & Roots Covers classic electric blues and its influences, including roots rock and roots country.
Classic Rock Draws mostly from the repertoire of the 1960s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. Students decide what “classic” means!
adult classes
Modern Rock & Contemporary Bands You’ll perform material from a broad range of artists and bands with releases from the past ten to fifteen years.
Acoustic Rock For acoustic players including guitar, bass, keys, singers, and percussion, who want to play unplugged versions of their favorite rock tunes or songs from the indie/folk movement.
will also be introduced. Group songwriting is a possibility, too. Rather than performing at the in-club Showcase, this band will headline Blue Bear’s new adult Rockcital in our performance hall, showing off some of their work in a lower-key setting. By audition, for intermediate players who can improvise and play from chord charts.
Deep Rock & Improv This band will tackle more complex material with an emphasis on soloing and arrangement rather than getting cover songs performance-perfect. In addition to challenging rock and funk material, simpler jazz tunes bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 11
adult classes
Band Workshop Schedule At Fort Mason Center At Lennon Studios Basic Rock & Blues Mon 6-8:30pm 4/11-6/27 w/Jim Peterson
Basic Rock & Blues Mon 6-8:30pm 4/11-6/27 w/Sean Leahy
Basic Rock, Soul and R&B Mon 8:30-11pm 4/11-6/27 w/Jim Peterson
Intermediate Rock & Blues Mon 8:30-11pm 4/11-6/27 w/Sean Leahy
Intermediate Rock & Blues Tues 6-8:30pm 4/12-6/21 (by audition) w/J.T. Locke
Modern Rock Tue 8-10:30pm 4/12-6/21 w/Janak Ramachandran
Basic Rock & Blues Tues 8:30-11pm 4/12-6/21 w/J.T. Locke
Daytime Rockers Wed 1-3:30pm 4/13-6/22 w/TBA
Intermediate Contemporary Bands Wed 6-8:30pm 4/13-6/22 (by audition) w/Mark Schuh
Classic Rock Wed 6-8:30pm 4/13-6/22 w/Sean Leahy
Intermediate Rock & Blues Wed 8:30-11pm 4/13-6/22 w/Mark Schuh
Basic Rock & Blues Wed 8:30-11pm 4/13-6/22 w/Sean Leahy
Basic Rock & Blues Thu 6-8:30pm 4/14-6/23 w/Amanda VanderMeer
Deep Rock and Improv Workshop Thu 8:30-11pm 4/14-6/23 w/Jim Peterson
Acoustic Rock Thu 8:30-11pm 4/14-6/23 w/J.T. Locke
Blues, Soul and Roots Sun 4-6:30pm 4/17-6/26 w/Randy Clark
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Basic level bands do not require any previous band playing experience, though being able to learn parts by ear or with the help of a private instructor is best. Intermediate level bands require at least a year of previous band experience along with the ability to read chord charts and learn parts by ear. Guitar Players should be able to move easily between open and barre chords. Drummers should be able to play steadily at fast and slow tempi, fill comfortably, and play both rock and blues grooves.
Bass Players should be able to play various grooves easily and lock with the drummer. Singers should be able to sing in tune and have a strong enough sense of time so that song entry points and phrasing can be consistently executed. Keyboard Players should be able to form major and minor triads without notation.
Performances Performances will be held June 27-30 at The Beatbox, 314 11th St., San Francisco. Deep Rock workshop performs at Blue Bear on June 30. Be sure to check out the Winter Quarter Band Showcases at Beat Box on April 4-7 from 7:30-11:30pm.
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adult classes
Prerequisites
BYOG
adult classes
Bring your own guitar! Acoustic (or electric) guitar is required.
Adult Guitar Classes Group classes cost $260 (or $90x3) and are 11-weeks long, except where noted. To enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 Member Fee.
Guitar for the Square-One Beginner
Guitar for People Who Know a Little
Always wanted to learn how to play the guitar, but not sure where or how to start? This class is for you! You’ll start rocking out with hands-on playing time the very first day, and you’ll begin learning folk and rock songs using basic chords and strums.
If you have a few months playing experience and know handful of chords (about eight of the following: E, A, D, G, C, Em, Am, E7, A7, D7) but aren’t quite making all chord changes smoothly, this class will help you expand on what you already know and take your playing to the next level. This class covers more songs and skills, including basic fingerpicking.
Tue 7-8pm 4/12-6/21 w/Janak Ramachandran @ Lennon Wed 6-7pm 4/13-6/22 w/Janak Ramachandran Wed 8-9pm 4/13-6/22 w/Kent Brown Thu 7-8pm 4/14-6/23 w/Kent Brown
Mon 7-8pm 4/11-6/27 w/Brian Gire Mon 7:30-8:30pm 4/11-6/27 w/Devin Lane @ Noe Valley Ministry Wed 8-9pm 4/13-6/22 w/Mike Rao Thu 6-7pm 4/14-6/23 Kent Brown
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Guitar for People Who Know a Little More
Tue 9-10pm 4/12-6/21 w/Mark Schuh Wed 7-8pm 4/13-6/22 w/Brian Gire Thu 8:15-9:15pm 4/14-6/23 w/Janak Ramachandran
Acoustic Guitar IV For graduates of Know a Little More or for those with nine months to a year of playing experience, Acoustic Guitar IV will expand song repertoire and skills using both rhythm and fingerstyle playing and begin work on barre chords.
Intended for those with more experience. Call 415.673.3600 for accurate placement. Acoustic V Mon 6-7pm 4/11-6/27 w/Kent Brown Acoustic VI.1: Mon 8-9pm 4/11-6/27 w/Kent Brown Acoustic VI.2: Wed 7:15-8:15pm 4/13-6/22 w/Janak Ramachandran Acoustic VII: Wed 8-9pm 4/13-6/22 w/Brian Gire Acoustic IX: Tue 8-9pm 4/12-6/21 w/Kent Brown Acoustic XIII: Tue 8-9pm 4/12-6/21 w/Brian Gire Acoustic XX: Mon 7-8pm 4/11-6/27 w/Kent Brown
Mon 6:30-7:30pm 4/11-6/27 w/Devin Lane @ Noe Valley Ministry Mon 8:15-9:15pm 4/11-6/27 w/Janak Ramachandran Wed 7-8pm 4/13-6/22 w/J.T. Locke
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adult classes
For graduates of Know a Little or those with about six months of playing experience, you’ll continue working on songs with an emphasis on more advanced chords. You should know 10-15 chords and be able to make many of the chord changes smoothly. You may still have some difficulty playing the four-string (non-barre) F chord, and no one at this level is playing barre chords yet. You may or may not have learned some fingerpicking.
Continuing Acoustic Guitar
adult classes
Adult Guitar Classes Classes cost $260 (or $90x3) and are 11-weeks long, except where noted. To enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 Member Fee.
NEW! Boomer’s Banquet This class is for strummers who would like to play and sing through the great songs of the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s in a fun and supportive group setting. Folkies and retired rockers, please apply! Tue 3-4pm 4/12-6/21 w/Brian Gire
Electric Lead Guitar For guitarists who are comfortable playing open position and barre chords but with little previous lead playing work, this class will focus on
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scales and improvising within blues and rock chord progressions. Thu 6:30-7:30pm 4/14-6/23 w/J.T. Locke
Electric Lead Guitar III For graduates of Electric Lead Guitar II, this class will continue to develop soloing skills over blues and rock chord changes by expanding your scale knowledge and with lots of inclass playing. Thu 7:30-8:30pm 4/14-6/23 w/J.T. Locke
adult classes
Electric Rhythm Guitar
NEW! Note for Note with Jimi
This class will focus on improving timing, reading basic rhythms, and integrating right hand muting and accenting techniques. You’ll then apply these skills to tighten up your groove, and make you a more confident rhythm guitarist. Musical examples by Johnny Ramone, Keith Richards, Jack White, and other rhythm legends will provide fun riffs to practice on. For guitarists who are comfortable playing open position and bar chords.
In this class you’ll learn some classics of the master: “Purple Haze,” “The Wind Cries Mary,” and “Red House.” In addition to learning to play these songs you’ll discuss Hendrix’s technique and his influences ranging from Curtis Mayfield and Albert King to British psychedelia. Wed 6-7pm 4/13-6/22 w/Mike Rao
Blues/Jazz Guitar IV
For graduates of Electric Rhythm Guitar X
For players conversant with 12-bar blues and soloing, this class will build on your understanding of key centers, music theory, comping and improv. You will also cover arpeggios, scales and modes using the CAGED system.
Tue 6-7pm 4/12-6/21 w/Randy Clark
Wed 7-8pm 4/13-6/22 w/Mike Rao
Thu 8-9pm 4/14-6/23 w/Randy Clark
Electric Rhythm Guitar XI
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adult classes
Adult Jam Classes Have fun playing with others! In a relaxed setting, you’ll learn and play through tunes from folk, bluegrass, Celtic, and rock traditions. You can take solos and sing if you’d like, or just play rhythm with the group. Jam classes are open to guitar, mandolin, fiddle, and banjo. New students can join ongoing classes; call 415.673.3600 to discuss placement options.
Acoustic Jam Basics II
Acoustic Jam Basics III
Graduates of Acoustic Jam Basics will continue to learn new songs and scales and work on their soloing skills.
Graduates of Acoustic Jam Basics II will continue to learn new songs and develop soloing skills.
Tue 9-10:15pm 4/12-6/21 w/Brian Gire • $320 (or $110x3)
Acoustic Jam Repertoire New guitar, mandolin, fiddle, Dobro, and banjo students with strong scale knowledge and soloing experience can join Acoustic Jam Repertoire, an ongoing class of regulars who have been jamming together since 2009. Thu 7-8:30pm 4/14-6/23 w/Brian Gire • $380 (or $130x3)
Thu 8:30-10pm 4/14-6/23 w/Brian Gire • $380 (or $130x3)
Intermediate Acoustic Jam IV Graduates of Intermediate Acoustic Jam III will continue to learn new songs and develop soloing skills. Tue 7-8pm 4/12-6/21 w/Brian Gire • $260 (or $90x3)
Intermediate Acoustic Jam V Graduates of Intermediate Acoustic Jam IV will continue to learn new songs and develop soloing skills. Mon 8-9:30pm 4/11-6/27 w/Brian Gire • $380 (or $130x3)
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Group classes cost $260 (or $90x3) and are 11-weeks long. To enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 Member Fee.
Beginning Ukulele
Ukulele III
Class members will learn to play basic chords and to play songs in folk and rock styles. Also covered: tuning, ukulele care, and basic strums. No prerequisites, but a ukulele is required.
Graduates of Ukulele II or those with a handful of chords under their belt will learn a repertoire of fun songs, work on new strumming patterns and expand their chord vocabulary. Singing will be encouraged.
Mon 8:30-9:30pm 4/11-6/27 w/Mark Schuh
Ukulele II
Mon 7:30-8:30pm 4/11-6/27 w/Mark Schuh
For graduates of Beginning Ukulele or for those who have learned some basic chords on their own, students will expand their chord vocabulary and learn to play more songs in folk, rock, and Hawaiian styles. Tue 8-9pm 4/12-6/21 w/Mark Schuh
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adult classes
Adult Ukulele Classes
adult classes
Adult Voice Classes Group classes cost $320 (or $110 x3) and are 11-weeks long, except where noted. To enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 Member Fee.
Singing for People Who Can’t Sing You know who you are! But this class will prove you wrong. By the end of eleven weeks, you’ll see improvement and enjoy increased confidence. Mon 7-8:15pm 4/11-6/27 w/Lauren Ona @ Center for New Music Tue 7-8pm 4/12-6/21 w/Lauren Ona • $260
More Singing for People Who Can’t Sing Graduates of Singing for People Who Can’t Sing will continue to 20 Spring 2016 415.673.3600
strengthen their voice and work on new songs and singing skills. Thu 8:30-9:30pm 4/14-6/23 w/Mindy Knight • $260
Continuing Voice w/Lauren Ona Graduates of Lauren’s Can’t and Can Sing classes will apply the vocal techniques previously covered to both group and solo singing, refining and expanding their understanding of good tone production. Mon 8:15-9:30pm 4/11-6/27 w/Lauren Ona @ Center for New Music
adult classes
Learn to Sing: Group Singing for Beginners
Learn to Sing II: Group and Solo Singing
This class begins with a solid foundation in technique and you’ll learn to apply those basic ideas in guided group singing of classic songs. Topics covered include fundamentals of posture and breathing, vowels and consonants, resonance and tone, and basic principles of song delivery.
Graduates of Group Singing for Beginners will continue vocal development with more challenging exercises and group singing of songs designed to hone the techniques already learned. Topics include harmony and interval training, singing into the bridge, and range development.
Thu 6-7:15pm 4/11-6/27 w/Janak Ramachandran
Thu 6-7:15pm 4/14-6/23 Janak Ramachandran
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adult classes
Adult Voice Classes Group classes cost $320 (or $110x3) and are 11-weeks long, except where noted. To enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 Member Fee.
Learn to Sing IV: Finding Your Style and Using a Mic Graduates of Learn To Sing III will begn to focus on individual material, working with a microphone and practicing stylistic techniques that enhance the emotional delivery of a song. Opening warm-ups and exercises developed in previous Learn to Sing classes will strengthen technique and prepare for a move to the stage in next quarter’s Rock/ Pop Vocal Performance class. (New students may join Learn to Sing IV with teacher’s approval.) Wed 8:15-9:30pm 4/13-6/22 Janak Ramachandran
Singing I with Libby Lavella You think you can’t sing and you have no experience, but there’s something there! This class will prove you can sing, as you learn the fundamentals of the voice as an instrument through simple exercises and group songs. 22 Spring 2016 415.673.3600
By the end of eleven weeks you’ll know what is involved in making your voice “sing.” Thu 6-7pm 4/14-6/23 w/Libby Lavella • $260 @ Noe Valley Ministry
Singing II with Libby Lavella For those who have taken Singing I with Libby Lavella, this class will continue to work on vocal technique with more in-depth explanation and a broader range of exercises. With group work and some one-on-one instruction and solo singing, you’ll gain confidence as you experience your own improvements and witness the improvements of others. Thu 7-8:15pm 4/14-6/23 w/Libby Lavella @ Noe Valley Ministry
adult classes
“ Vo i c e a ton o 1 was f fun a Janak n is such d enthu an s suppo iastic and I abso rtive teache lu r. any cl tely would t ass he ake is in the future teaching . He m class s ade o enjo yable. ” – Mich elle D.
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adult classes
Adult Voice Classes Group classes cost $320 (or $110x3) and are 11-weeks long, except where noted. To enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 Member Fee.
Singing III with Libby Lavella Singing III is the next best thing to private instruction. These sessions will introduce vocal performance with more attention to detail and exercises tailor-made for each singer. We will cover how to build strength, improve tone, and sing with more confidence. Open to four people by instructor consent. Thu 8:15-9:30pm 4/14-6/23 w/Libby Lavella • $500 @ Noe Valley Ministry
Singing for People Who Can Sing For those with some band, theater, or choral singing experience but little or no previous vocal instruction. Sessions will cover the basics of proper vocal technique: breathing and support, warm-
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ups, developing your range, tone, placement and articulation. There’ll be lots of group vocal drills and some individual presentation of songs with work on mic technique. Tue 8-9:15pm 4/12-6/21 w/Lauren Ona
More Singing for People Who Can Sing Graduates of Singing for People Who Can Sing will continue to work on harmonic ear, vowel embellishment, inner music, vocal tuning, vocal scales for strengthening the voice, increasing vocal range, breathing, singing triplets and individual presentation of songs. Wed 7:15-8:30pm 4/13-6/22 w/Lea Centauri
adult classes
Adult Voice Classes Vocal Technique with Raz Kennedy For experienced singers, this class is an overview of the basic principles needed to sing expressively and unhindered, utilizing a comprehensive method which provides an effective, safe, and healthy approach to singing which is applicable to any musical dynamic, genre, or style. Tue 8-9pm 4/12-6/14 (10 weeks) w/Raz Kennedy • $305
Vocal Technique II w/Raz This class will continue to work on refining your technique. For students who have worked with Raz before in Vocal Technique I or in private lessons. Tue 7-8pm 4/12-6/14 (10 weeks) w/Raz Kennedy • $305
Beginning Jazz Vocals This class will introduce you to the repertoire and the stylistic approaches taken by both classic and contemporary jazz singers. Sing to music-minus-one recordings and receive one-on-one coaching. Space is limited to four students. Wed 6-7:15pm 4/13-6/22 w/Lea Centauri
Jazz Vocal Performance Intermediate to advanced vocalists will rehearse and perform a repertoire of jazz songs with expert piano accompaniment, leading up to a performance in a San Francisco club. Open to singers who are new to jazz as well as those who are familiar with the repertoire. Tuition includes a rehearsal with a bassist and a drummer. Space is limited to five students. Sat 1:30-3pm 4/16-6/18 (10 weeks plus performance) w/Sharman Duran • $455 (or $155x3)
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Adult Voice Classes Group classes cost $320 (or $110x3) and are 11-weeks long, except where noted. To enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 Member Fee.
Rock & Pop Vocal Performance Designed as a follow-up to Janak’s Learn to Sing series, or for vocalists in or preparing for a band or Band Workshop, this class combines vocal style and performance instruction with individualized coaching on material you want to sing. The vocal style component will guide students in how to affect the vocal delivery of songs from varying genres with an emphasis on tools that bring the emotional content of the lyric to
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life. The stage presence section of the class will introduce students to techniques from the acting world that allow the student to marry the emotional choices they are making vocally with stage movement and behavior. This class is, ideally, for students with some vocal training and can be repeated as needed. Space is limited to four students. Thu 7:15-8:30pm 4/14-6/23 w/Janak Ramachandran
Adult Bass & Theory Classes Group classes cost $260 (or $90x3) and are 11-weeks long. To enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 Member Fee.
Beginning Bass
Music Theory for Guitar
This class is a square-one beginner class. We expect you know nothing about music and that you are picking up the instrument for the first time. If you have played guitar before, you should try Accelerated Bass for Guitarists.
This class is for guitarists who have finally realized that they need to learn the basics: music terminology and basic theory taught in terms of standard music notation, in addition to how things look on the fretboard.
Sat Noon-1pm 4/16-6/25 w/Kai Chu
Accelerated Bass for Guitarists If you already play guitar, then you’re ready to get on the fast track to becoming more in-demand by learning the bass! This class will teach right hand fingering technique and will reveal how the bass, working with the drums, provides the foundation for most songs. You’ll learn bass lines in different styles and upon graduation will receive a $100 discount toward playing bass in one of Blue Bear’s Band Workshops.
Wed 7-8pm 4/13-6/22 w/Kent Brown
Chord Magic for Guitarists This class will explain the basics of chord construction with a minimum of “theory talk.” Chords and chord progressions are the juicy part of music theory, and this class will have you naming and creating chords, analyzing progressions, and understanding music in a new way. Tue 6:30-7:30pm 4/12-6/21 w/Mark Schuh
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If you have at least 9 months experience on bass and can learn and play a variety of different bass lines, join one of our rewarding Band Workshops! (see pages 10-13).
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Songwriting/Recording Work on original music Write Your First Song
Make Your First Demo
In this introductory class you’ll learn about song forms and how to write chord progressions, melodies, and lyrics. In-class assignments will guide you step-by-step through writing a complete song and give you the tools you need to generate ideas and complete songs on your own. In the final weeks of class you’ll make demo recordings of your work in Blue Bear’s Studio Z.
For songwriters and musicians eager to make demos that best show off your work, this interactive class will cover how to prep for a recording, mic placement and proper mix techniques that can be translated to a home studio or a pro studio. Also included will be studio etiquette and some of the science behind recording. Upon completion, students will have a recording of their own material along with some practical studio experience.
Mon 8-9:15pm 4/11-6/27 w/Pamela Parker
Wed 8-9:30pm 4/13-6/22 w/Erin Tadena • $380
Songwriting Workshop With Peter Case In this workshop, Case offers secrets of the craft that will have you immediately writing more powerful and interesting songs. The atmosphere is fun, comfortable, and at times humorous, but the content is serious and will enable you to surprise yourself with a new batch of songs composed in weekly assignments. Mon 7-10pm 4/4-5/9 (six weeks) $425
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Adult Seminars Blue Bear offers one-night-only seminars on a variety of topics, led by some of our most popular teachers and special guest instructors — a low-cost way to dip your toes in the water!
Triad Power This seminar will reveal the tremendous benefits that come from understanding the structure of threenote chords on your guitar, and how they appear on the fretboard. Special emphasis on using triads as the jumping-off point for soloing. Mon April 4, 7-9pm Brian Gire • $30
Rock Song Analysis: an Intro to Theory Gain a new appreciation for some classic rock songs, and at the same time begin to understand some important concepts of music theory. Tue April 5, 7-9pm Brian Gire • $30
Voice! This seminar is a wonderful overview of the voice as the most basic tool of human expression. You’ll work with breath and the ear, and learn about
styles of singing from jazz and pop to show tunes and rap. Includes group singing and vocal exercises. Wed April 6, 7-9pm Lea Centauri • $30
Tetrachords A tetrachord is a four-note scale structure. These compact scale and mode builders are the answer for the guitarist seeking to learn all those scale patterns that lie on the other side of the pentatonic ocean. Building on the “less is more” philosophy, this seminar will show a clear pathway through the world of scales and modes by means of combining simple tetrachord patterns. In no time, you’ll be playing scales like B melodic minor, G Lydian dominant and D Dorian, and amazing friends and family in the process! Thu April 7, 7-9 pm Brian Gire • $30
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Kids & Teens Group Classes Kids and teens group classes are 8-weeks long, except where noted. To enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 Member Fee.
After School Rock Band
Your Own Rock Band
These bands will learn and play songs by a variety of contemporary and classic bands and perform before an audience. Members should already be proficient on their instrument, and ideally be in private lessons concurrently. This is a chance to put the hard work of learning your instrument into practice, in real time, with other young rockers.
If you have a minimum group of four young musicians who would like to be coached as a band together, we can schedule an after school or weekend rock band session to start anytime. Call 415.673.3600 for details.
Thu 4:30-6pm 4/21-6/2 (7 weeks) w/J.T. Locke • $245
Singing and Performance I (grades 2-5) Students will learn how to sing and perform songs from popular artists and also develop songwriting skills. In addition to solo and group singing, kids will also work on routines and stage presence. Tue 4-5pm 4/12-5/31 w/Lauren Ona • $190
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Singing and Performance II
Instrument Petting Zoo
(grades 6-8) This class is the same as Singing and Performance I but for 6th-8th grades.
(grades 2-4) This class is for beginners who are curious about music and want to learn about different instruments before choosing one to focus on. Students sing songs and play the four main rock band instruments—drums, bass, guitar and piano. They’ll learn fundamental concepts of rhythm, melody, harmony, meter, tempo, scale, and key. In addition, related concepts in basic math, pattern relations, and emotional qualities will be explored.
Tue 5-6pm 4/12-5/31 w/Lauren Ona • $190
Thu 4-4:45pm 4/14-6/2 w/Devin Lane • $185
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Kids & Teens Summer Camps Blue Bear’s Summer Camp program offers exciting opportunities for kids in grades 4-12 to make great music with their peers—Monday through Friday—with individualized and group instruction, full band rehearsals, and Friday performances.
Get Ready to Rock
Rock U 1
(grades 4-6)
(grades 6-8)
Beginning musicians with six months of lessons on an instrument will play easy songs, sing, jam, try out different instruments, and play musical games. Includes individualized instrument and vocal instruction.
These young musicians get to play the music they like with their peers. A minimum of one year of lessons is required. A typical day includes group lessons in the morning, a lunchtime jam with staff, and band rehearsals in the afternoon. Repertoire is selected by the group.
Girls Rock! (grades 4-7) Campers will learn to play simple pop and rock songs, try out new instruments, and perform at the end of the week. Some musical experience is helpful, but is not a requirement. Includes individualized instrument and vocal instruction.
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Rock U 2 (grades 7-10) This camp is similar to Rock U 1, but the students are little older. A minimum of one year of lessons is required. Repertoire is selected by the group.
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Rock U 3
Hard Rock U 2
(grades 8-12)
(grades 7-10)
These musicians have been playing for a minimum of three years and get lots of hands-on experience jamming, soloing, songwriting, and playing complex arrangements. Repertoire is selected by the group.
These musicians rock hard! A minimum of one year of lessons is required and the repertoire is selected by the group. A typical day includes group lessons in the morning, a lunchtime jam with staff, and band rehearsals in the afternoon.
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Kids & Teens Summer Camps Songwriting Camps
Guitar Camp
Campers who want to create and play original music learn how their favorite bands write songs through workshops on lyrics, form, arranging, and more, and will write, arrange, perform, and record their own songs.
(grades 7-11)
Songwriting 1 (grades 6-9) Songwriting 2 (grades 8-12)
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Campers will work on lead and rhythm guitar techniques, writing guitar parts, learning classic guitar solos, and crafting tones with amps and effects. Campers should have been playing for two years or more and know open chords, E- and A-form barre chords, and minor pentatonic scales.
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Voice Camps These campers will expand their vocal abilities through group and solo singing with musical accompaniment. Topics include techniques and warm up, harmony and round singing, musical games, musicianship, and more. If you have a singing kid, this is the camp for them! Voice Camp 1 (grades 3-6) Voice Camp 2 (grades 6-9)
Enrollment Information For skill level guidelines and enrollment info, visit bluebearmusic.org/ summercamp2016 and click on your desired camp. Please note that some of the advanced camps may require an audition, while others will work with whatever skillset you bring to the group.
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Rock Out! During every All Star Band performance, there isn’t a moment when I am not blown away by our young performers, lighting up the stage. After weeks of rehearsing they show up and somehow always exceed my expectations. Some say “it’s only rock and roll,” but I see teamwork, commitment, growth, courage, responsibility, stage professionalism, and most importantly, fun! Students learn what it actually takes to thatch together individual assignments to create a piece of artistic expression. During this process, they learn about their own instrument and craft, yet also learn to listen to what other students are playing. I believe music is a collective conversation with your band mates, portraying a story to the listeners. Students learn that craft of conversation, but also learn to reflect on the dialogue and strengthen the intended delivery. I have no doubt that developing this skill is one of the most important processes for the program, but it’s also an important process for future success anywhere outside the bandstand. When we started the All Star Band program, we intended to create community, skill building, and a fun platform to rock out. We wanted to give young rockers the best atmosphere for learning and to give them the opportunity to perform in real, professional venues. Now I see we’ve managed just a little bit more than that. What we’ve created is a collective of dedicated young players willing to learn and develop the traits for success, on and off the stage.
Ryan Hickey, All Star Band Director
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Kids & Teens All Star Bands What is All Star Band?
Program Requirements All Star Band requires a commitment of the majority of weekly rehearsals. Students may audition for fall in September 2016 and will be placed in the program based on age, skill level, and availability. Students must have a basic understanding of their instrument or voice and we highly recommend current, ongoing music lessons. We offer payment plans and income-based sliding scale. Tuition for September 2016-May 2017 is $1450
See our Youth All-Star Bands rock the Hotel Utah on March 20! (See page 65 for more details)
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youth classes
All Star Band is a comprehensive 9-month performance and education curriculum for kids in grades 5-12. Using rock music as a platform, students strengthen their instrumental technique, ensemble playing, performance, improvisation, music theory, and songwriting. This unique program provides fantastic opportunities to play real shows in real venues around San Francisco. Students participate in weekly rehearsals, with guided instruction by inspirational teachers. There are multiple bands within the All Star Band program.
Who And What Are Little Bears? Little Bears instructors are working musicians who know how early childhood music education helps develop speech, hand-eye coordination, and creativity. Little Bears offers classes to suit any kid and their accompanying parent or caregiver (we want to make this fun for everyone in the classroom). Music affects all people of all ages; that’s why we began teaching classes for children as young as four months.
What can a newborn really do in a music class? A lot! At birth, children are receptive to sounds, vibrations, and voices, so in our Baby Bears classes parents guide the lessons with gentle clapping and singing, learning to incorporate music into everyday routines. I’ve heard from many families over the years that before their child could stand, walk, or talk, they could mimic clapping and memorize and respond to rhythm patterns from class. For our active new walkers and future rock star preschoolers, we offer Bouncy and Boogie Bears classes. Our teachers have developed special curricula that get everyone singing, doing far-out dance moves and adding a healthy dose of music education that is actually fun! Did I mention intense drum circles?! With the song birds singing, and the longer days ahead we welcome Spring and all of the Little Bears to get down, get funk and make some noise! Rock out with us in the Marina, Noe Valley and at our new hip den The Sweetwater in Mill Valley!
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B tle xc Lit e
Tanya Yule Little Bears Director
ur gini e ng
youth classes
Simply put, Little Bears bobble, weave and dance to their own beat.
ea a im e l rs P len rog or, r fut t c e r r a i mD tm e usic classes in h
youth classes
Why Little Bears? 1. Our teachers are actual musicians who love making music. 2. Singing helps children with vocal and speech development. 3. Dancing and instrument play help children develop motor skills. 4. Aural training helps children build listening and concentration skills. 5. B ecause kids and adults LOVE to rock. So let your little ones sing their hearts out, move to the music, and make some noise!
Sliding Scale Blue Bear wants to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate in music education. Thanks to community support we have been able to provide a generous sliding-scale program for our tiniest of rock stars, offering from 20%-85% off. For more information or to see if you qualify, please call 415.673.3600 bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 39
Enroll online! bluebearmusic.org/littlebears
youth classes
Check the Little bears site for schedule updates and class cancelations.
Group Classes Baby Bears (4 months-1 year) This class will introduce your child to the wonderful world of music through lap songs, finger-plays, singalongs and rhythm-based activities. Parents in this class learn to sing a variety of playful and soothing rhythms and melodies to bring home and use for bath time, dinner time, play time and sleepy time. Please bring a blanket.
Bouncy Bears (1-3 years) Children in this class will create musical sounds and rhythms with their voices and bodies, play finger games, dance and move to the music, hear familiar and new songs and rock out during the percussion instrument jam. Parents be warned: there will be lots of jumping, bouncing, moving, grooving and playing in this class!
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Boogie Bears (3-5 years) These preschoolers are ready to rock and roll, raise the roof and jam out! Children will discover their own talking and singing voices, dance to the beat, and explore rhythm with real musical instruments. Let’s make some music and boogie down to it! Mixed Bears (6 months-5 years) This class is specially designed for parents with more than one child. Babies, toddlers, and big kids all join in the music making fun, watching and learning from one another. There will be plenty of music, movement and instrument play for children of all ages.
Little Bears Class Schedule For schedule updates and more, check bluebearmusic.org/littlebears
Fort Mason Center
Noe Valley Ministry
2 Marina Blvd. Bldg. D, Rm. K
1021 Sanchez St. @ 23rd St.
Baby Bears
Baby Bears
Thu 11-11:45am 4/14-6/30 • $275 w/ Rachel
Mon 2:30-3:15pm 4/11-6/27 • $275 w/ Barb Wed 11-11:45am 4/13-6/29 • $275 w/ Rachel
Bouncy Bears
Bouncy Bears Mon 10-10:45am 4/11-6/27 • $255 w/ Rachel Mon 3:30-4:15pm 4/11-6/27 • $275 w/ Barb Wed 10-10:45am 4/13-6/29 • $275 w/ Rachel Sat 10-10:45am 4/16-7/2 • $275 w/ T. Lin
Boogie Bears Mon 4:30-5:15pm 4/11-6/27 • $275 w/ Barb
Boogie Bears
Mixed Bears
Mon 11-11:45am 4/11-6/27 • $255 w/ Michael Mon 4:30-5:15pm 4/11-6/27 • $255 w/ Ayesha Thu 4:30-5:15pm 4/14-6/30 • $275 w/ Michael
Mon 11-11:45am 4/11-6/27 • $255 w/ Rachel Sat 11-11:45am 4/16-7/2 • $275 w/ T. Lin
Mixed Bears Tue 11-11:45am 4/12-6/28 • $275 w/ Rachel Wed 11-11:45am 4/13-6/29 • $295 w/ Barb Wed 12-12:45pm 4/13-6/29 • $295 w/ Barb Fri 10-10:45am 4/15-7/1 • $275 w/ Ayesha Sun 11-11:45am 4/16-7/3 • $275 w/ T. Lin
The Sweetwater Music Hall 19 Corte Madera Ave., Mill Valley
Bouncy Bears Thu 10-10:45am 4/14-6/30 • $275 w/ Ayesha
Mixed Bears Thu 11-11:45am 4/14-6/30 • $275 w/ Ayesha
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Mon 10-10:45am 4/11-6/27 • $255 w/ Michael Mon 3:30-4:15pm 4/11-6/27 • $255 w/ Ayesha Tue 10-10:45am 4/12-6/28 • $275 w/ Rachel Wed 10-10:45am 4/13-6/29 • $295 w/ Barb Thu 10-10:45am 4/14-6/30 • $275 w/ Rachel Thu 3:30-4:15pm 4/14-6/30 • $275 w/ Michael Fri 11-11:45am 4/15-7/1 • $275 w/ Ayesha
Meet the Little Bears Teachers! Barb Murphy “Blue Bear makes musical dreams come true!“
youth classes
Barb Murphy, aka Teacher Barb, has been rockin’ out with Little Bears since its inception in 2007. Her legion of devoted followers chant “Teacher Barb” when they see her in the halls; when in class Barb incorporates a range of folk, original numbers, and of course some good ol’ fashioned rock ‘n’ roll. Become one of her devotees this Winter!
T.Lin Chase “Music really feels like love and family to me.” Still being a kid at heart, T.Lin loves to work with lil’ ones to inspire them musically by incorporating a variety of percussion and drum based activities in her classes, along with thoughtful and inspired tunes that will keep you and your tot grooving all the way home!
Michael Chulada “I love Blue Bear’s passion for Rock and Roll, ‘cause I love Rock and Roll!” Michael Chulada joined Blue Bear this year working at many of our off-site community programs with after school kids. While studying for his certificate in early childhood development, the connection was made that Little Bears would be an awesome fit! Michael has played in many San Francisco bands and has a real knack for picking out fun songs that will get everyone movin’ and shakin’!
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Rachel Hoiem “It brings me great joy to see my love of music passed on to new generations.” Rachel incorporates off-the-wall songs, amazing boogie woogie piano, and epic percussion breakdowns. Born and raised in San Francisco, she has a B.A. in music from SF State. Rachel also plays guitar and ukulele.
Ayesha McGowan “I love working with children, their excitement constantly reminds me of why I fell in love with music when I was their age!” Ayesha McGowan hails from the East Coast but now calls the Bay Area her new home. She incorporates a range of folk, pop, soul, and kiddie classics to get those toes tappin’ and fingers snappin’ and has lots of experience working with infants as young as two weeks old! Ayesha plays violin, piano, guitar, and ukulele.
Little Bears FAQ We offer $40 off for additional siblings’ tuition when registered for the same class.
Do you offer trial classes? To keep our class sizes consistent and rockin’, we don’t offer free dropin trial classes. All students need to enroll and pay tuition in advance. However if it isn’t a good fit for any reason we are more than happy to issue a 100% refund. Just contact us two days before your second class.
Do you have a sliding scale? Blue Bear provides significant savings to students of all ages with financial need through our sliding scale tuition program. The amount of support you receive is based on your gross income from your tax return. See bluebearmusic.org for more details.
Do you pro-rate? We are able to pro-rate after the second week of classes at a rate of $25/class. Please contact the front desk at 415.673.3600 to enroll.
If you decide to discontinue a class for any reason, please contact us at 415.673.3600 two days prior to the second class meeting for a full refund. After the second class, no refund shall be given. However, we understand children live on their own schedules and we will do our best to figure out a good solution for you.
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“Thank Bear’s s s to Blue we wer liding scale, e able t son the o ability t give our o exper music a ience which in t a young age ... tu a found rn, establishe ation d of music and a love for life.” - Justin W.
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I have more than one child. Do I need to pay full tuition for both of them?
What if I need to drop a class?
Community Programs Reaching Out! It’s an unfortunate truth that public school offerings of arts and music have suffered cuts that only seem to get deeper. In response, Blue Bear’s outreach and community programs for our city’s youth have expanded. Serving hundreds of music-starved children in public and private schools and in community centers citywide, Blue Bear’s programming fosters the musical flame in those who have it, and lights a spark in those who don’t.
Community
With offerings like Digital Audio Production and Songwriting for teens in Bayview and Instrument Petting Zoo for elementary students in Twin Peaks, our community programming has something for everyone, regardless of ability. Our rock band programs—now at the Academy of Arts and Sciences and Rooftop Elementary—have produced bands that not only have performed in school talent shows but have graced professional stages at Cafe Du Nord and Bimbo’s as well. These programs have led to wonderful partnerships with organizations like the YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, GLIDE Memorial Church, SFUSD, The Mix at the SF Public Library, and more. Most important, we have witnessed first-hand the powerful and positive changes that involvement in the arts can bring our kids. Students in the Bayview neighborhood of San Francisco have created incredibly poignant and personal songs, demonstrating the cathartic power of writing and performing music. Some of our programs have produced young musicians who’ve been accepted at the prestigious Ruth Asawa School of the Arts to continue their artistic growth, while others have received scholarships to further their passion. Blue Bear’s outreach programs are indeed transforming lives! To set up programming at a location near you, don’t hesitate to contact me at cole@bluebearmusic.org. MUSIC SAVES!
Cole Odin Berggren Community Programs Director
In addition to our Digital Audio programs we also offer Instrument Petting Zoo, Rock Band, Voice, and Guitar classes. 44 Spring 2016 415.673.3600
Digital Audio Program Our dedicated Studio 101 Program at Bayview Hunters Point YMCA empowers at-risk youth to write, produce, and record their own original music in a professional studio with state-of-the-art equipment and software such as GarageBand, Ableton, Logic and Pro Tools. Students can gain pre-professional skills in the fields of digital audio and video production and engineering.
Other Digital Audio Classes Studio 101 This beginning digital audio production course teaches students to create their own original songs using GarageBand. They work with a professional Blue Bear instructor to write, arrange, and record instrumental and vocal tracks for their own compositions, or use
GarageBand “clips” or samples to create their own remixes (a simpler version of this course is available for younger students). At the end of the class, the students receive a CD of their original songs.
Studio 201 This course furthers the instruction of Studio 101 and offers a glimpse into other more advanced programs such as Ableton, Logic, and Pro Tools. It’s designed to begin the transition into a more professional use of digital audio. Collaborative partnerships with onsite visual arts classes are also a possibility.
Hey DJ! Our teachers cover the history, technique, and equipment used to DJ, using media of all types from classic vinyl to CDs, and newer methods including “laptop DJing” using Serato and Ableton Live. Students learn about various styles and genres of DJing from hip hop to techno, with potential performance opportunities at completion of the course.
Past partner sites:
• Bayview Hunters Point YMCA • Tenderloin Community Center • GLIDE Family, Youth, and Childcare Center • George Peabody Elementary • SF Montessori School • Rooftop Alternative School • Creative Arts Charter School • The Academy of Arts and Sciences • Gateway Middle School • The Ranch • The Mix at SF Public Library • St. Vincent De Paul • St. Joseph’s Family Center • Argonne Elementary
• Ida B. Wells Continuing Education High School • Bayview Opera House • International Studies Academy • Boys and Girls Clubs • Friends of the Children • Real Options for City Kids • Streetside Stories • Telegraph Teen Center • Miraloma Elementary School • Lincoln High School • James Lick Middle School • Starr King Elementary School • Claire Lilienthal Alternative School • Commodore Sloat Elementary School bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 45
community
Current partner sites:
Community Programs A wide range of community programs stem from Blue Bear’s commitment to social equity through teaching popular music and making it accessible to greater numbers of youth in our community. This has been part of the Blue Bear culture for more than 44 years. Our community programs range from fully or partially underwritten, to fee-based and parentsupported.
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Locations 1. Glide Family, Youth & Childcare Center 2. Rooftop Elementary School 3. George Peabody Elementary School 4. Creative Arts Elementary School 5. Academy of Arts and Sciences 6. Miraloma Elementary School 7. Gateway Middle School 46 Spring 2016 415.673.3600
8. The Mix at the SFPL 9. St. Vincent de Paul Society 10. St. Joseph’s Family Center 11. Tenderloin Community Center 12. Bayview/Hunters Pont YMCA 13. The Ranch 14. Argonne Elementary
community bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 47
Support There are many ways to support Blue Bear and you can designate your gift to specifically benefit one or more of our programs.
giving
Why Give? Just imagine a world without music... A donation to Blue Bear is an investment in a vibrant, effective nonprofit organization that improves lives, one note at a time. With the disappearance of music programs in schools, Blue Bear is an increasingly important community resource. Making music helps make the world go ‘round and here are some reasons why our work is important: • Music is a deeply meaningful and core mode of human expression, for all ages.
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• Music can serve as a gratifying counter balance to demanding professional lives. • Making music together gives people a positive social experience. •L earning music enhances brainpower and improves academic performance. • Making music has proven health benefits. • Music gives young people a way to express themselves and even to find themselves.
What Your Gift Supports • Thirteen off-site Youth Outreach Programs in public schools and community centers.
Blue Bear has helped over 35,000 students discover their musical talents, cultivating skills for a lifetime of learning and enrichment. Your charitable support for our nonprofit work is crucial – without it, we cannot continue to offer affordable (and free) music education.
• Blue Bear’s Music Production Workshop for kids at The Mix at the San Francisco Public Library. •M ultiple Youth All Star Bands for talented teens. •S liding scale tuition assistance and scholarships, ensuring access to Blue Bear programs for all.
Feed The Bear
How To Contribute • Make a one-time, monthly or quarterly donation on our website. • Send a check by mail. • Donate musical instruments or equipment in good working condition. • Include Blue Bear as part of your planned giving. • Set up a matching grant through your employer to make your gift go even further Blue Bear is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Please contact our Manager of Individual Giving, Alycia Moore, at alycia@bluebearmusic.org or 415.673.3600. bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 49
giving
Playing music changes lives, and you can make a difference by helping us provide both free and very affordable music education—at a time when music programs have been slashed throughout the public school system. Contributions to our 2015-16 “Feed the Bear” campaign make Blue Bear’s day-to-day operations possible.
Please donate online any time at bluebearmusic.org/donate—it’s easy thanks to our partnership with Network for Good.
Gifts, Grants & Scholarships Blue Bear thanks the many individuals and organizations providing contributions received between January 1st, 2015 and December 31st, 2015. Our educational work could not continue without your support.
Scholarship Donors Scholarship Super Sponsors Anonymous Mike Kappus - The Rosebud Agency Bonnie Raitt
Scholarship Sponsors Anonymous (2) Henry E. Martens in memory of Baxter Reade Amy Nicholson Teresa Odom Donna Ozawa and Indigo Som
Steve Strauss Founders Fund
giving
Joan Barnes Richard Strauss
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Keith Allen Memorial Scholarship Fund Patricia & Thomas Allen Charles Felsenthal Ned & Robin Selfe
Bill Graham Memorial Scholarship Bill Graham Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund The Walther Foundation
Ted O’Connell Memorial Scholarship Fund Anonymous Arch and Stella Rowan Foundation Sydney Rowan - In Honor of my brother Ted O’Connell
Blue Bear Donors Super Heroes ($50,000+)
Jeffrey Shaw - To Jim Peterson for all his hard work and dedication
Anonymous Maria Cardamone & Paul Matthews Chauncey & Marion D. McCormick Family Foundation
Super Sponsors ($1,000-$2,499)
Heroes ($10,000+) Anonymous The Bothin Foundation Walter & Elise Haas Fund The Libra Foundation
Super Benefactors ($5,000-9,999)
Benefactors ($2,500-$4,999)
Matching Grants Adobe Matching Gift Program Business Wire GE Foundation Levi Strauss Foundation Matching Grants
Graham Green Brett May The pH Fund bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 51
giving
Anonymous Robert Emery Ira & Leonore Gershwin Philanthropic Fund John Brockway Huntington Foundation Elisabeth & Howard Jaffe James Mellon The Walther Foundation
Block Communications, Inc. Mark Brueckman Friends - In Memory of Eric Schultz Paul Goldman & Monterey International The Grey Family Foundation Mr. Christopher Lord & Ms. Coltrane C. Lord Byron Mellberg The Arch & Stella Rowan Foundation SFT Endowment for Technology, Education and the Arts Kathy Taylor Strachan Jill Suttie & Don Arbitlit Union Bank Foundation Paul Winston
Gifts Grants & Scholarships Thank You Donors ($250-$499)
Anonymous California Accounting Center CPA’s Mike & Pat Evans Mark Mayper Julie & Jonathan Meyer Josina Reddy Renee Richardson Pauline Ayako Uyeda
Holland Bender Mark Gunther & Anne M. Krantz Adrienne Hirt & Jeff Rodman Jocelyn Kane & Kevin B. Casey Michael Keys Susan & Gregg Lustig Pat & Lori Martinez Paul Saraceni Steve Savage & Tamara Bock Richard Strauss Tamyra Thomas Mark Williams
giving
Sponsors ($500-$999)
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“We lo forward ok to many more ye ars Blue Be at ar.” – Uma & George Lerner
Supporters ($100-$249)
David G. & Sheree L. Meyer Lisa Nelson Dianne Younger Rosse Matt Rozen Leigh Sealy Dimitri Serafimides The Singer’s Workshop Richard Sloan Miles V. Smith Charitable Fund Katherine & Andrew Stephens Jim Tepperman Bill Tiedeman, L.C.S.W. Ashley Valentine Hailey White Dr. Richard Wolitz Melvin Wong, Blackbird Music Albert Yee Matthew Zlatunich In honor of Max Zwerin
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giving
Action Donation Services Kit Anderton Susan Gracie Atherton Keysha Bailey Warren Bellows & Will Kent Wendy Bolker Jeffrey Briss Thomas E. Churchill II John Close Genevieve Conaty Joycelin Craig & Conrad Lopez Susan & Ed Croft Gerry Ehrmann Catherine Federico in support of the work of Maria Cardamone Elizabeth Finlayson & Jim Nadel Anne & Mason Flemming Dustin Frazier
Theresa Garcia Geras Tousignant Gallery Brian Gifford Kevin Gill Dominic Haigh Patricia Hammond Bonnie Hayes Judith Hill-Weld Brenda Hillman Robert S. Hodas Henry Hooker & Janine Roeth Sue Hubbard Amy Johnson Stephen Kaus Ruth Kirschner Elisabeth Lewis Boris Lieberman Gail J. & Robert B. Loveman Fund Tim Lynch The Mahon Family Susan McGarry Bruce & Hilda Mendez
Gifts Grants & Scholarships In-Kind Donors
Anonymous Bay Area Producers Conference (BAPC) Bob Brown Constance Cartwright Andy Coblentz Fender Musical Instruments Corporation Brooks Frank Geras Tousignant Gallery Brian Gingerich Waleed Haddad Jeff Harter
Estate of David G. Helder Bethany Hellerich William Ho Ronald Light Jay Margolis Cristophe Moskalonek Xuemei Ouyang A. Hamilton Rowan III Adel Taslimi Joe Torrano
Associates ($60-$99) Ian & Joanie Crombie Ruth Kirschner
Josh Norek
giving
Friends ($1-$59) Adrienne Justin Bass & Marisa Rolland Michael Drew In Honor of Johnny Nitro David & Debra Hoiem Tim Hughes Leslie Ann Jones Michael Juster The Koenig Family David Lehr The LeMaitre Cunningham Family Peter Logan
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Julian Lopez Donald M. Maus Linda Muller Bernice Musante Jim Peterson David Sampson Jim Semitekol In Honor of Richard Smith Carol Snow & David Matchett Queenie Taylor Carol Wong
Board of Trustees Maria Cardamone Chair
Steve Savage President
Jay R. Shah, CPA Vice Chair
Brett May
Bonnie Hayes Rose Kirkland Jim Peterson Renee Richardson Richard Strauss Paul Winston
Treasurer
Program & Administrative Staff Steve Savage
Colin Hayes
Executive Director
Finance Director
Dennis Criteser
Alycia Moore
General Manager/Program Director
Manager of Individual Giving
Jackie Andrews
Kristina Melendez
Marketing & PR Director
Office Manager/HR Generalist
Cole Odin Berggren
Ashley McKnight
Community Programs Director
Front Desk Staff
Tanya Yule
Tennessee Mowry
Little Bears Director
Production Assistant
Ryan Hickey
Genesis Valentine
All Star Band Director
Marketing Assistant
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Teachers
Blue Bear’s instructors are experienced mentors committed to helping you reach your musical goals. They are passionate about sharing the knowledge they’ve gained both from traditional training and from performing, on the stage and in the studio. With impressive biographies, Blue Bear teachers have played and recorded with a long list of “who’s who” in the popular music world. Summer camp instructor Cole Odin Berggren has drummed in bands for 20 years and is also a trained glassblower and prominent local DJ. Currently, he is the primary songwriter and singer/multi-instrumentalist for his own pulsing, psychedelic, electronic rock band OWNERSHIP. Cole also teaches at Blue Bear’s Bayview YMCA Digital Music Program and is Blue Bear’s Community Programs Director. Kent Brown was a professional actor, singer, and guitarist in Atlanta and the Southeast for 11 years before moving to San Francisco. An instructor at Blue Bear since 2000, Kent teaches group lessons in all levels of acoustic guitar as well as private lessons in acoustic and electric guitar and bass. His cover band Suite Love Express plays regularly throughout the Bay Area. 56 Spring 2016 415.673.3600
Peter Case is a three-time Grammy-nominated, performing singer/songwriter, guitarist and producer who brings over 25 years of songwriting experience to his popular workshops. A founding member of the Nerves and the Plimsouls, Case’s songs are consistently discovered by each new generation, covered and performed by his fellow songwriters (Chris Smither, John Prine, and Alejandro Escovedo, among others), and featured on film and television, most recently in True Blood and Friday Night Lights. T.Lin Chase is a working musician who also has a Ph.D. in computer science. She loves helping young people develop a love of learning and achievement in both the arts and the sciences.
Lea Centauri has been singing since age four and is the author of two vocal programs. She lived in Paris for several years, performing and teaching throughout Europe. She is a vocal coach for all genres — jazz, pop, blues, R&B, rock, show tunes, hip hop and rap — working with individuals and groups on technique and preparation for recording and performance. Lea is also a songwriter and teaches beginning piano.
Caroline Dahl plays boogie-woogie, blues and rock piano and is frequently seen wearing sequins. Caroline currently plays with the Cajun/ American roots band Tom Rigney and Flambeau, and also plays solo piano regularly on Sundays at Mama’s Royal Cafe in Mill Valley. She has played solo at piano boogie woogie and blues festivals in France, Switzerland, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Canada, and at numerous venues in the United States.
Kai Chu began his music education on piano, then graduated from Berklee College of Music studying guitar, voice, and music business. Now a bassist, Kai has performed for large audiences at renowned venues like Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, the LA Forum, The Warfield, and Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. Kai gigs regularly on the local scene and also plays double bass in the San Francisco Civic Symphony.
Sharman Duran, vocalist and keyboardist, has been performing jazz standards, top 40, soul, rock, pop, and Latin jazz in bands since 1976. She also specializes in teaching music to pre-school children. She has performed throughout Europe and Asia, and gigs regularly in the Bay Area.
Summer Camp teacher and guitarist Nils Erickson graduated with honors from Berklee College of Music and has played and taught music Our offsite program inin the Bay Area for over twenstructor Mich ael Ch u l a da ty years. Nils has been lead has played synths and piano teacher in Blue Bear’s camps for in many bands over the last 25 years over ten years, and has performed in Peter Case and has performed in almost every venvenues like LA’s Disney Hall, The House of ue in San Francisco. He has released numerous Blues, The Brooklyn Bowl, The Knitting Factory, studio recordings, most recently with san fran- and Bimbo’s 365 Club among many others. He psyche rock band The Rabbles. When not tearing currently plays with the Michael Jackson tribit up with The Rabbles, he's busy working on his ute group Foreverland. solo synthesizer-based project The Pre's, paying Brian Gire has been teaching and playing muhomage to the ambient ‘80s. One of Michael's sic for over thirty years. Initially inspired by greatest joys is sharing his love and wonder of watching the late John Hartford on television, music and sparking that love with others. Brian has developed an eclectic approach that With a music degree from Ithaca College, ranges from Bartok to hard rock to Doc WatRandy Clark has been teaching guitar and son. He teaches both acoustic and electric amazing audiences with his critically acclaimed guitar (in styles including jazz, blues, classical, playing since the early 1990s. His band, Crowrock, bluegrass, and more), banjo, mandolin, song, has released three records. Randy has piano, and bass. also composed for films and written for Guitar Player magazine. He specializes in slide guitar and roots music genres.
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Teachers
Ben Goldstein was born and raised in Memphis, where he learned to play and sing blues, rock, soul, funk, gospel, boogie, and folk music. In his studies at Middlebury College, he dove into jazz and compositional theory. He has played keys and sung with dozens of bands in Tennessee and Vermont, writes and records original music, and also has ten years of experience in vocal arrangement. Ryan Hickey has studied music theory, composition and performance, teaches piano and guitar, and is Blue Bear’s All Star Band director. He has performed in orchestras, symphonies, and marching bands; has toured the U.S. with funk, reggae, bluegrass, jazz, world, hip hop, and rock bands; and continues to have his work featured in international publications. His musical inspirations start with Ravi Shankar, Oscar Peterson, Jimmy Smith, The Grateful Dead, John Coltrane and Steely Dan. Rachel Hoiem has studied music for over twenty years, including several years on scholarship at Blue Bear. With a B.A. in Jazz Piano from SF State, she gigs regularly in her bands Light Fantastic, Bellavista, and Rachel and the Rats. Her Little Bears song repertoire includes everything from The Beatles to Beastie Boys, along with her own originals, keeping things fresh and fun for all.
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Raz Kennedy has worked as a vocalist, vocal coach, and producer in the Bay Area since 1980. His performance credits include six years as a founding member of Bobby McFerrin’s Voicestra, as well as projects with June Watanabe Performance Ensemble, Rebeca Mauleon, Bob Ostertag, Bonnie Hayes, Linda Tillery, George Coates Performance Works, and Oberlin Dance Collective. He has a long list of recording and live credits (Narada Michael Walden, Todd Rundgren, Whitney Houston, etc.) and has coached artists ranging from Adam Duritz (Counting Crows) to Rancid, among many others. Raz is an authorized CVT (Complete Vocal Technique) instructor, having studied for nearly four years in Copenhagen under the direction of the creator and founder of CVT, Cathrine Sadolin. Raz is available for limited private instruction on Tuesdays; call for rates and availability. Devin Lane has taught guitar privately and in schools and summer camps since 2007. He has also taught bass, drums, piano, voice, and recording techniques. With a B.A. from UC Santa Barbara, where he studied electronic music composition, music theory, piano, and English literature, Devin has performed in local bands and completed a musical journey of Latin America with performances in Mexico, Colombia, and Peru.
Australian-born Libby Lavella is a Grammy-nominated singer and vocal coach. She has taught both signed artists and non-singers, including non-singing actor Mark Webber who she prepared for his lead-singing role and soundtrack work on the 2010 film Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. Libby has worked with Courtney Love, Smash Mouth, Jamie Lynn Spears, Wendy Melvoin, Latin Pop artist Gustavo Galindo, and many others. She recently released an EP with her LA-based harmony group, The Amber. Libby is available for limited Artist Vocal Development private lessons; call for rates and times.
include Folk music, Jazz, Soul/Motown, and Musical Theater! Mindy is currently half of a two-piece group called Vista, who play around San Francisco. Summer camp songwriting teacher Ira Marlowe grew up listening to jazz and show tunes, begged for guitar lessons at 8, finally got them at 13, and experienced a high school conversion from folkie to rocker. At 19, he started penning songs that sounded somewhere between Daltrey/Townsend and Lerner and Loew. His awards include the SF Weekly “Best of the Bay� song contest and a Napa Valley Music Festival award.
Berklee School of Music grad Sean Leahy has Shaun McGonegal is a seasoned drummer with toured the States and Europe with Kofy over thirty years of experience in perforBrown, Red Archibald, Marginal mance and studio work. Along with Prophets, Boomshanka, Four Year contributions to many albums, Bender, Guitarmageddon, and he is a GrooveZoo.com Groove London Street. An experienced Crew Member, actively conguitar teacher and band worksulting for the site. His formal shop leader, his first influences training began at Ontario Colinclude Hendrix, Duane Alllege of Percussion and continman, and Angus Young. Sean ued with Pete Magadini, John gigs regularly throughout the Pickering, and jazz great Tony Bay Area and beyond. Williams. Shaun has mastered styles Ja nak an Ramachandr from rock, R&B, blues and funk, to Latin, J.T. Locke has been playing guitar, and writing and arranging songs for over 20 years, jazz, and hip hop. recording and performing across the country for Little Bears instructor Ayesha McGowan hails from over 10 years, and teaching professionally since the East Coast but now calls the Bay Area her new 2007. J.T. trained at PCC Music program in Porthome. She incorporates a range of folk, pop, soul, land and M.I.T in Los Angeles. He offers instruction and kiddie classics in her classes and has lots of in rock, jazz, classical, blues, metal, pop, and other experience working with infants as young as two styles as well as in songwriting. His current band is weeks old! Ayesha plays violin, piano, guitar, and Deathtrap America. ukulele. Mindy Knight has been singing since she Tennessee Mowrey is a multi-instrumentalist and could speak, and from the age of eight she singer/songwriter who has written for folk, rock, sang in choirs and ensembles of nearly every reggae, and punk bands as well as for film and style. She studied music education, piano and theater. Proficient in guitar, bass, drum kit, hand anthropology in addition to receiving her BA percussion, mandolin, and ukulele, he has released in voice from the University of North Texas. multiple self-produced solo albums as well as alHer voice and love of music have taken her to bums with his various bands including Borneo and various regions of the world, having performed Electric Tiger Lily. Tennessee graduated from Wesin Colorado (USA), Brasil, Hungary, Ghana, and leyan University with High Honors in Music in 2014. throughout Texas. Her favorite styles to sing bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 59
Teachers
Barbara Murphy helped start Blue Bear’s Little Bears Program in 2007. With her powerful voice, positive energy, and diverse repertoire, Teacher Barb has touched many small hearts over the years. She plays guitar and piano and emphasizes voice, tone, movement, rhythm, and basic musical concepts in her classes. Her album Train to Sleepytown has been a hit! Vocalist, musician, songwriter and entertainer Lauren Ona is driven by the act of inspiring and being inspired by others. Her teachings consist of helping her students to understand the physiology of the voice itself and to find and learn about their own voice on a deeper, more personal and transformational level. She performs regularly with various corporate bands, and also appeared on ABC’s first season of the TV show “Rising Star.” Pamela Parker is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist schooled in classical, jazz, blues, classic rock, recording, songwriting, producing and performing. She holds two degrees in music, has started two music schools, works at Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco, and has been practicing music since the age of 7, including piano, violin, drums, bass, guitar, singing, songwriting, and recording.
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Jim Peterson has played and taught saxophone and woodwinds for more than 25 years. He studied in his early days at Blue Bear and then at Berklee School of Music. Jim has played with Beaufunk, Mitch Woods, Steve Lucky, and President’s Breakfast and is a founding member/composer for MoFone, Giant Trio, Mumbo Gumbo, and The New Squatoolas. He has performed at jazz festivals in Canada and Europe and at the Monterey Jazz and Blues Festivals. Seminar instructor Ilya Portnov is an innovative harmonica player who transforms its rustic simplicity into a sophisticated, expressive sound capable of conveying the most challenging music. He is equally comfortable swinging a Brazilian choro, navigating a sinewy Balkan dance, or celebrating harmonica’s roots in the blues. Ilya completed an M.A. at the prestigious New England Conservatory, the only person playing diatonic harmonica to have ever done so. Janak Ramachandran is driven to inspire, connect, and enlighten via his teaching philosophy of “motivating encouragement, concrete guidance, and playful musicality.” Once a student at Blue Bear, he is now one of a handful of teachers to receive Blue Bear’s Outstanding Faculty Award for his work in teaching voice/vocal style, guitar, bass, piano, theory/songwriting and stage performance.
Mike Rao, a graduate of G.I.T. in Los Angeles, studied solo jazz guitar with Ted Green. He loves blues and classic rock and has fifteen years of teaching experience. Mike is well known for his systematic and comprehensive approach to building skills in his group classes. He also leads youth bands and guitar classes in Blue Bear’s offsite programs. Summer camp instructor Erik Schramm is a Bay Area guitarist who for the last several years has toured the U.S. with the band Super Diamond. He performs often in San Francisco with artists Brandi Shearer, Clay Bell, Matt Verba, and Strip Club. He also does sessions for songwriters, commercials, and independent films. His playing is a mix of pop, blues, funk, rock, and a taste of country for good measure.
band known for its legendary theatrical rock concerts. Bill has also released three solo albums, First Chud, Mall to Mars, and Demolicious. Summer camp instructor Bob Tatum, a graduate of Percussion Institute of Technology in L.A., has been teaching drums and performing in the Bay Area since 1999. In addition to being the house drummer for the Blue Lamp in San Francisco, Bob has played with bands and artists such as Jimmy Two Times, Noelle Hampton, Storm Large, Bonnie Hayes, and Heather Combs. With an early background in trumpet, piano, and voice in concert bands, marching bands, community symphony orchestras, and barbershop quartets, John Turner eventually settled on the keys, touring with national recording groups and working as a session player. He has also accompanied cabaret acts and played for top 40 and show bands, upscale restaurants, five-star hotels, corporate events, and private parties.
Mark Schuh has toured the country as guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, and singer in numerous projects and can often be found singing and playing solo guitar at SF’s Durty Nelly’s where he’s been a resiAmanda VanderMeer graduated dent musician for the last ten years. Mark Schuh with high honors from Portland ComHe studied music with the infamous Joan munity College’s professional music program Wildman at UW-Madison and at Blue Bear with and has been playing and writing music for 25 jazz guru Jeff Massanari. Mark is currently lead years, touring the globe and releasing two stuguitarist for SF’s New Orleans-inspired Fatcat. dio albums. Since 2006, she has taught a wide Girls Rock! camp teacher Karen Segal has been range of ages in drums, piano, vocals, music teaching bands in the Bay Area since 2000 and theory, and songwriting. She plays drums in her rocking out since she was 11. She’s performed current band Deathtrap America. at the Hard Rock Cafe, Bottom of the Hill, Brandy Washington is a self-taught singer, Yoshi’s SF, Savanna Jazz, Rassela’s, and Cafe songwriter, keyboardist, rapper, drummer, and Du Nord. Karen teaches band at SF’s Brandeis producer who writes and performs under the Hillel Day School, and has a diploma from the moniker BEDAZAE. Her songs and instrumentals Musicians Institute in L.A., a Master’s of Educahave been used for various underground projtion from UCLA, and a California State Teaching ects. Brandy is a co-teacher for the Blue Bear Certificate. Digital Audio Production program at the BaySummer camp songwriting teacher view YMCA. Bill “Sputnick” Spooner is a guitarist, singer/ songwriter, and the founder of The Tubes, a bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 61
General Information Enroll Online: Go to bluebearmusic.org and click on “Sign Up” to get started today! Office Hours
Contact Info
Monday to Thursday: 1-8pm Saturday: 10:30 am-3:30pm Friday & Sunday: closed
Phone: 415.673.3600 Email: info@bluebearmusic.org
Address
Private lesson changes are handled by phone—be sure to leave a message—or by email at: cancel@bluebearmusic.org
Blue Bear School of Music Fort Mason Center 2 Marina Blvd. Bldg. D San Francisco, CA 94123
Sliding scale tuition available: Income-based sliding scale tuition is available for all Blue Bear instruction and summer camps with potential savings of 20% to 30% or more. Please visit bluebearmusic.org/sliding-scale to see whether you qualify! Please note: Blue Bear School of Music does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, age, political affiliation, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or religious belief in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship programs, and other school administered programs or in affording students the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
Weekday Rates
Weekend Rates
0-1 hr
$2.00
0-1 hr
$2.00
1-2 hrs
$4.00
1-2 hrs
$5.00
2-3 hrs
$6.00
2-3 hrs
$7.00
3-4 hrs
$8.00
3-4 hrs
$10.00
>4 hrs
$10.00
>4 hrs
$12.00
Parking At Fort Mason Funds generated from parking in the paid lot are allocated for the preservation and restoration of Fort Mason Center, a National Historic Landmark. Vehicles can enter the lot at any time, however overnight parking is not permitted. Sometimes spots are available just outside the Fort Mason gate, next to where the boats are moored, and that parking is free.
Outdoor bike racks are located throughout Fort Mason Center. At this time there are no indoor racks. 62 Spring 2016 415.673.3600
Locations Peninsula
Bay Bridge
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Market
Lombard Chestnut
SAFEWAY
General’s Residence
Chapel Gatehouse
Firehouse
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Fort Mason Center
Fort Mason Center
2 Marina Blvd., Bldg. D Blue Bear is on the 2nd floor of Building D. Most of Blue Bear’s classes and private lessons for all ages take place at this location.
Lennon Studios
Beach
Blvd.
He Co rbst we Pa ll T vili he on ate & r
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vehicle 22 entrance
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pedestrian entrance 28
271 Dore St. @ Harrison St. & 9th St. Band workshops, group guitar classes and limited guitar, voice and sax lessons take place at this SOMA location.
Golden Gate Bridge
Noe Valley Ministry
1021 Sanchez St. at 23 St. Little Bears classes and adult group voice and guitar classes take place at this location (no private lessons).
Center For New Music
55 Taylor St. near 6th and Market Group voice classes take place at this Mid-Market location.
Sweetwater Music Hall
19 Corte Madera, Mill Valley Little Bears classes take place at this Mill Valley location.
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Goings On… On February 27, Blue Bear youth students rocked the Fillmore’s poster room stage in support of the ALO Sing-Along for Kids! This special all-ages matinee show was part of ALO’s annual Tour d’Amour that raises money for kids’ music education programs in California. Deathtrap America featuring Blue Bear teachers Amanda VanderMeer and JT Locke are recording their second full-length, titled Things That Make You Feel Human. Check out a track off the new album, “Vigilante,” currently streaming at reverbnation.com/deathtrapamerica. Stay tuned for the band’s soon-to-be-announced summer show schedule! The 10th Annual Blue Bear Benefit featuring Allen Stone with Matt Jaffe & The Distractions is happening Saturday, March 19! Our VIP guests will get to see Allen share a stage with rock legend Elvin Bishop and our Youth All-Star Bands will have incredible opportunity to play the main stage at the historic Fillmore Theater! Thanks to our generous sponsors, including our presenting sponsor WhereWeLive, Blue Bear is able to host this important fundraising event to provide vital music education programs for all, regardless of income. Find out more about the show at bluebearmusic.org/benefit2016. Thanks again to our presenting sponsor, WhereWeLive, a social utility that helps you make better decisions by crowdsourcing observations from other users. Does the WiFi suck? Is there a place to sit? What’s the wait time? Your reports help others (and their reports help you) make better real-time decisions about where to go and what to do. Download the app at the Apple AppStore. Blue Bear is a proud sponsor of SF Psychedelic Poster Movement: 50th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, March 26 at the San Francisco Public Library. This free event will feature Blue Bear youth student performances, a panel conversation with poster legends like Stanley Mouse and live printmaking – not to be missed! Co-sponsors include the Haight Street Art Center and the San Francisco Public Library. 64 Spring 2016 415.673.3600
All Star-Band Showcase March 30 12:30- 5pm Hotel Utah Saloon 500 4th St., San Francisco All Ages
After School Band Showcase April 17 12:30- 5pm Hotel Utah Saloon 500 4th St., San Francisco All Ages
Come on down and see our young students flaunt their talents on the Hotel Utah stage! The cover charge is sliding-scale donationbased, but no one is turned away for lack of funds.
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• Sliding scale tuition available
• Band Workshops
• Youth All Star Bands
• Kids & Teens Summer Camps
SAN FRANCISCO, CA PERMIT NO. 10148
PAID
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
it’s time to play!
Marina SOMA Noe Valley
bluebearmusic.org 415.673.3600
Mid-Market Mill Valley
Five convenient locations!
New To Blue Bear? Mention this catalog to receive $20 Off
Fort Mason Center 2 Marina Blvd. Bldg. D San Francisco, CA 94123
• Classes Start April 11
• Private Lessons
• Instrument & Voice Classes
Spring Quarter 2016
It’s Time To Play!