blue bear spring 2016 catalog
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It’s tIme to play!
Marina | SOMA | Noe Valley | Mid-Market | Mill Valley
Blue BearSpring 2016
camps that rock!
sIgn up today!
bluebearmusic.org/summercamp2016
bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 1
all agesprivate lessons 8 One-on-one instruction for kids and adults.
adults Band Workshops 10 Join a 10-week student band workshop and perform at a nightclub in April!
group classes 14 Guitar, vocals, ukulele, and more for beginning, intermediate, and advanced players.
songwriting/recording 28For those who prefer working on original music, songwriting, recording, and more.
Blue Bear spring Quarter 2016
about us 2 Why Blue Bear? 4 From the directors 6 spring Quarter calendar 7 policies & procedures 9 community programs 44
support 48 gifts, grants & scholarships 50 Board of trustees & staff 55 teacher Bios 56 general Info & locations 62 goings on 64
short seminars 29 A special week of one-night classes in between each quarter. Attend one free with your paid Member Fee!
teens, kids & toddlers 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 Weekend band workshops for those serious about developing ensemble playing skills.
little Bears 38Rockin’ music classes for infants and toddlers and their parent/caregiver.
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group classesBlue 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 WorkshopsBand 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/recordingFor 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.
adultsabout us
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.
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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 Mid-Market, 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.
group classes (ages 6 to 17)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.
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.
little Bears (ages 4 mos. to 5 yrs.)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.
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.
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Why Blue Bear?
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.
students of all ages pursue music studies at Blue Bear, year after year. here are a few reasons why.
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 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).
convenienceBlue 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.
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.)
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.
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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, self-discipline, 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
spring Flowers
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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 year-
round, 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 mid-Market 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 calendarWinter 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 20spring Band Workshops showcases June 27-30
Blue Bear is closed for memorial day, but open saturday may 28
It’s time to play
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Blue Bear offers private instruction for students ages five years and up, on most instruments and voice, plus music theory, recording, songwriting, sight-singing, ear training, and improvisation. Our students range from “square-one” beginners to serious musicians preparing for study at elite music schools.
private lessons
prices, payments & schedulesstart 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
1 lesson 4 lessons 10 lessons most instruments $65 $245 $570 drums, Voice, studio $70 $265 $625
private half-hours or shared-with a-Friend hours (per student)
1 lesson 4 lessons 10 lessons most instruments $37 $135 $315 drums, Voice, studio $40 $145 $340
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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.
to drop your lessonsWe 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.
policies & procedures private lesson refunds 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 [email protected]. • 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.
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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.
rock & Blues Wide open to style, material may range from oldies to blues, alternative to Top 40—you name it!
rock, soul and r&BIncludes 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 rockDraws mostly from the repertoire of the 1960s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. Students decide what “classic” means!
adult Band Workshopsthe 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.
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modern rock & contemporary BandsYou’ll perform material from a broad range of artists and bands with releases from the past ten to fifteen years.
acoustic rockFor 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.
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
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.
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at Fort mason center Basic rock & Blues mon 6-8:30pm 4/11-6/27 w/Jim Peterson
Basic rock, soul and r&B mon 8:30-11pm 4/11-6/27 w/Jim Peterson
Intermediate rock & Blues tues 6-8:30pm 4/12-6/21 (by audition) w/J.T. Locke
Basic rock & Blues tues 8:30-11pm 4/12-6/21 w/J.T. Locke
Intermediate contemporary Bands Wed 6-8:30pm 4/13-6/22 (by audition) w/Mark Schuh
Intermediate rock & Blues Wed 8:30-11pm 4/13-6/22 w/Mark Schuh
Basic rock & Blues thu 6-8:30pm 4/14-6/23 w/Amanda VanderMeer
acoustic rock thu 8:30-11pm 4/14-6/23 w/J.T. Locke
at lennon studiosBasic rock & Blues mon 6-8:30pm 4/11-6/27 w/Sean Leahy
Intermediate rock & Blues mon 8:30-11pm 4/11-6/27 w/Sean Leahy
modern rock tue 8-10:30pm 4/12-6/21 w/Janak Ramachandran
daytime rockers Wed 1-3:30pm 4/13-6/22 w/TBA
classic rock Wed 6-8:30pm 4/13-6/22 w/Sean Leahy
Basic rock & Blues Wed 8:30-11pm 4/13-6/22 w/Sean Leahy
deep rock and Improv Workshop thu 8:30-11pm 4/14-6/23 w/Jim Peterson
Blues, soul and roots sun 4-6:30pm 4/17-6/26 w/Randy Clark
Band Workshop schedule
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prerequisites 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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14 Spring 2016 415.673.3600
guitar for the square-one BeginnerAlways 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.
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
guitar for people Who know a littleIf 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.
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
adult guitar classesgroup 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.
ByogBring your own guitar!
acoustic (or electric) guitar is required.
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guitar for people Who know a little more 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.
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.
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
continuing acoustic guitar Intended for those with more experience. Call 415.673.3600 for accurate placement.
acoustic Vmon 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
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16 Spring 2016 415.673.3600
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
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 IIIFor 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 in-class playing.
thu 7:30-8:30pm 4/14-6/23 w/J.T. Locke
adult guitar classesclasses cost $260 (or $90x3) and are 11-weeks long, except where noted. to enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 member Fee.
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electric rhythm guitar 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.
thu 8-9pm 4/14-6/23 w/Randy Clark
electric rhythm guitar XI For graduates of Electric Rhythm Guitar X
tue 6-7pm 4/12-6/21 w/Randy Clark
neW! note for note with JimiIn 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 IVFor 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.
Wed 7-8pm 4/13-6/22 w/Mike Rao
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acoustic Jam Basics II Graduates of Acoustic Jam Basics will continue to learn new songs and scales and work on their soloing skills.
tue 9-10:15pm 4/12-6/21 w/Brian Gire • $320 (or $110x3)
acoustic Jam repertoireNew 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)
acoustic Jam Basics IIIGraduates of Acoustic Jam Basics II will continue to learn new songs and develop soloing skills.
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)
adult Jam classeshave 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.
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Beginning ukuleleClass 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.
mon 8:30-9:30pm 4/11-6/27 w/Mark Schuh
ukulele II 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
ukulele III 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 7:30-8:30pm 4/11-6/27 w/Mark Schuh
adult ukulele classesgroup classes cost $260 (or $90x3) and are 11-weeks long. to enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 member Fee.
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20 Spring 2016 415.673.3600
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 singGraduates of Singing for People Who Can’t Sing will continue to
adult Voice classesgroup 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.
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 onaGraduates 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
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learn to sing: group singing for BeginnersThis 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.
thu 6-7:15pm 4/11-6/27 w/Janak Ramachandran
learn to sing II: group and solo singingGraduates 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 4/14-6/23 Janak Ramachandran
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22 Spring 2016 415.673.3600
adult Voice classesgroup 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 micGraduates 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 lavellaYou 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.
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 lavellaFor 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
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“Voice 1 was a ton of fun and Janak is such an enthusiastic and supportive teacher. I absolutely would take any class he is teaching in the future. he made
class so enjoyable.”– michelle d.
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24 Spring 2016 415.673.3600
adult Voice classesgroup 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 lavellaSinging 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 singFor 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-
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 singGraduates 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
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Vocal technique with raz kennedyFor 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/razThis 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 VocalsThis 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)
adult Voice classes
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adult Voice classesgroup 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
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
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Beginning BassThis 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.
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.
sat 1-2pm 4/16-6/25 w/Kai Chu
music theory for guitarThis 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.
Wed 7-8pm 4/13-6/22 w/Kent Brown
chord magic for guitaristsThis 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
adult Bass & theory classesgroup classes cost $260 (or $90x3) and are 11-weeks long. to enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 member Fee.
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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Write your First songIn 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.
mon 8-9:15pm 4/11-6/27 w/Pamela Parker
songwriting/recordingWork on original music
make your First demoFor 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.
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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triad powerThis seminar will reveal the tremendous benefits that come from understanding the structure of three-note 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 theoryGain 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
tetrachordsA 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
adult seminarsBlue 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!
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after school rock BandThese 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.
thu 4:30-6pm 4/21-6/2 (7 weeks)w/J.T. Locke • $245
kids & teens group classeskids and teens group classes are 8-weeks long, except where noted. to enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 member Fee.
your own rock BandIf 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.
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 (grades 6-8) This class is the same as Singing and Performance I but for 6th-8th grades.
tue 5-6pm 4/12-5/31 w/Lauren Ona • $190
Instrument petting Zoo (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.
thu 4-4:45pm 4/14-6/2 w/Devin Lane • $185
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get ready to rock (grades 4-6)
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.
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.
rock u 1 (grades 6-8)
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.
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.
kids & teens summer campsBlue 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.
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rock u 3 (grades 8-12)
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.
hard rock u 2 (grades 7-10)
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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songwriting campsCampers 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.
songwriting 1 (grades 6-9)
songwriting 2 (grades 8-12)
kids & teens summer campsguitar camp (grades 7-11)
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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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.
Voice campsThese 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)
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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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What is all star Band? 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.
program requirementsAll 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
kids & teens all star Bands
see our youth all-star Bands rock the hotel utah on march 20!(See page 65 for more details)
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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!
Tanya Yule Little Bears Director
Who and What are little Bears? simply put, little Bears bobble, weave and dance to their own beat.
excellent music classes in her futu
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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. Because 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
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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, sing-alongs 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!
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.
enroll online! bluebearmusic.org/littlebears Check the Little bears site for schedule updates and class cancelations.
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Fort mason center2 Marina Blvd. Bldg. D, Rm. K
Baby Bearsthu 11-11:45am 4/14-6/30 • $275 w/ Rachel
Bouncy Bearsmon 10-10:45am 4/11-6/27 • $255 w/ Michaelmon 3:30-4:15pm 4/11-6/27 • $255 w/ Ayeshatue 10-10:45am 4/12-6/28 • $275 w/ RachelWed 10-10:45am 4/13-6/29 • $295 w/ Barbthu 10-10:45am 4/14-6/30 • $275 w/ Rachelthu 3:30-4:15pm 4/14-6/30 • $275 w/ MichaelFri 11-11:45am 4/15-7/1 • $275 w/ Ayesha
Boogie Bearsmon 11-11:45am 4/11-6/27 • $255 w/ Michaelmon 4:30-5:15pm 4/11-6/27 • $255 w/ Ayeshathu 4:30-5:15pm 4/14-6/30 • $275 w/ Michael
mixed Bearstue 11-11:45am 4/12-6/28 • $275 w/ RachelWed 11-11:45am 4/13-6/29 • $295 w/ BarbWed 12-12:45pm 4/13-6/29 • $295 w/ BarbFri 10-10:45am 4/15-7/1 • $275 w/ Ayeshasun 11-11:45am 4/16-7/3 • $275 w/ T. Lin
little Bears class schedule For schedule updates and more, check bluebearmusic.org/littlebears
noe Valley ministry1021 Sanchez St. @ 23rd St.
Baby Bearsmon 2:30-3:15pm 4/11-6/27 • $275 w/ BarbWed 11-11:45am 4/13-6/29 • $275 w/ Rachel
Bouncy Bearsmon 10-10:45am 4/11-6/27 • $255 w/ Rachelmon 3:30-4:15pm 4/11-6/27 • $275 w/ BarbWed 10-10:45am 4/13-6/29 • $275 w/ Rachelsat 10-10:45am 4/16-7/2 • $275 w/ T. Lin
Boogie Bearsmon 4:30-5:15pm 4/11-6/27 • $275 w/ Barb
mixed Bearsmon 11-11:45am 4/11-6/27 • $255 w/ Rachelsat 11-11:45am 4/16-7/2 • $275 w/ T. Lin
the sweetwater music hall19 Corte Madera Ave., Mill Valley
Bouncy Bearsthu 10-10:45am 4/14-6/30 • $275 w/ Ayesha
mixed Bearsthu 11-11:45am 4/14-6/30 • $275 w/ Ayesha
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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.
Barb murphy “Blue Bear makes musical dreams come true!“
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’!
meet the little Bears teachers!
little Bears FaQ I have more than one child. do I need to pay full tuition for both of them?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 drop-in 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.
What if I need to drop a class? 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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For more
frequently-asked
little Bears
questions, visit
bluebearmusic.org/
littlebears
“thanks to Blue Bear’s sliding scale, we were able to give our son the ability to experience
music at a young age...which in turn, established a foundation and a love of music for life.” - Justin W.
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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.
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 [email protected].
MUSIC SAVES!
Cole Odin Berggren Community Programs Director
reaching out!
communityprograms
In addition to our digital audio programs we also offer Instrument petting Zoo, rock Band, Voice, and guitar classes.
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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.
current 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
past partner sites:
• 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
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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
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
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community programsA 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 parent-supported.
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giv
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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.
• Music can serve as a gratifying counter balance to demanding professional lives.
• Making music together gives people a positive social experience.
• Learning 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.
supportthere are many ways to support Blue Bear and you can designate your gift to specifically benefit one or more of our programs.
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• Blue Bear’s Music Production Workshop for kids at The Mix at the San Francisco Public Library.
• Multiple Youth All Star Bands for talented teens.
• Sliding scale tuition assistance and scholarships, ensuring access to Blue Bear programs for all.
Feed the Bear 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.
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 [email protected] or 415.673.3600.
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.
giv
ing
50 Spring 2016 415.673.3600
scholarship super sponsors Anonymous
Mike Kappus - The Rosebud AgencyBonnie 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 Joan Barnes
Richard Strauss
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
AnonymousArch and Stella Rowan Foundation
Sydney Rowan - In Honor of my brother Ted O’Connell
scholarship donors
gifts, grants & scholarshipsBlue 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.
giv
ing
bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 51
super heroes ($50,000+)
Anonymous Maria Cardamone & Paul Matthews
Chauncey & Marion D. McCormick Family Foundation
heroes ($10,000+)
Anonymous The Bothin Foundation
Walter & Elise Haas FundThe Libra Foundation
super Benefactors ($5,000-9,999)
AnonymousRobert Emery
Ira & Leonore Gershwin Philanthropic Fund
John Brockway Huntington FoundationElisabeth & Howard Jaffe
James MellonThe Walther Foundation
Benefactors ($2,500-$4,999)
Graham GreenBrett May
The pH Fund
Blue Bear donorsJeffrey Shaw - To Jim Peterson for
all his hard work and dedication
super sponsors ($1,000-$2,499)
Block Communications, Inc.Mark Brueckman
Friends - In Memory of Eric SchultzPaul Goldman & Monterey International
The Grey Family FoundationMr. Christopher Lord
& Ms. Coltrane C. LordByron Mellberg
The Arch & Stella Rowan Foundation SFT Endowment for Technology,
Education and the ArtsKathy Taylor Strachan
Jill Suttie & Don ArbitlitUnion Bank Foundation
Paul Winston
matching grants Adobe Matching Gift Program
Business Wire
GE Foundation
Levi Strauss Foundation Matching Grants
giv
ing
52 Spring 2016 415.673.3600
sponsors ($500-$999)
AnonymousCalifornia Accounting Center CPA’s
Mike & Pat EvansMark Mayper
Julie & Jonathan MeyerJosina Reddy
Renee RichardsonPauline Ayako Uyeda
gifts grants & scholarshipsthank you
donors ($250-$499)Holland Bender
Mark Gunther & Anne M. KrantzAdrienne Hirt & Jeff Rodman
Jocelyn Kane & Kevin B. CaseyMichael Keys
Susan & Gregg LustigPat & Lori Martinez
Paul SaraceniSteve Savage & Tamara Bock
Richard StraussTamyra ThomasMark Williams
giv
ing
bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 53
supporters ($100-$249)
Action Donation ServicesKit Anderton
Susan Gracie AthertonKeysha Bailey
Warren Bellows & Will Kent
Wendy BolkerJeffrey Briss
Thomas E. Churchill IIJohn Close
Genevieve ConatyJoycelin Craig
& Conrad LopezSusan & Ed CroftGerry Ehrmann
Catherine Federico in support of the work of
Maria CardamoneElizabeth Finlayson
& Jim NadelAnne & Mason Flemming
Dustin Frazier
Theresa GarciaGeras Tousignant Gallery
Brian GiffordKevin Gill
Dominic HaighPatricia Hammond
Bonnie HayesJudith Hill-WeldBrenda HillmanRobert S. HodasHenry Hooker
& Janine RoethSue HubbardAmy JohnsonStephen Kaus
Ruth KirschnerElisabeth LewisBoris Lieberman
Gail J. & Robert B. Loveman Fund
Tim LynchThe Mahon Family
Susan McGarryBruce & Hilda Mendez
David G. & Sheree L. Meyer
Lisa NelsonDianne Younger Rosse
Matt RozenLeigh Sealy
Dimitri SerafimidesThe Singer’s Workshop
Richard SloanMiles V. Smith
Charitable FundKatherine & Andrew
StephensJim Tepperman
Bill Tiedeman, L.C.S.W.Ashley Valentine
Hailey WhiteDr. Richard Wolitz
Melvin Wong, Blackbird Music
Albert YeeMatthew Zlatunich
In honor of Max Zwerin
“We look forward to many more years at Blue Bear.” – uma & george lerner
giv
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gifts grants & scholarships
AnonymousBay Area Producers Conference (BAPC)
Bob BrownConstance Cartwright
Andy CoblentzFender Musical Instruments Corporation
Brooks FrankGeras Tousignant Gallery
Brian GingerichWaleed Haddad
Jeff Harter
Estate of David G. HelderBethany Hellerich
William HoRonald LightJay Margolis
Cristophe MoskalonekXuemei Ouyang
A. Hamilton Rowan IIIAdel TaslimiJoe Torrano
In-kind donors
Ian & Joanie CrombieRuth Kirschner
Josh Norek
associates ($60-$99)
AdrienneJustin Bass & Marisa Rolland
Michael Drew In Honor of Johnny NitroDavid & Debra Hoiem
Tim HughesLeslie Ann JonesMichael Juster
The Koenig FamilyDavid Lehr
The LeMaitre Cunningham FamilyPeter Logan
Julian LopezDonald M. Maus
Linda MullerBernice Musante
Jim PetersonDavid SampsonJim Semitekol
In Honor of Richard SmithCarol Snow & David Matchett
Queenie TaylorCarol Wong
Friends ($1-$59)
bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 55
maria cardamone Chair
steve savagePresident
Jay r. shah, cpaVice Chair
Brett mayTreasurer
Bonnie hayes
rose kirkland
Jim peterson
renee richardson
richard strauss
paul Winston
steve savageExecutive Director
dennis criteser General Manager/Program Director
Jackie andrews Marketing & PR Director
cole odin Berggren Community Programs Director
tanya yule Little Bears Director
ryan hickey All Star Band Director
colin hayesFinance Director
alycia moore Manager of Individual Giving
kristina melendez Office Manager/HR Generalist
ashley mcknightFront Desk Staff
tennessee mowry Production Assistant
genesis ValentineMarketing Assistant
Board of trustees
program & administrative staff
56 Spring 2016 415.673.3600
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 sing-
er/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 Com-
munity 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 in-
structor 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 Ex-
press plays regularly throughout the Bay Area.
peter case is a three-time Grammy-nomi-
nated, performing singer/songwriter, guitar-
ist and producer who brings over 25 years of
songwriting experience to his popular work-
shops. 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 tele-
vision, 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.
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.
bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 57
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.
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 Am-
phitheater in Colorado, the LA Fo-
rum, The Warfield, and Bill Gra-
ham Civic Auditorium. Kai gigs
regularly on the local scene
and also plays double bass in
the San Francisco Civic Sym-
phony.
Our offsite program in-
structor michael chulada
has played synths and piano
in many bands over the last 25 years
and has performed in almost every ven-
ue in San Francisco. He has released numerous
studio recordings, most recently with san fran-
psyche rock band The Rabbles. When not tearing
it up with The Rabbles, he's busy working on his
solo synthesizer-based project The Pre's, paying
homage to the ambient ‘80s. One of Michael's
greatest joys is sharing his love and wonder of
music and sparking that love with others.
With a music degree from Ithaca College,
randy clark has been teaching guitar and
amazing audiences with his critically acclaimed
playing since the early 1990s. His band, Crow-
song, has released three records. Randy has
also composed for films and written for Guitar
Player magazine. He specializes in slide guitar
and roots music genres.
caroline dahl plays boogie-woogie, blues and
rock piano and is frequently seen wearing se-
quins. Caroline currently plays with the Cajun/
American roots band Tom Rigney and Flam-
beau, 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.
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 grad-
uated with honors from
Berklee College of Music and
has played and taught music
in the Bay Area for over twen-
ty years. Nils has been lead
teacher in Blue Bear’s camps for
over ten years, and has performed in
venues like LA’s Disney Hall, The House of
Blues, The Brooklyn Bowl, The Knitting Factory,
and Bimbo’s 365 Club among many others. He
currently plays with the Michael Jackson trib-
ute group Foreverland.
Brian gire has been teaching and playing mu-
sic for over thirty years. Initially inspired by
watching the late John Hartford on television,
Brian has developed an eclectic approach that
ranges from Bartok to hard rock to Doc Wat-
son. He teaches both acoustic and electric
guitar (in styles including jazz, blues, classical,
rock, bluegrass, and more), banjo, mandolin,
piano, and bass.
Peter Case
58 Spring 2016 415.673.3600
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 Voic-
estra, 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, hav-
ing 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 record-
ing 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 perfor-
mances in Mexico, Colombia, and Peru.
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 mu-
sic, and also has ten years of experience in vocal
arrangement.
ryan hickey has studied music theory, compo-
sition and performance, teaches piano and gui-
tar, 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 inspi-
rations 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.
teachers
bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 59
Australian-born libby lavella is a Grammy-nom-
inated 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 re-
cently 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.
Berklee School of Music grad sean leahy has
toured the States and Europe with Kofy
Brown, Red Archibald, Marginal
Prophets, Boomshanka, Four Year
Bender, Guitarmageddon, and
London Street. An experienced
guitar teacher and band work-
shop leader, his first influences
include Hendrix, Duane All-
man, and Angus Young. Sean
gigs regularly throughout the
Bay Area and beyond.
J.t. locke has been playing guitar, and
writing and arranging songs for over 20 years,
recording and performing across the country for
over 10 years, and teaching professionally since
2007. J.T. trained at PCC Music program in Port-
land and M.I.T in Los Angeles. He offers instruction
in rock, jazz, classical, blues, metal, pop, and other
styles as well as in songwriting. His current band is
Deathtrap America.
mindy knight has been singing since she
could speak, and from the age of eight she
sang in choirs and ensembles of nearly every
style. She studied music education, piano and
anthropology in addition to receiving her BA
in voice from the University of North Texas.
Her voice and love of music have taken her to
various regions of the world, having performed
in Colorado (USA), Brasil, Hungary, Ghana, and
throughout Texas. Her favorite styles to sing
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 folk-
ie 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.
shaun mcgonegal is a seasoned drummer with
over thirty years of experience in perfor-
mance and studio work. Along with
contributions to many albums,
he is a GrooveZoo.com Groove
Crew Member, actively con-
sulting for the site. His formal
training began at Ontario Col-
lege of Percussion and contin-
ued with Pete Magadini, John
Pickering, and jazz great Tony
Williams. Shaun has mastered styles
from rock, R&B, blues and funk, to Latin,
jazz, and hip hop.
Little Bears instructor 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 in her classes and has lots of
experience working with infants as young as two
weeks old! Ayesha plays violin, piano, guitar, and
ukulele.
tennessee mowrey is a multi-instrumentalist and
singer/songwriter who has written for folk, rock,
reggae, and punk bands as well as for film and
theater. Proficient in guitar, bass, drum kit, hand
percussion, mandolin, and ukulele, he has released
multiple self-produced solo albums as well as al-
bums with his various bands including Borneo and
Electric Tiger Lily. Tennessee graduated from Wes-
leyan University with High Honors in Music in 2014.
Janak Ramachandran
60 Spring 2016 415.673.3600
Barbara murphy helped start Blue Bear’s Lit-
tle 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 con-
sist 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 per-
forms 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, clas-
sic 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, song-
writing, and recording.
Jim peterson has played and taught saxo-
phone 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 mem-
ber/composer for MoFone, Giant Trio, Mumbo
Gumbo, and The New Squatoolas. He has per-
formed at jazz festivals in Canada and Europe
and at the Monterey Jazz and Blues Festivals.
Seminar instructor Ilya portnov is an inno-
vative harmonica player who transforms its
rustic simplicity into a sophisticated, expres-
sive 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 pres-
tigious New England Conservatory, the only
person playing diatonic harmonica to have ever
done so.
Janak ramachandran is driven to inspire, con-
nect, and enlighten via his teaching philosophy
of “motivating encouragement, concrete guid-
ance, and playful musicality.” Once a student at
Blue Bear, he is now one of a handful of teach-
ers to receive Blue Bear’s Outstanding Facul-
ty Award for his work in teaching voice/vocal
style, guitar, bass, piano, theory/songwriting
and stage performance.
teachers
bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 61
mike rao, a graduate of G.I.T. in Los Ange-
les, studied solo jazz guitar with Ted Green.
He loves blues and classic rock and has fif-
teen 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 Dia-
mond. He performs often in San Francisco with
artists Brandi Shearer, Clay Bell, Matt Verba, and
Strip Club. He also does sessions for songwrit-
ers, commercials, and independent films.
His playing is a mix of pop, blues,
funk, rock, and a taste of country
for good measure.
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 resi-
dent musician for the last ten years.
He studied music with the infamous Joan
Wildman at UW-Madison and at Blue Bear with
jazz guru Jeff Massanari. Mark is currently lead
guitarist for SF’s New Orleans-inspired Fatcat.
Girls Rock! camp teacher karen segal has been
teaching bands in the Bay Area since 2000 and
rocking out since she was 11. She’s performed
at the Hard Rock Cafe, Bottom of the Hill,
Yoshi’s SF, Savanna Jazz, Rassela’s, and Cafe
Du Nord. Karen teaches band at SF’s Brandeis
Hillel Day School, and has a diploma from the
Musicians Institute in L.A., a Master’s of Educa-
tion from UCLA, and a California State Teaching
Certificate.
S u m m e r c a m p s o n g w r i t i n g t e a c h e r
Bill “sputnick” spooner is a guitarist, singer/
songwriter, and the founder of The Tubes, a
band known for its legendary theatrical rock
concerts. Bill has also released three solo al-
bums, 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 barber-
shop quartets, John turner eventually
settled on the keys, touring with
national recording groups and
working as a session player. He
has also accompanied cab-
aret acts and played for top
40 and show bands, upscale
restaurants, five-star hotels,
corporate events, and private
parties.
amanda Vandermeer graduated
with high honors from Portland Com-
munity College’s professional music program
and has been playing and writing music for 25
years, touring the globe and releasing two stu-
dio albums. Since 2006, she has taught a wide
range of ages in drums, piano, vocals, music
theory, and songwriting. She plays drums in her
current band Deathtrap America.
Brandy Washington is a self-taught singer,
songwriter, keyboardist, rapper, drummer, and
producer who writes and performs under the
moniker BEDAZAE. Her songs and instrumentals
have been used for various underground proj-
ects. Brandy is a co-teacher for the Blue Bear
Digital Audio Production program at the Bay-
view YMCA.
Mark Schuh
62 Spring 2016 415.673.3600
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.
office hoursmonday to thursday: 1-8pm saturday: 10:30 am-3:30pm Friday & sunday: closed
addressBlue Bear School of Music Fort Mason Center 2 Marina Blvd. Bldg. D San Francisco, CA 94123
contact Info phone: 415.673.3600email: [email protected]
general Informationenroll online: go to bluebearmusic.org and click on “sign up” to get started today!
parking at Fort masonFunds 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.
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
outdoor bike racks are located throughout Fort mason center. at this time there are no indoor racks.
private lesson changes are handled by phone—be sure to leave a message—or by email at: [email protected]
bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 63
locations
Fort mason center2 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 studios271 dore st. @ harrison st. & 9th st. Band workshops, group guitar classes and limited guitar, voice and sax lessons take place at this SOMA location.
noe Valley ministry1021 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 music55 taylor st. near 6th and market Group voice classes take place at this Mid-Market location.
sweetwater music hall19 corte madera, mill Valley Little Bears classes take place at this Mill Valley location.
Market
Peninsula
Lombard
Fort Mason Center
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avilion
ABCDE
Bay Chestnut
Buch
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Fillm
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Lagu
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Van Ness
Franklin
Gough
Octavia
Powell
Embarcadero
Beach
Golden Gate Bridge
Bay Bridge
N
Marina Blvd.
vehicleentrance
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ChapelGeneral’sResidence
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SAFEWAY
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4947
64 Spring 2016 415.673.3600
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.
goings on…
bluebearmusic.org Spring 2016 65
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 donation-
based, but no one is turned away for lack of funds.
sp
rin
g Q
uar
ter
20
16
• C
lass
es S
tart
Ap
ril 1
1
• s
lid
ing
sca
le
tuit
ion
ava
ilab
le
It’s
tim
e to
pla
y!
• p
riva
te l
esso
ns
• B
and
Wo
rksh
op
s
• In
stru
men
t &
V
oic
e c
lass
es
• K
ids
& T
een
s
su
mm
er c
amp
s
• y
ou
th a
ll s
tar
Ban
ds
Fort
Mas
on
Ce
nte
r2
Mar
ina
Blv
d. B
ldg
. D
San
Fra
nci
sco
, CA
94
123
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NP
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FIT
OR
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U.S
. PO
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pa
IdSA
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org
4
15.6
73
.36
00
mar
ina
so
ma
n
oe
Val
ley
mid
-mar
ket
mil
l Val
ley
IT’S
TIM
E
TO
P
LA
Y!
ne
W t
o B
lue
Be
ar
? m
en
tIo
n t
hIs
ca
ta
log
to
re
ce
IVe
$2
0 o
FF
Five
co
nve
nie
nt
loca
tio
ns!