summer - Blue Bear School of Music

Transcription

toddlers
kids
adults
SUMMER
2015 CATALOG
CL ASSES • LESSONS • WORKSHOPS
Table of
CONTENTS
Summer Quarter 2015
PRIVATE LESSONS
One-on-one instruction for kids and adults.
8
ADULTS 18+
Band Workshops
Join a 10-week student band workshop
and perform at a nightclub this June!
Group Classes
Guitar, vocals, ukulele, and more for beginning,
intermediate, and advanced players.
Creating Music Program
week
five days of incredible
MASTER CLASSES
JUNE 27–JULY 2, 2015
FORT MASON CENTER,
SAN FRANCISCO
For more info, see page 26–28, or visit
www.bluebearmusic.org/guitarweek
How to Solo Through Chord Changes
Classical Guitar for Steel String Players
Alternate Tunings
How to Record the Guitar
Serving the Song
Fusion Guitar
Intro to Acoustic Slide Guitar
Drum Programming for the Practicing Guitarist
Exploring Guitar Tones and Textures
Tetrachords
Triad Power
Beyond Triads
Live Guitar Sound
The Art of Solo Guitar
Outer Space Guitar
For those who prefer working on original
music, songwriting, band production, and more.
Short Seminars
A special week of one-night classes at the end
of the quarter. Attend one free with your
paid membership fee!
Guitar Week 10
14
26
27
28
Get ready to improve your technique, tone, and
creativity with five days of incredible master classes.
Sines & Saws: Electronic Music
Workshop Weekend 29
For remixers, producers, creative DJs, and
more, we’ve got a weekend of workshops
on creative beat-making, synth programming,
Ableton edits, and more.
TEENS & KIDS
Group Classes
After-school rock bands, Perform Like A Pop
Star, guitar, keyboard, and more.
30
All-Star Bands
Weekend band workshops for those serious
about developing ensemble playing skills.
32
Summer Camps
34
Week-long music day camps in
San Francisco and Marin.
LITTLE BEARS
Music classes for infants and toddlers
and their caregivers.
40
About Us 2
Why Blue Bear? 4
From the Directors 6
Community Programs
44
Support48
Gifts, Grants, & Scholarships
50
Board of Trustees & Staff
55
Teacher Bios
56
General Information
62
Appreciation64
415.673.3600
S
U
ABOUT
Blue Bear School of Music 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 in South of Market at Lennon Studios and in Noe Valley at Noe
Valley Ministry. Blue Bear also partners with local schools and community
organizations to bring exciting music programs into the classroom.
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 24.
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.
Creating Music Program
For those who prefer working on original
music or original versions of covers, Blue Bear’s
Creating Music Program offers songwriting
courses, Band Production Workshops, and
classes in developing guitar parts. Many
Creating Music Program classes take place
of Studio Z, our in-house recording facility.
See pages 26–29.
2 call 415.673.3600
(ages 5 & up)
LESSONS
Blue Bear offers year-round private
instruction on most instruments and voice,
as well as music theory, composition, sightsinging, 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.
Group Classes (ages 6 to 17)
Blue Bear offers a variety of after-school
classes, from our Beginning Guitar and
Keyboard Classes and Instrument Petting Zoo,
to After School Rock Bands, and Perform Like a
Pop Star! See page 30.
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 weekends, and each band has the
opportunity to play a live show at the end of
each semester. See page 32.
Summer Camps (ages 8 to 17)
Blue Bear’s week-long music day camps at
Fort Mason and in Marin include rock band,
guitar, voice, and songwriting camps, all
under the direction of the Bay Area’s most
experienced musicians and instructors. New
this year are camps devoted to recording and
film scoring! See page 34.
n
Little Bears music classes are ths t
o
for the very young ones and their 5 years)
parent or caregiver. Little Bears teachers
are musicians who involve students in
music through singing, rhythms, games
and movement. Early introduction to
music has been shown to improve speech
development, motor skills and listening and
concentration skills, all by singing your heart
out, moving to the music, and making a
joyful noise! Read on to learn more about our
classes for Boogie Bears, Bouncy Bears and
Baby Bears. See page 40.
o
Blue Bear offers a wide range of small group
classes in guitar, voice, bass, ukulele, and
music theory, generally offered 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 14–23.
BEARS
4m
Group Classes
TEENS &KIDS
Little
s
(age
ADULTS18+
COMMUNITY
Programs
As a nonprofit organization, Blue Bear is
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 page 44.
visit bluebearmusic.org 3
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.
WHY
Blue Bear?
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).
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 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.
4 call 415.673.3600
INDIVIDUALIZED
ATTENTION
Blue Bear offers 1-on-1 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.
CONVENIENCE
Blue Bear has ample low-cost
parking. Parking in the Fort Mason
Center pay lot is usually easy. If we know
in advance that a Fort Mason Center
event will make parking scarce, we’ll
send you an e-mail alert. Free parking
can sometimes be found outside the Fort
Mason Center gates, along the Marina
Green, or in the nearby neighborhood.
Blue Bear provides flexible payment
and scheduling options for private
lessons. You can pay by the lesson,
prepay for four lessons, or prepay for 10
lessons (for the lowest per-lesson rate).
Refunds for unused lessons are available.
You don’t need to commit to a certain
number of lessons, and you may cancel
any scheduled lesson if you give us 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.
PLAY
it’s time to
As summer approaches I think about summers past where, as a child, playing
always took center stage. Alice Cooper captured that feeling of freedom to play
when he sang, “School’s out for summer – school’s out forever.” But now we
know that school is never really out. In fact, learning is one of the most joyous
things we can do – and learning music is the perfect combination of both
learning and play!
At Blue Bear, creating that experience of playing while learning – or learning
while playing – is a key part of our mission to empower people to play the
music they love. We want to make that possible for everyone, from little ones
and kids, to teens and adults —through both our core education programs and
our community outreach programs in schools and underserved communities.
Since 1971, more than 30,000 people have experienced the joy of playing music
through Blue Bear classes, lessons, and band workshops. Over the years we’ve
continued to evolve and adapt to changing musical times and interests. At the
core has been cultivating the transformative power playing music: the skill,
the collaboration, the practice, the performance — and the joy. After more
than four decades of empowering musicians, we’re learned this essential truth:
Playing music changes people’s lives.
In the Spring Quarter we expanded our programming to the newly renovated
Noe Valley Ministry. For the Summer we are particularly excited about
providing the music education programming for The Mix at SFPL, the
newly constructed Teen Center at the San Francisco Main Library. We are
also pleased to be returning to Glide Memorial Church where we’ll be
providing music classes at The Janice Mirikitani Family, Youth And
Childcare Center.
Please join with us as we continue our tradition of changing
lives through the transformational power of playing music!
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 the months of
June, July and early August are packed full with Summer Camps. Afterschool classes start up again in mid-September, and keep an eye out for the
All-Star Band auditions, too.
For adults we have private lessons, Band Workshops, and group classes
covering guitar, voice, ukulele, theory, and songwriting. And we’re pleased
to offer Guitar Week at the end of June with seminars by the likes of Mark
Karan, Rex John Shelverton, Randy Clark, and Brian Gire (see page 28). Then
in July we’ll offer Sines & Saws, an exciting weekend of electronic music
workshops for all you electronic music fans and practitioners (see page 29),
as well as a very special vocal Master Class with Raz Kennedy (see page 23).
When I came to Blue Bear as a student 35 years ago, the lessons I took and
the musical connections I made helped many a musical dream to come true.
My sincere hope is that you too will discover at Blue Bear a place to enter
into music or deepen your musical skills as part of a community of people
making and learning music together.
Dennis Criteser
Program Director
Steve Savage
Co-Founder and Executive Director
6 call 415.673.3600
PLAY
It’s
time
to
SUMMER QUARTER 2015 CALENDAR
Guitar Week & Short Seminars | June 27–July 2
Spring Band Showcases | June 29–July 2
Little Bears Classes | July 13–September 14 (9 weeks)
Adult Classes | July 6–September 19 (11 weeks)
Band Workshops | July 6–September 14 (10 weeks + showcase)
Sines & Saws Electronic Music Workshops | July 10–12, 2015
Summer Band Workshop Showcases | September 21–24
Blue Bear closed Labor Day | Open September 5, closed September 7
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
To cancel a lesson
Private
LESSONS
Blue Bear offers private instruction for students age
five years and up, on most instruments and voice,
plus music theory, composition, sight-singing, ear
training, and improvisation. Our students range
from “square-one” beginners to serious musicians
preparing for study at elite music schools.
PRICES, PAYMENT
& 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 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.
Please notify the Blue Bear desk in person,
by phone, or by an email to cancel@
bluebearmusic.org, not through your teacher.
Office hours are Monday to Thursday 1-8
pm and Saturday 10:30 am-3:30 pm. Blue
Bear’s phone number is 415.673.3600.
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. For lessons canceled with two days
notice (see schedule below), you will not
To drop your lessons If your lesson
is on: You need to notify
desk by:
Monday
Saturday 3 pm
Tuesday
Anytime Sunday
Wednesday
Monday 8 pm
Thursday
Tuesday 8 pm
Friday
Wednesday 8 pm
Saturday
Thursday 8 pm
(leave a message)
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. 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.
Private Hours
1 lesson
4 lessons
10 lessons
Most instruments
$65 $245
$570
Drums & voice
$70
$265
$625
Private Half-Hours or
Shared-with-a-Friend Hours
(per student)
1 lesson
4 lessons
10 lessons
weekly or every other week.
Most instruments
$37
$135
$315
• Purchase a 4-pack or 10-pack for a Drums & voice
$40
$145
$340
discounted rate.
•
Take a trial lesson with a teacher at the
single-lesson rate. To continue, you must pay our annual $35 Member Fee.
8 call 415.673.3600
One-Hit Wonders Workshop. Create an eclectic set of unforgettable
tunes by possibly-forgotten artists,
and delight the audience with your
pop-rock greatness.
Acoustic Rock Workshop
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 ten weeks plus
performance. To enroll, students must be
current with their annual $35 Member Fee.
Rock & Blues Workshops
Wide open as to style. Material may range
from oldies to blues, alternative to Top 40.
You name it!
Rock, Soul and R&B Workshop
Includes some classics from the likes of
James Brown or Aretha Franklin in the mix.
For acoustic players including guitar,
bass, keys, singers, percussion, mandolin
and fiddle, who want to play unplugged
versions of your favorite rock tunes or
songs from the indie/folk movement.
Jazz/Funk Workshop
This is a small combo: one vocalist,
guitarist, keyboard player, bassist,
drummer, and up to three horns. A
knowledge of scales and progressions is
prerequisite, along with some prior reading
and improvisational skill. Band members
will be reading and soloing from chord
charts and will play a diverse mix of old
and new jazz and funk tunes.
Blues, Soul and Roots Workshop
Covers classic electric blues and the many
styles influenced by the blues, including roots
rock and roots country.
Classic Rock Workshop
Draws mostly from the repertoire of the
1960s, ’70s and ’80s. Students get to decide
on what “Classic” means!
Contemporary Bands Workshop
You get to perform material from a broad
range of artists and bands with releases from
the last five to ten years.
10 call 415.673.3600
PREREQUISITES, PERFORMANCES & PAYMENTS
Basic level bands do not require any
previous band playing experience; 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.
Adult
BAND WORKSHOPS
SPRING 2015 | BAND WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
At Fort Mason Center
Basic Rock & Blues
Basic Rock, Soul and R&B
Basic Rock & Blues
Intermediate Rock & Blues (by audition) Contemporary Bands
Basic Rock & Blues Intermediate Rock & Blues
Acoustic Rock
Basic Rock & Blues Jim Peterson
Jim Peterson
Steve Kirk
Steve Kirk
Mark Schuh
Mark Schuh
J.T. Locke
J.T. Locke
Kevin Casey Mon 6–8:30 pm (7/6–9/14)
Mon 8:30–11 pm (7/6–9/14)
Tues 6–8:30 pm (7/7–9/8)
Tues 8:30–11 pm (7/7–9/8)
Wed 6–8:30 pm (7/8–9/9)
Wed 8:30–11 pm (7/8–9/9)
Thu 6–8:30 pm (7/9–9/10)
Thu 8:30–11 pm (7/9–9/10)
Sat 10:30 am–1 pm (7/11–9/12)
At Lennon (271 Dore St., South of Market)
Basic Rock & Blues
Intermediate Rock & Blues
Classic Rock
Basic Rock & Blues
Jazz/Funk Workshop
One-Hit Wonders Workshop
Blues, Soul and Roots
Sean Leahy
Sean Leahy
Sean Leahy
Sean Leahy
Jim Peterson
J.T. Locke
Randy Clark
Mon 6–8:30 pm (7/6–9/14)
Mon 8:30–11 pm (7/6–9/14)
Wed 6–8:30 pm (7/8–9/9)
Wed 8:30–11 pm (7/8–9/9)
Thu 8:30–11 pm (7/9–9/10)
Sat 1–3:30 pm (7/11–9/12)
Sun 4–6:30 pm (7/12–9/13)
12 call 415.673.3600
Performance dates and venue for the
Spring Quarter bands will be announced
online. Come check out the Winter Quarter
Band Showcases on April 6–9, 7:30–11:30
pm, at Beat Box, 314 11th St., San Francisco.
Tuition $395 (or three payments of $135)
Prerequisites
GUITAR PLAYERS: able to move easily
between open and barre chords.
DRUMMERS: able to play steadily at fast and
slow tempi, fill comfortably, and play both
rock and blues grooves.
BASS PLAYERS: able to play various grooves
easily and lock with the drummer.
SINGERS: 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: able to form major
and minor triads without notation.
GUITAR
Classes
Adult
Group classes
are eleven weeks
except where noted.
To enroll, students
must be current
with their annual
$35 Member Fee.
Guitar for People Who Know
a Little More
Always wanted to learn how to play
the guitar, but not sure where or how to start?
Guitar for the Square-One Beginner
Guitar for People Who Know a Little
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 within just a
few classes in a motivational, supportive group
atmosphere. Develop skills as you connect
with those around you through a shared love
of making music. Also covered: tuning and
guitar care. No prerequisites, but an acoustic (or
electric) guitar is required. Class sizes are limited
to six or seven.
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
and in time, 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. Usually, there
are a half dozen songs that you can play from
beginning to end, though not necessarily easily.
Enroll now, and you’ll be jamming in no time!
Section 1: Mondays 8:15–9:15 pm 7/6–9/21
Janak Ramachandran • $260
(or three payments of $90)
Section 1: Mondays 6–7 pm 7/6–9/21
Kent Brown • $260
Section 2: Wednesdays 7–8 pm 7/8–9/16
J.T. Locke • $260
Section 2: Tuesdays 8–9 pm 7/7–9/15
Mark Schuh • $260
NEW! NOE VALLEY MINISTRY
1021 Sanchez St. at 23rd St.
Mondays 6:30–7:30 pm 7/6–9/21
Devin Lane • $260
Section 3: Thursdays 9–10 pm 7/9–9/17
Kent Brown • $260
14 call 415.673.3600
NOE VALLEY MINISTRY
Mondays 7:30–8:30 pm 7/6–9/21
Devin Lane • $260
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. Share the
challenges and successes of expanding your
playing abilities with others on the same path!
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.
Section 1: Mondays 8–9 pm 7/6–9/21
Kent Brown • $260
Section 2: Wednesdays 7:15–8:15 pm 7/8–9/16
Square IV Intermediate Guitar
Section 1: Wednesdays 8–9 pm 7/8–9/16
Brian Gire • $260
Section 2: Thursdays 7–8 pm 7/9–9/17
Kent Brown • $260
Mondays 8:30–9:30 pm 7/6–9/21
Devin Lane • $260
Acoustic Guitar VI–XVII
These classes are for continuing acoustic
guitar students or for those with playing
experience that is a good match for the class
level. New students can join most ongoing
acoustic guitar classes; call 415.673.3600 for
accurate placement.
KENT BROWN
Acoustic VI: Tuesdays 8–9 pm
7/7–9/15
Kent Brown • $260 (or three payments of $90)
Acoustic VII: Thursdays 8–9 pm 7/9–9/17
Acoustic X: Tuesdays 8–9 pm 7/7–9/15
Brian Gire • $260 (or three payments of $90)
Acoustic XVII: Mondays 7–8 pm 7/6–9/21
LENNON STUDIOS
271 Dore St. near 9th St. & Harrison St.
Acoustic IX: Tuesdays 7–8 pm 7/28–9/23
Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar
This class will teach a variety of fingerpicking
songs to guitarists who can make chord
changes easily but have not explored
fingerstyle repertoire yet. Will include a variety
of songs in blues and folk styles.
Wednesdays 7–8 pm 7/8–9/17
Brian Gire • $260
Acoustic Rocksemble
For guitarists and ukulele players who can
make chord changes comfortably, this class
will learn and play fun arrangements by artists
like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Carlos
Santana and in styles from jazz to classical.
Mondays 7:30–8:30 pm 7/6–9/21
Matt Driscoll • $260 (or three payments of $95)
Adult
GUITAR CLASSES
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.
Tuesdays 7–8 pm 7/7–9/15
J.T. Locke • $260 (or three payments of $95)
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.
Thursdays 8–9 pm 7/9–9/17
Randy Clark • $260 (or three payments of $95)
Electric Rhythm Guitar VII
For graduates of Electric Rhythm Guitar VI, this
class will continue to work on timing, rhythm
and right hand techniques.
Randy Clark • $260 (or three payments of $95)
NEW! 30 Punk Songs
30 punk standards in eleven weeks from “Beat
on the Brat” to “London Calling”! Learn all of the
great fast and furious punk songs on guitar and
bass. For acoustic or electric guitarists who can
play power chords — of course.
Mike Rao • $260 (or three payments of $95)
Group classes are eleven weeks except where
noted. To enroll, students must be current with
their annual $35 Member Fee.
16 call 415.673.3600
Beginning Blues Guitar
This class will introduce you to the basic 12-bar
blues form and its variations, and to the E minor
pentatonic scale and extensions. You’ll learn the
Jimmy Reed Progression and play two blues
solos in the key of E along with the rhythm and
first solo for “Hideaway.” Work includes building
E and A barre chord forms up the fretboard.
Prerequisites: familiarity with open position
chords including B7 and C7.
Blues/Jazz Guitar
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’ll learn rhythm and
solos on songs like “Chitlins con Carne” by
Kenny Burrell and “D Natural Blues” by Wes
Montgomery along with some Ted Greene
arrangements and Charlie Parker solos.
Jazz Guitar III
For graduates of Beginning Jazz Guitar, this class
will continue working on jazz soloing, comping
and expansion of your jazz chord vocabulary.
Mondays 7–8 pm 7/6–9/21
NEW! Writing Parts on Guitar
Develop the skills required to come up with
original parts. You’ll learn how to create
different feels and approaches to a given chord
progression, and you’ll be able to record and
refine your parts in our Studio Z. Lots of in-class
playing – for acoustic and electric players.
Wednesdays 6:30–8 pm 7/8–9/16
Colin Hayes • $380 (or three payments of $130)
JAM
Adult
Acoustic Jam Basics
For those who are comfortable with basic
playing skills on their instrument, this class
will teach a repertoire of simple songs that
will serve as vehicles for improvising. You’ll
learn melody lines, basic information needed
to take solos, and listening skills.
Thursdays 8:30–9:45 pm 7/9–9/17
Intermediate Acoustic Jam I
This class is for graduates of Acoustic Jam
Basics II, though new students can join who
have some previous knowledge of scales and
simple soloing. You’ll continue to learn new
songs and build your soloing skills.
Brian Gire • $260 (or three payments of $90
Classes
Intermediate Acoustic Jam III
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. Open
to guitar, mandolin, fiddle, Dobro and banjo.
New students with previous experience with
scales and soloing can join ongoing Acoustic
Jam classes; call 415.673.3600 for a new
student interview for accurate placement.
Mondays 8–9:15pm 7/6–9/21
Advanced Acoustic Jam
New guitar, mandolin, fiddle, Dobro and
banjo students with strong scale knowledge
and soloing experience can join Advanced
Acoustic Jam, an ongoing class of regulars
who have been jamming together since
2009. Call 415.673.3600 for a new student
interview for accurate placement.
Thursdays 7–8:30pm 7/9–9/17
Adult
UKULELE
Classes
Group classes are
eleven weeks
except where noted.
To enroll, students
must be current
with their annual
$35 Member Fee.
BASS
Classes
Join a Band Workshop! 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).
Beginning Bass
Beginning Ukulele
Class members will learn to play basic chords
and to play songs in folk, rock and Hawaiian
styles. Also covered: tuning, ukulele care,
and basic strums. No prerequisites, but a
ukulele is required.
Mondays 6:30–7:30 pm 7/6–9/21
Ukulele II
For graduates of Beginning Ukulele or for those
who have learned some basic chords on their
own, class members will continue to expand
their chord vocabulary and will learn to play
more songs in folk, rock and Hawaiian styles.
Mondays 8:30–9:30 pm 7/6–9/21
Ukulele III–XIV
Description: These classes are for continuing
ukulele students or for those with sufficient
experience to place into them.
Ukulele III: Tuesdays 8–9 pm 7/7–9/15
Ukulele IV: Tuesdays 7–8 pm 7/7–9/15
Ukulele VIII: Tuesdays 6–7 pm 7/7–9/15
Acoustic Rocksemble
For guitarists and ukulele players who can
make chord changes comfortably, this class will
learn and play fun arrangements by bands and
artists like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Carlos
Santana and in styles from jazz to classical.
MATT DRISCOLL
18 call 415.673.3600
Adult
Mondays 7:30–8:30 pm 7/6–9/21
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.
Saturdays noon–1 pm 7/11–9/19
Kai Chu • $260 (or three payments of $90)
Bass players are
also welcome
in 30 Punk Songs!
See page 16.
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 you can
receive a $100 discount as a bass player in one
of Blue Bear’s Band Workshops.
AT LENNON STUDIOS
271 Dore St. near 9th St. & Harrison St.
THEORY
Classes
Adult
Music Theory via The Beatles
In this class, you’ll analyze various Beatles
songs to develop an understanding of chords
and chord progressions. You’ll learn the
language of music theory while gaining
a deeper appreciation of some of pop
music’s greatest songs. For all instruments,
including singers.
Next offered in the Fall Quarter.
Music Theory for Guitar
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.
Thursdays 8:30–9:30 pm 7/9–9/17
J.T. Locke • $260 (or three payments of $90)
Group classes are
eleven weeks except
where noted. To
enroll, students
must be current
with their annual
$35 Member Fee.
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.
Mark Schuh • $260 (or three payments of $90)
VOICE
Classes
Adult
interval training, singing into the bridge, and range
development. In our last few sessions, you will have the
opportunity to bring material of your own choosing to
sing, receiving supportive guidance with concrete ideas
to practice in improving your song delivery.
Mondays 7–8:15 pm 7/6–9/21
Learn to Sing III: Improving Tone
and Projection
For graduates of Group and Solo Singing, the group
singing half of this class will continue to develop your
voice with more comprehensive exercises, songs
focused on improving tone and projection, further
work on range development, and mic technique. In
the latter half of the class students will sing songs of
their choosing that work into the bridge, with more
supportive feedback and guidance on improving tone,
dynamics and delivery..
EMILY THEBAUT
JANAK RAMACHANDRAN
Singing for People Who Can’t Sing
You know who you are! But this class will prove
you wrong, as you begin to gain control of
your voice through simple exercises and ear
training. By the end of eleven weeks, you’ll see
improvement and enjoy increased confidence.
Mondays 7–8:15 pm 7/6–9/21
Ben Goldstein • $320
Thursdays 7–8:15 pm (7/9–9/17)
Libby Lavella • $320
More Singing for People Who Can’t Sing
This class is for graduates of Singing for
People Who Can’t Sing. You’ll continue to
strengthen your voice and work on new songs
and singing skills.
Tuesdays 7–8:15 pm 8/4–9/22 (8 weeks)
Emily Thebaut• $230
20 call 415.673.3600
Learn to Sing: Group Singing
for Beginners
Are you new to vocal coaching and guidance?
Do you want to get your feet wet with group
singing of exercises and songs? Begin with a
solid foundation in technique and then 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, as well
as basic principles of song delivery. We’ll craft
an opening warm-up with exercises that will
begin the development of your voice and then
have fun using those ideas to sing songs.
Wednesdays 8:15–9:30 pm 7/8–9/16
Learn to Sing II: Group and Solo Singing
This class is for graduates of Group Singing for
Beginners. Continue your vocal development
with more challenging exercises and group
singing of songs designed to hone the
techniques already learned. Topics explored
in greater detail include harmony and
Wednesdays 6–7:15 pm 7/22–9/23 (9 weeks)
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, warmups, developing your range, tone, placement and
articulation. There’ll be lots of group vocal drills and
some individual presentation of songs.
Group classes are
eleven weeks
except where noted.
To enroll, students
must be current
with their annual
$35 Member Fee.
“Janak Ramachandran’s
classes helped me make
big improvements in
both my singing and
my stage presence.
Very highly
recommended to
all you rock-star
wannabes!”
— Mark Mayper
Wednesdays 8:30–9:45 pm 7/8–9/16
Lea Centauri • $320
Thursdays 8:15–9:30 pm 7/9–9/17
Libby Lavella • $320
More Singing for People Who Can Sing
This class is for graduates of Singing for People Who
Can Sing. You’ll continue 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.
Wednesdays 8:30–9:45 pm 7/8–9/16
LEA CENTAURI
Rock & Pop Vocal Performance
Designed as a follow-on 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.
Class limit of four.
Adult
VOICE CLASSES
Sing with Soul!
In singers ranging from Aretha Franklin and
Smokey Robinson to Rihanna, James Blake
and Amy Winehouse, you hear the sound of
soul — a connection to African-American
vocal traditions rooted in gospel and blues
music. Teacher Robert Blake grew up singing
in a Southern gospel choir and will help you
connect to the source and the sounds of soul.
Robert Blake • $260
ROBERT BLAKE
22 call 415.673.3600
Thursdays 8–9:30 pm 7/9–9/17
Beginning Jazz Vocals
This class will introduce you to the repertoire
and the stylistic approaches taken by both
classic and contemporary jazz singers.
You’ll sing to music-minus-one recordings
and receive one-on-one coaching on
presentation and technique. Class limit
of four.
Wednesdays 6–7:15 pm 7/8–9/16
Jazz Vocal Performance
In this all-singing class, intermediate to
advanced vocalists will rehearse and perform
a repertoire of jazz songs with expert piano
accompaniment, leading up to a performance
at the quarterly Blue Bear Showcase. Open to
singers who are new to jazz as well as those
who are familiar with the repertoire. Tuition
includes two rehearsals with bassist. Class
limit of five.
Saturdays 1:30–3 pm 7/11–9/12
Sharman Duran • $455
(10 weeks plus performance)
Sing Full Metal and in Full Effect:
A Two-Day Master Class
Bay Area vocal coach Raz Kennedy will
share his knowledge of how to sing in rock
(Steven Tyler, Kings of Leon, and Janis Joplin),
R&B (Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and
Beyoncé), pop (Pink, Adam Levine, and
Adele), musical theater (Idina Menzel, Lea
Michele, and Michael Crawford), and other full
metal vocal styles heard in gospel, country,
and world music.Raz will provide fast and
effective tools that any singer can use to
format the voice in order to sing in any and
every popular genre without hindrance and
tension.Techniques that provide a safe and
healthy use of vocal effects (distortion, growl,
rattle, etc.) common in popular styles will also
be demonstrated and explained. Professional
vocal coaches as well as performing singers
will find this 2-day master class informative
and inspiring. Class size is limited to 20.
Saturdays 1–4 pm 7/18 and 7/25
Raz Kennedy • $150
How to Harmonize
This class will teach singers how to
harmonize. With ear training and a basic
discussion of chord progressions, you’ll learn
how to develop a harmony part to a given
melody line. Includes some listening and
analysis of harmony singing in pop songs to
provide examples of different approaches.
Lots of in-class singing.
Tuesdays 8:15–9:30 pm 8/4–9/22
Emily Thebaut • $230 (8 weeks) (or three
payments of $110)
RAZ KENNEDY
CREATINGProgram
MUSIC
Work on original music.
Blue Bear’s Creating Music Program is for students interested in
the rewarding process of working on original music. The program
includes songwriting classes to help you craft original music and
lyrics as well as workshops for those interested in learning to
work well together on studio recordings.
Whether you are a composer or a collaborator, an individual or a
band member, Blue Bear wants to help you take the next step in
making the world a more musical place.
See you in the studio,
Colin Hayes
Recording Division Director
Songwriters in the Studio
This class is a small songwriters group that
will learn and work on each other’s songs,
collaborating on arrangements, writing
new material, and ending with a recording.
The class will cover many aspects of the
craft of songwriting as well as recording
preparation, with plenty of expert guidance
on studio basics relevant to whatever
program each writer uses at home. Upon
completion, students will have a recording of
original music they participated in along with
practical playing and studio experience.
Teacher TBA • $425 (ten weeks)
Creating Music in the Studio
For songwriters and musicians eager to
contribute to an original music project, this
workshop will cover recording preparation,
learning to use studio time effectively,
tracking and mixing, with plenty of expert
guidance from your teacher/producer. A
typical workshop will have two or three
songwriters (one song each) and two-four
supporting musicians who will contribute
both to the creative process and to the
writing and recording of individual parts.
Upon completion, students will have
a recording of original music that they
participated in (also posted on Bandcamp)
along with much practical studio experience.
Colin Hayes • $450 (ten weeks)
COLIN HAYES
Write Your
First Song
In this introductory
class you’ll learn
about song forms
and how to write
chord progressions,
melodies and lyrics. Inclass 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.
Mondays 8–9:15 pm 7/6–9/21
Pamela Parker • $320
Band Production Workshop
For bands with original songs eager to
learn how to save time and money in the
studio, this workshop will cover recording
preparation, learning to use studio time
effectively, tracking and mixing, with plenty
of expert guidance from your teacher/
producer. Upon completion, the band will
have a recording of their original music and
practical studio experience.
Call to schedule, 415.673.3600.
Group classes are eleven weeks except
where noted. To enroll, students must be
current with their annual $35 Member Fee.
Writing Parts on Guitar
Develop the skills required to come up with
original parts. You’ll learn how to create
different feels and approaches to a given
chord progression, and you’ll be able to
record and refine your parts in our Studio Z.
Lots of in-class playing — for acoustic and
electric players.
Wednesdays 6:30–8 pm 7/8–9/16
Colin Hayes • $380 (or three payments of $130)
ZOSIA BOCZANOWSKI
24 call 415.673.3600
Adult
SHORT SEMIN ARS
five days of incredible
MASTER CLASSES
JUNE 27–JULY 2, 2015
bluebearmusic.org/guitarweek
Alternate Tunings
Expand the guitar’s tonal palette with tunings
that create fuller sounds through open-string
voicings,
andZ
enable modern fingerstyle
Studio
techniques, such as two-handed tapping and
harmonic slaps, that are difficult to achieve
in standard tuning. Tunings include Drop-D,
DADGAD, D-Minor, G-Minor, Gsus4 (“Orkney”),
and others. You’ll learn to apply your existing
fingerboard knowledge to alternate tunings,
with specific exercises and Teja’s original
compositions and arrangements.
Saturday June 27, 10-11:30 am
Teja Gerken • $35
Classical Guitar for Steel
String Players
Classical guitar technique can help nonclassical players improve their command
of the instrument. This seminar introduces
repertoire that’s fun to play and easy to
tackle, while introducing classical rightand left-hand approaches, ergonomic
considerations, and tone production. For
intermediate players; includes handouts in
standard notation and TAB.
Saturday June 27, 11:30 am–1 pm
Teja Gerken • $35
26 call 415.673.3600
How to Record the Guitar
This seminar will discuss miking techniques
for acoustic and electric guitar as well as
other techniques and tools useful to capture
a great guitar sound on your DAW.
Saturday June 27, 3–5 pm
Steve Kirk • $35
Serving the Song
In this seminar, Mark Karan will demonstrate
how to play with soul and passion
economically. He’ll discuss concepts for
creating parts and arrangements, good tone
and touch, and really listening to the other
people onstage.
Monday June 29, 7–8:30 pm
Mark Karan • $35
Fusion Guitar
This seminar will explore the rich tradition of
blending jazz with rock and other influences,
looking at guitarists like John Scofield and
Mike Stern, who favor a larger percentage
of jazz in the mix, as well as players like
John McLaughlin, who mix rock and Indian
rhythms with high energy technique.
Monday June 29, 8:30–10 pm
Jeff Massanari • $35
Drum Programming for
the Practicing Guitarist
Learn about the foundational role of the kick,
snare, and hi-hat, plus discuss how grooves
and fills are used in different styles of music.
Whether you want to program drums as a
practice tool or for songwriting, or just to
understand better what your bandmate is
doing behind the kit, this seminar will enlighten.
Each year you can
take one Guitar Week
session or any other
Short Seminar free
with your annual
membership.
Getting a Great Electric Guitar Sound I
When it comes to creating a guitar sound,
it can be hard to know where to start. This
seminar will demonstrate types of amps
(Class A, Class A/B and solid state) and look
at different types of electric guitars and pickup
configurations.
Tuesday June 30, 7–8:30 pm
Cole Berggren • $30
Intro to Acoustic Slide Guitar
This class will get you started using a
“bottleneck” slide to create slinky solos on your
acoustic guitar. You’ll learn about open tunings,
basic technique, and walk away with a couple
cool song arrangements to get started. Bring
your guitar and a slide.
Tuesday June 30, 8:30–10 pm
Randy Clark • $30
Exploring Guitar Tones and Textures
J.T. Locke • $30
Using examples of songs and bands that
influenced him, Rex will show how to emulate
those tones, both in live playing and in
recording. There will also be a discussion with
individual students around the sounds they are
striving for in their own playing.
Getting a Great Electric Guitar Sound II
Wednesday July 1, 7–8:30 pm
Rex John Shelverton • $35
Thursday 7-8:30 pm
This seminar builds on information in Guitar
Sound I, by exploring how to use guitar effects
in your signal chain to expand your sonic
palette further.
Thursday 8:30-10 pm
J.T. Locke • $30
Tetrachords
Tetrachords are four-note scale structures
you can combine to build scales and modes.
This seminar establishes a clear pathway
for guitarists seeking to learn all those scale
patterns that lie beyond the pentatonic ocean.
Tuesday June 30, 7–8:30 pm
Brian Gire • $30
Triad Power
This 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 a jumping off
point for soloing.
Wednesday July 1, 7–9 pm
Brian Gire • $35
Live Guitar Sound
Rex will discuss issues that affect getting a
guitar sound in a live room, from stage volume
to song arrangements. You’ll also learn how
to sound big without overpowering the rest of
the band or the room as well as how to get the
best of your sound in a recording.
Wednesday July 1, 8:30–10 pm
Rex John Shelverton • $35
Adult
T.
SHORT SEMINARS CON
SINES & SAWS
SEMINARS
Beyond Triads
This seminar will focus on chord voicings and
inversions, 4-note chords and altered chords.
Thursday July 2, 7–8:30 pm
Brian Gire • $30
The Art of Solo Guitar
Why not treat the guitar as a complete
instrument? This seminar will teach the art of
chord melody playing on tunes from the Beatles
to jazz. The resulting chord melodies can be
played solo or with bass and drums.
Thursday July 2, 7–8:30 pm
Outer Space Guitar
This class will demonstrate how to use looping
devices, the whammy bar, slide, EBow and other
guitar techniques to create wild and wondrous
guitar soundscapes.
For electronic musicians, remixers, producers, and DJs,
we’ve got a weekend of workshops on synth programming,
creative beat-making, Ableton Live, and more.
Thursday July 2, 8:30–10 pm
Randy Clark • $30
Analog Modular Synths: Signal Flow
& Sound Creation
How to Play Through
Chord Changes
From the basic I to IV progression and blues
changes to some more advanced harmonies,
this seminar will show how to bring out the
sweet notes and chord tones to bring your solos
to life. You’ll look at practical, simple fingerings
for arpeggios that will enable you to play thru
changes more effectively.
Thursday July 2, 8:30–10 pm
More
SHORT SEMIN ARS
Blue Bear members may take one free Short
Seminar per year as a benefit of your Member
Fee; call 415.673.3600 to enroll. New students
can sign up for Short Seminars online without
paying the Member Fee.
Intro to Harmonica
This seminar will focus on basic harmonica
techniques (such as bends, vibrato, tongue
blocking), ways of enriching tone, and playing
blues in second and third positions (both soloing
and accompanying).
Tuesday June 30, 7–9 pm
Ilya Portnov • $35
28 call 415.673.3600
ELECTRONIC MUSIC WORKSHOP WEEKEND
JULY 10–12, 2015
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.
Wednesday July 1, 7–9 pm
Stage Two Harmonica
This seminar will focus on more advanced
harmonica techniques (such as overblows and
advanced tongue blocking), the use of these
techniques in playing blues, and playing blues in
first and twelfth positions.
Thursday July 2, 7–9 pm
Ilya Portnov • $35
Get a better understanding of how synths
create sound so you can more quickly create
the sound in your head.
Analog Modular Synths: Live and
Studio Applications
Jonah Sharp will demonstrate analog synth
setups and why they work best in live
performance or recording settings.
Beat Making Beyond the Basics
Do your beats sound gutsy, creative, and
original? Learn to program drum patterns
that use rhythmic pulse, sound color, and
space to get the most out of your grooves.
Creating DJ Edits in Ableton Live
Learn how to take your favorite tracks and
found audio and produce new experiences
using Ableton Live.
Advanced Ableton Live
Performance Techniques
Take your Live set further with expanded
controls for lighting, signal processing, and
automation. Learn how to extend Ableton’s
capabilities using Max for Live and ClyphX.
For the latest schedule additions, visit
bluebearmusic.org/Electronic
INSTRUCTORS
JONAH SHARP, alias
Spacetime Continuum, is a
musician, producer, remixer,
and electronic music DJ.
He has worked with the
Grateful Dead, Bill Laswell,
Tetsu Inoue and others,
and remixed tracks by such
artists as Nine Inch Nails and
Meat Beat Manifesto.
JASPER SPEICHER is an
engineer, visual artist, and
musician who performs in
several bands and creates
interactive experiential
environments, including
the Google Chrome Web
Lab Universal Orchestra,
a mechanical percussion
ensemble at the London
Science Museum that can be
played interactively from any
browser.
JASON CHAVEZ, a.k.a.
DJ4AM, is a producer, DJ,
and musician, who has
produced Octavius, MC
Dopestyle, and others. He
is currently a member of
underground hip-hop groups
Opal Heights, Dopestyle
1231, and the Beta Macs
with MC Folklore.
COLE BERGGREN is a
drummer, DJ, electronic
musician, educator and
Blue Bear’s Community
Outreach Director. He is
the mastermind behind the
Sines & Saws Electronic
Music Workshop Weekend.
For up-to-date course descriptions and workshop schedule, visit
bluebearmusic.org/Electronic
To enroll, students
must be current with
their annual $35
Member Fee.
“Thank you for all you do to make this possible. Our son Shawn really enjoyed
himself, and what a great experience for him and his band!” — Wendy Bolker
Kids & Teens
GROUP CLASSES
These classes will next be
offered in Fall Quarter.
After School Rock Bands
These bands will learn and play songs by a
variety of contemporary and classic bands.
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. The
Monday and Thursday bands are for players in
grades 8–11; the Tuesday bands are for players
in grades 5–8.
Section 1: (grades 8–11): Mondays 4:30–6 pm
9/21–12/7 (11 weeks plus performance) • $395
Section 2: (grades 5–8): Tuesdays
4:30–5:45 pm 9/22–12/8
(11 weeks plus performance) • $335
Section 3: (grades 8–11): Thursdays
4:30–6 pm 9/24–12/10
(eleven weeks plus performance) • $395
All sections led by J.T. Locke
30 call 415.673.3600
Your Own Rock Band
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 for details – 415.673.3600.
Bear Cubs (grades 1–3)
Is your child outgrowing Little Bears classes
but still not ready for private lessons? Never
fear, Bear Cubs is here! Finally, what every
parent has been waiting for: a drop-off group
music class for 6-, 7- and 8-year-olds.
Co-taught by the powerhouse duo Teacher
Barb and Miss Zosia, Bear Cubs is a high
energy, hands-on exploration of melody and
rhythm. Teachers use engaging songs and
fun musical games to help children find their
voice, learn to sing in tune and discover the
true magic of singing in harmony. Children
play real instruments, explore rhythm and
scale patterns, begin to identify basic note and
chord values and identify changes in tempos
and time signatures. Come join us in a playbased musical environment where children
learn from other children, sing their hearts out
and get their groove on!
Tuesdays 4–4:50 pm 9/22–12/8 (twelve weeks)
Barb Murphy & Zosia Boczanowski •$425
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 to learning
how these instruments are played in popular
music, related concepts in basic math, pattern
relations and emotional qualities
will also be explored.
Thursdays 4–4:45 pm 9/24–12/10
(twelve weeks) Devin Lane • $275
Beginning Keyboards (grades 1–2)
This class will use the Little Mozart instruction
books to engage the very young beginner in
learning music and developing basic piano
skills. Texts are included in class tuition.
Students should have a piano or keyboard at
home to practice on. Class limit of three.
(twelve weeks) Lea Centauri • $180
Perform Like a Pop Star! (grades 5–7)
Students will pick pop songs from artists like
Katy Perry, Lana Del Rey and Taylor Swift, and
will then learn how to sing them. In addition to
lots of solo and group singing, you’ll also work
on routines and stage presence.
Tuesdays 5–6 pm 5–5:55 pm 9/22–12/8
(twelve weeks) Zosia Boczanowski • $275
Kids & Teens
ALL STAR
BANDS
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 important, 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.
The All Star Band program is a comprehensive 9-month
performance and education curriculum for 5th–12th
graders. 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.
Program Requirements
All Star Bands require a commitment of the majority of weekly
rehearsals. Students may audition mid-year and will be placed
in the program based on age, skill level and availability of spots in
ensembles. Students must have a basic understanding of their
instrument or voice and we highly recommend current, ongoing
music lessons.
Times and Tuition
Tuition for September September 2015–May 2016 is $1,400.
Rehearsal time is likely to be Saturday 3–6 pm, but other Saturday
times could be available depending on band placement.
Audition & Placement
Requirements
Entering musicians must prepare a song to play with a backing
band, improvise over a 12-bar blues pattern (optional), demonstrate
chord changes and varying rhythm patterns. To schedule an
audition in late August or early September for the 2015/2016
All Star Band Program, e-mail [email protected].
When we started the All Star Band program, we intended on creating an atmosphere full of 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 for their performances.
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
32 call 415.673.3600
Blue Bear offers week-long day camps from June
through early August at Fort Mason and in Marin. For
recommended skill levels, see page 39.
Kids & Teens
SUMMER CAMPS
Dear students and parents,
The reverberations from fantastic musical jams are filling the halls here at Blue Bear as we get
underway with our 2015 summer camps.
Blue Bear camps offer exciting opportunities for kids in grades 4–12 to make great
music with their peers and to have an amazing time learning while playing.
Our music camps have a defining characteristic that sets them apart
from others: a high teacher to student ratio, with instructors on each
instrument group. We very effectively provide personalized instruction
for all students, beginner to advanced, engaging them in the learning
process from square one.
We also have an incredibly talented roster of people at the helm. While
our instructors have performed around the globe with the best, they are all
professional teachers, highly skilled and able to impart real-world knowledge in
a helpful and accessible way.
In our camps, students have opportunities to write songs, sharpen instrument skills, learn how to
interact in an ensemble, and get serious performance chops by leading shows in our performance
hall. Kids are invigorated, challenged and inspired to do their best work — an experience that
resonates far beyond the musical stage.
So throw on a new set of strings, polish your horn, practice your paradiddles and jump into an
amazing summer camp at Blue Bear. Both at Fort Mason and in Marin — we are ready to Rock U!
All camps run Monday through Friday, 10–3,
except for Voice Camps, which run 1–3pm.
Most San Francisco camps offer supervised
after-camp activities until 4pm for families
that need a later pick-up (and kids who
just want more music). Most camps that
culminate in a performance run later on
Friday afternoon.
Songwriting
San Francisco camps are held at Fort Mason
Center. Marin camps are held at Drake High
School in San Anselmo.
Songwriting 2, Grades 8–12;
SF: July 27–31, $575
Rock U
This camp is for girls who want to learn to
rock! Campers will learn to play simple pop
and rock songs and perform them at the
end of the week. Some musical experience
is helpful, but not required. Friday afternoon
performance.
Rock out! A typical day includes morning
instrument instruction and afternoon
band practice, with plenty of time for
jamming, songwriting, and playing complex
arrangements. Friday afternoon performance.
Students write, arrange, and perform songs,
learning through workshops on lyrics, form,
and arranging how the artists they love create
their songs. Friday afternoon performance.
Songwriting 1, Grades 6–9
SF: July 6–10, $575
Girls Rock!!
Rock U 1, Grades 6–8.
SF: June 15–19, $550
SF: July 20–24, $550
Marin: July 6–10, $625
Grades 4–7
SF: July 13–17, $495
Marin: July 13–17, $570
Rock U 2, Grades 7–10
SF: June 22–26, $550
SF: August 3–7, $550
Marin: July 13–17, $625
Guitar Camp
Rock U 3, Grades 8–12
SF: August 10–14, $550
Marin: July 20–14, $625
Guitar intensive! Student guitarists work on
lead and rhythm techniques, writing their
own parts, learning classic solos, and crafting
different tones with amps and effects.
Grades 7–12
SF: June 8–12, $550
“I would highly recommend Blue Bear
as the go-to place for your children’s
musical experiences!”
— Kristen Lemaster
Nils Erickson
Summer Camp Director
34 call 415.673.3600
Most camps meet Monday to Friday
10 am - 3 pm, plus a performance
Friday afternoon. See our website
for the 2015 Summer Camp Schedule!
NEW! Studio Music Camps
Kids & Teens
SUMMER CAMPS
Get Ready to Rock!
This low-key camp offers kids a chance
to try different instruments, play easy
songs in a band, and work on songwriting,
singing, jamming, and other musical
games! Six months of instrument lessons
is recommended. Friday afternoon
performance.
Grades 4–7
SF: July 13–17, $550
Marin: June 29–July 3, $625
Students work on an original music
project, including arrangements, recording
preparation, tracking, and mixing. Everyone
will help create and record individual parts.
Students get a recording of music they
helped create.
Hard Rock U
Get ready for a week of rawk! A typical day
includes morning group lessons, technique
instruction, and afternoon band rehearsals.
Friday afternoon performance.
Hard Rock U 2, Grades 7–10
SF: June 29–July 2 (4 days), $440
Grades 8–10
SF: June 15–19, $550
Music for Film, Video & Games
Learn how to create and score music using
a digital audio workstation. Topics include
theme writing, scoring, and mixing audio
and sound effects, along with music theory
and composition aesthetics.
Grades 9–12
SF: July 6–10, $550
SKILL LEVEL GUIDELINES
We strongly suggest the following skill levels
for each Summer Camp:
Get Ready to Rock, Voice Camp 2 and
Composing for Film, Video & Games
•
Campers will do best if they have been playing an instrument or singing in an organized setting for at least
six months.
Rock U 1 and Creating
Music in the Studio
•
Suggested minimum of one year of lessons for all instruments and singers.
•
Drummers should be able to play a simple rock beat for one minute.
Bassists should know names of notes and •
be able to play one song through to
the end.
•
Guitarists should know open position chords and E-form barre chords.
•
Keyboardists should know major and minor triads in root position.
Voice Camp
For singing kids who love to perform!
Students expand their vocal abilities and
song repertoire in a fun, relaxed setting,
singing solo and in groups. Topics include
technique, stage presence, musicianship
and more. Voice Camp 2 students learn
harmony arrangements of pop songs.
Friday afternoon performance.
Voice Camp 1, Grades 4–6
SF: June 29–July 3, 1-3 pm $225
Voice Camp 2, Grades 7–10
SF: June 8–12, 1-3 pm $225
36 call 415.673.3600
bluebearmusic.org/summercamps
2015 SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE
SAN FRANCISCO : FORT MASON CENTER
Kids & Teens
SUMMER CAMPS
Rock U 2 and Hard Rock
•
Suggested minimum of two years of lessons for all instruments and singers.
•
Drummers should be able to fill without losing time, and be able to hold three minutes of a simple rock beat.
•
Bassists should know names of notes and how to read chord charts, and be able to play eighth-notes through changes.
•Guitarists should know open chords and E-and A-form barre chords, and know minor pentatonic scales.
Keyboardists should know major and minor •
triads, and know the blues scale.
Rock U 3
•
Suggested minimum of three years of lessons for all instruments and singers.
•
Drummers should know syncopated kick drum patterns, shuffle and 6/8 beats.
•
Guitarists should know syncopated guitar rhythms (e.g., AC/DC) and riff songs (e.g., Led Zeppelin).
•
Keyboardists should know 7th chords and inversions, be able to play syncopated rhythms and to play melodies
and improvise.
Songwriting 1 and 2
Suggested minimum of one year of lessons •
for Songwriting 1, and two years of lessons for Songwriting 2.
June 8–12
June 8–12
June 15–19
June 15–19
June 22–26
June 29–July 2
June 29–July 3
July 6–10
July 6–10
July 13–17
July 13–17
July 20–24
August 3–7
July 27–31
August 10–14
Guitar Camp
Voice Camp 2
Rock U 1
Rock U 2
Hard Rock U 2
Voice Camp 1
Songwriting 1
Music for Film, Video & Games
Girls Rock!
Get Ready to Rock
Rock U 1
Rock U 2
Songwriting 2
Rock U 3
MARIN: DRAKE HIGH SCHOOL, SAN ANSELMO
June 29–July 3
July 6–10
July 13–17
July 27–31
July 20–24
Get Ready to Rock
Rock U 1
Rock U 2
Girls Rock!!
Rock U 3
Bassists should know syncopated
•
bass lines.
38 call 415.673.3600
Little Bears class enrollment is done online
and no annual Member Fee is required. Here are the
Top 5 reasons why Little Bears classes are right for
your child — and for you!
1. Our teachers are actual musicians GROUP CLASSES
Baby Bears (4 months-1 year)
Little
BEARS
Who and what are Little Bears? Simply put, Little Bears bobble, weave and dance to their own beat.
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?!
As Director of the Little Bears program for the last five years, I’ve made it my goal to keep classes fun, engaging, educational and above all — rockin’ — both for kids and kids at heart. Hope to see you this summer!
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!
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!
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.
Get the Beat (3-5 years)
The perfect class for any kid (and adult) who
is obsessed with any and all things drum,
including makeshift drums, treating the cat
like drums, and virtually making everything a
backbeat. Celebrate drums with us in the New
Year without the neighbors complaining!
Tanya Wheeler
Little Bears Director
40 call 415.673.3600
Enroll online!
bluebearmusic.org/littlebears
LITTLE BEARS
TEACHERS
Summer classes start July 13 and run for 9 weeks.
Thursday 11-11:45am w/Rachel
7/16–9/17 (9 weeks) • $205
Baby Bears (4 months–1 year)
Bouncy Bears (1–3 years)
Monday 11-11:45am w/Rachel
7/13–9/14 (7 weeks) • $160
Tuesday 10-10:45am w/Rachel
7/14–9/15 (8 weeks) • $185
Friday 11-11:45am w/Rachel
7/17–9/18 (9 weeks) • $205
Tuesday 3:30-4:15pm w/Zosia
7/14–9/15 (8 weeks) • $185
Wednesday 10-10:45am w/Zosia
7/15–9/16 (9 weeks) • $205
Monday 10-10:45am w/Rachel
7/13–9/14 (7 weeks) • $160
Friday 10-10:45am w/Rachel
7/17–9/18 (9 weeks) • $205
Boogie Bears (3–5 years)
Monday 3:30-4:15pm w/Rachel
7/13–9/14 (7 weeks) • $160
CALVARY
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
2515 Fillmore St. at Jackson St.
Thursday 10-10:45am w/Andrew
7/16–9/10 (9 weeks) • $205
Get the Beat! (3–5 years)
Thursday 11-11:45 w/Andrew
7/16–9/10 (9 weeks) • $205
FORT MASON CENTER
2 Marina Blvd. Building D, Room K
Baby Bears (4 months–1 year)
Tuesday 11-11:45am w/Rachel
7/14–9/15 (8 weeks) • $185
42 call 415.673.3600
Wednesday 3:30-4:15pm w/Andrew
7/15–9/9 (9 weeks) • $205
Thursday 10-10:45am w/Rachel
7/16–9/17 (9 weeks) • $205
Friday 10-10:45am w/Zosia
7/17–9/18 (7 weeks) • $160
Friday 11-11:45am w/Zosia
7/17–9/18 (7 weeks) • $160
Boogie Bears (3–5 years)
Tuesday 4:30-5:15pm w/Zosia
7/14–9/15 (8 weeks) • $185
Get the Beat! (3–5 years)
Wednesday 4:30-5:15pm w/Andrew
7/15–9/9 (9 weeks) • $205
Mixed Bears (6 months–5 years)
Wednesday 11-11:45am w/Zosia
7/15–9/16 (9 weeks) • $205
Check bluebearmusic.org for schedule
updates and class cancelations.
Zosia Boczanowski (pronounced Zawsha) is a recording artist, songwriter, multiinstrumentalist, and Berklee College of Music
grad who is passionate about teaching voice
and guitar and connecting people of all ages
with the music they love.
Rachel Hoiem has a B.A. in Jazz Piano from
SF State and gigs regularly in her bands Light
Fantastic, Bellavista, and Rachel and the Rats.
Her Little Bears songs include everything
from The Beatles to Beastie Boys, along with
originals to keep things fresh and fun.
Andrew Skewes-Cox has a music degree
from UC Santa Cruz. Known for creating
drums out of practically anything and carting
around a giant bag of tiny guitars for his
Little Bears classes, he is the embodiment
of a hard-working musician. Andrew also
volunteers for Bread & Roses and plays drums
for Rin Tin Tiger.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
I have more than one child; do I need to
pay full tuition for both of them?
We offer $40 off for additional sibling’s 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.
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 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.
For more frequently-asked Little
Bears questions, visit bluebearmusic.
org/littlebears.
DIGITAL AUDIO PROGRAM
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.
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 Program (at Academy of Arts and Sciences and Rooftop Elementary) has produced bands that have graced professional
stages at Cafe Du Nord and Bimbo’s.
These programs have led to wonderful partnerships with organizations like
the YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, GLIDE Memorial Church, SFUSD and more.
Most important, we have witnessed firsthand the powerful and positive
changes that involvement in the arts can bring our kids. Students in the gritty, challenging Bayview neighborhood of San Francisco have created incredibly
poignant and personal songs, demonstrating the cathartic power of writing and
performing music. For nearly ten years, Rock Band at Rooftop has produced young
musicians who’ve been accepted at the prestigious Ruth Asawa School of the Arts to continue their artistic growth. Blue Bear’s outreach programs are indeed transforming lives.
Our new dedicated Digital Audio Program
at Bayview Hunters Point YMCA empowers
at-risk youth to write, produce and record
their own original music with state-of-the-art
tools 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: Beginning Digital Audio
Production — Teaches students to create
their own original songs using the acclaimed
Apple program 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). Music
appreciation and understanding of all musical
styles demonstrates the variety of types of
songs students can create. All levels and
interests are welcome, with no previous musical
instruction required. At the end of the class, the
students receive a CD of their original songs.
Studio 201 — Furthers the instruction and
offers a glimpse into other more advanced
programs such as Ableton, Logic and Pro Tools.
This course is designed to begin the transition
into a more professional use of digital audio.
Collaborative partnerships with onsite visual arts
classes are also a possibility.
DJ Course — For students interested in a more
current musical art form. Our teachers cover
the history, technique and equipment, using
DJ media of all types from classic vinyl to CDs,
and newer methods including “laptop DJing”
using the Serato and Ableton Live programs.
This program covers all styles and genres of
DJing from hip hop to techno, with performance
opportunities at completion of the course.
Current and past partner sites for Blue Bear
Digital Audio Programs include:
• Bayview Hunters Point YMCA
• Glide Memorial Church After School Center
• Ida B. Wells Continuing Education High School
• Bayview Opera House
• International Studies Academy
• Boys and Girls Clubs
• Friends of the Children
• Saint Joseph’s Family Center
• Real Options for City Kids
• Streetside Stories
• Lincoln High School
• James Lick Middle School
• Starr King Elementary School
• Claire Lilienthal Alternative School
To set up programming at a location near you, don’t hesitate to contact Blue Bear.
MUSIC SAVES!
Cole Odin Berggren
Community Programs Director
44 call 415.673.3600
Community
PROGRAMS
Grades 5-12
Rock Band Ensemble — Involves hands-on
instruction with a focus on practicing and
performing as a group; also includes active
listening, music theory, music critique and
instrumental technique. Students are provided
with lessons, practice sessions, performance
opportunities and (in some cases) instruments,
along with the mentorship of Blue Bear’s
professional artists in residence. The classes
range from 9 to 18 weeks of instruction and
culminate in a live performance.
As a nonprofit organization, Blue Bear is committed
to making a difference beyond the scope of our
in-house programs. We partner with a variety of
schools and other community centers to provide free
and low-cost music education.
GROUP CLASSES
Blue Bear community programs provide highquality instruction by our artists-in-residence.
These classes are geared for elementary
through high school settings and students
often participate in public performances that
build confidence and self-esteem.
Grades 2-4
Get Rhythm — Our entry-level class teaches
students the fundamentals of one of music’s
most important building blocks. Active listening and music appreciation expose students
to a wide range of music styles. A variety of
hand percussion instruments are played and
students participate in jams with the instructor. The fundamentals of mathematics are
stressed along with an introduction to the
melodic components, and the instruments
progress up to the level of keyboard, steel
drums, bass and vibes.
46 call 415.673.3600
Instrument Petting Zoo — Designed for the
beginning-level music student, with the goal
of increasing interest and helping determine
which instrument they like best and want to
focus on. Students play the five main rock
instruments including drums, bass, guitar,
keys and voice, and learn the fundamental
concepts of rhythm, melody, harmony, meter,
tempo, scale and key. They experience how
the various instruments work on a basic level
through instruction and usage in popular
music and correlate their usage with other
related concepts they already know, such
as basic mathematics, pattern relations and
emotional similarities.
Sing! Dance! — This vocal performance class
takes the playful, contemporary side of the TV
show Glee and combines it with a traditional
choral class. Students learn the basics of
music theory and translate them into a fun
and hip vocal choir, singing songs of various
musical genres. An emphasis on movement
and theatrics is also provided by way of some
light choreography. The program culminates
in a fun performance for their peers and
parents.
Beginning Group Guitar —A hands-on
introduction to acoustic guitar that includes
basic playing skills and learning music
fundamentals. Through strums, picking,
scales and chords, students learn how to play
a few songs and get the skills they need to take
it to the next level. The Intermediate Group
Guitar program increases the number of strum
patterns and chords, and adds arpeggios to
give students a bigger arsenal to tackle more
challenging songs.
Keyboard Lab — Beginning instruction on
piano, the foundational musical instrument;
includes music theory as well as playing skills.
Students are taught how to navigate a piano
through scales and chords, building chops that
will assist them in learning songs. They’ll also
have an opportunity to perform publicly during
a recital at the end of the course.
To bring a Blue Bear Community
Program to your school or community
center, contact Community Programs
Director Cole Odin Berggren at [email protected].
Many of our community music
programs are fully or partially
underwritten by generous
donations from the community.
To find out how you or your employer
can help, contact Development
Associate Alycia Moore at [email protected].
Blue Bear community programs take place
at these and other Bay Area partner sites:
• Bayview Hunters Point YMCA
• Tenderloin Community Center
• St. Joseph’s Family Center
• Rooftop Alternative School
• Creative Arts Charter School
• The Academy of Arts and Sciences
• Miraloma Elementary School
• Gateway Middle School
“Music in the soul can be heard
by the universe.” — Lao Tzu
FEED THE BEAR
SUPPORT
Blue Bear has helped over 30,000 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.
WHY GIVE
WHAT YOUR GIFT SUPPORTS
Just imagine a world without music…
A gift of any amount directly subsidizes
Blue Bear’s ability to make high-quality music
education both accessible and affordable.
Here are just a few of the many ways we put
your support to work:
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 the
schools, Blue Bear is an increasingly important
community resource. Making music helps make
the world go ‘round and here are some reasons
why what we do is important work:
•Music is a deeply meaningful and core mode
of human expression, for all ages.
•Making music together gives people a positive
social experience.
•Music can serve as a gratifying counter-
balance to demanding professional lives.
•Learning music enhances brainpower and
improves academic performance.
•Making music has proven health benefits.
•Music gives young people a way to express
themselves — even to find themselves.
48 call 415.673.3600
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 2014-15 “Feed the Bear”
campaign make Blue Bear’s day-to-day
operations possible. Please donate online any
time at bluebearmusic.org — it’s easy thanks
to our partnership with Network for Good.
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE
There are many ways to support Blue Bear and
you can also designate your gift to specifically
benefit one or more of our programs. Please
consider the following:
And, you can make your gift go further — check
with your employer’s HR department to see
if they have a matching grant program for
donations made to nonprofits.
• 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.
Blue Bear is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization.
Please contact our Development Associate,
Alycia Moore, with any questions about your
contributions. She can be reached at alycia@
bluebearmusic.org and 415.673.3600.
•Seven off-site Youth Outreach Programs
in public schools and community centers
•A new Digital Audio Program at the
Bayview Hunters Point YMCA, providing free
music education to some of the Bay Area’s
most at-risk youth
•A new Vocal Performance Program at the
Tenderloin Rec Center, in another of
San Francisco’s most underserved
neighborhoods
•Multiple Youth All Star Bands for
talented teens
•A Little Bears Program for toddlers in a
community center
•Sliding scale tuition assistance and
scholarships, ensuring access to Blue Bear
programs for all
GIFTS
Grants & Scholarships
SCHOLARSHIP DONORS
SCHOLARSHIP SUPERSPONSORS
Anonymous
ARIA Foundation
Mike Kappus - The Rosebud Agency
SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS
Henry E. Martens in memory of Harold Baxter Reade
Amy Nicholson
Teresa Odom
Donna Ozawa and Indigo Som
Bonnie Raitt
STEVE STRAUSS FOUNDERS FUND
Joan Barnes
Richard Strauss
KEITH ALLEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Patricia and Thomas Allen
Charles Felsenthal
Ned and Robin Selfe
BILL GRAHAM MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Bill Graham Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Community
Federation and Endowment Fund
The Walther Foundation
TED O’CONNELL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE TED O’CONNELL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Blue Bear thanks the many individuals and organizations
providing contributions received between April 1, 2014
and March 31, 2015. Our educational work could not
continue without your support.
BLUE BEAR DONORS
SUPERHERO ($50,000+)
Chauncey and Marion D. McCormick
Family Foundation
HEROES ($10,000+)
Anonymous
Maria Cardamone
Walter & Elise Haas Fund
Elisabeth and Howard Jaffe
The Libra Foundation
SUPERBENEFACTORS ($5,000-9,999)
John Brockway Huntington Foundation
Mr. Christopher Lord and
Ms. Coltrane C. Lord
The McKenzie Foundation of San Francisco
James Mellon
BENEFACTORS ($2,500-$4,999)
Mark Brueckman
Calibre One, Inc
John Lee, Advanced Construction
Brett May
The pH Fund
The Arch and Stella Rowan Foundation
SUPERSPONSORS ($1,000-$2,499)
Holland Bender
Biscuits & Blues
Block Communications, Inc.
D’Addario Music Foundation
Stephanie and John Dains
Tim and Roo Duncan
Emergent Transportation Concepts
Dennis Fisco
Paul Goldman and Monterey International
The Grey Family Foundation
Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation
Byron Mellberg
Roger and Susan Schow
Ned and Robin Selfe
SFT Endowment for Technology, Education
and the Arts
Jeffrey Shaw
Joe Strulowitz
Jill Suttie and Don Arbitlit
Union Bank Foundation
Jonathan Weiner
Paul Winston
IN-KIND DONORS
Bay Area guitarist Ted O’Connell (1957–2015) was a tremendous
musician and valued Blue Bear Summer Camp teacher. The Schow Foundation
is proud to establish this new Scholarship Fund to celebrate his life and music.
MATCHING GRANTS
Anonymous (2)
Business Wire
Dodge & Cox Matching Fund
GE Foundation
Google Matching Grants
Levi Strauss Foundation Matching Grants
Salesforce.com Foundation
50 call 415.673.3600
Bryan Bradley
Maria Cardamone
John Chabalko
Lin Chase
D’Addario Music Foundation
Brooks Frank
Geras Tousignant Gallery
Fender Musical
Instruments Corporation
Focusrite/Novation Inc.
JBL Professional
Ronald Light
Sid Luckenbach
Alexa Madrid
Rick Mariano
Susan Pritzker
Paul Schwarzbach
Anton Semenovsky
Jim Stewart
Matt Valbusa
Susan J. Weiand Photography
Jason Yee
City of San Francisco
GIFTS
THANK YOU
SPONSORS ($500-$999)
Wendy Bolker
California Accounting Center CPAs
Climb Real Estate Group
Elizabeth English
Mike and Pat Evans
Graham Greene
Mike Kappus — The Rosebud Agency
Rose Kirkland
George Lucas Family Foundation
James Mellon
O’Dette Mortgage Group
Renee Richardson
Cole Rowan
Steve Savage and Tamara Bock
DONORS ($250-$499)
Anonymous in honor of Max Swerin
Robert and Marida Berlin
Bimbo’s 365 Club
Graham Green
Mike and Kelly Halper
Dan Kane
Michael Keys
Zach Lee
Julie and Jonathan Meyer
Dick Millet
Blue, Indigo, and Bhushan Mudbhary
Lisa Tarigo Poalillo
Josina Reddy
Gloria and Welton Rollerson
Tamyra Thomas
Pauline Ayako Uyeda
Mark Williams
SUPPORTERS ($100-$249)
Anonymous in honor of Johnny Nitro
Adrienne in honor of Carol Snow
Kit Anderton
Gina N. Ballenger
Aleck Beach
William E. Berry
Ethan Bodle
Jeffrey Briss
Charles and Nancy Burbach
52 call 415.673.3600
SUPPORTERS ($100-$249)
Alexander Calhoun in memory of Richard Smith
Kira Casey and Victoria Stein
Lin Chase
John Close
Genevieve Conaty
Joycelin Craig
Crosby & Kaneda
Gerry Ehrmann
Elizabeth Finlayson & Jim Nadel
Anne and Mason Flemming
Michael Gallagher
Mark Gunther and Anne M. Krantz
Bonnie Hayes
Brenda Hillman in honor of Carol Snow
Adrienne Hirt and Jeff Rodman
Robert S. Hodas
David and Debra Hoiem
Matt Holmes
Mary Holzer
Henry Hooker and Janine Roeth
Lisa Hubbert
Scott Jensen
William Knight
Daniel Kunstler
Monica Loncola
Gail J. and Robert B. Loveman
Tim Lynch
The Mahon Family
Pat and Lori Martinez
Gary and Ann Merkerson
MK Productions, Inc.
Andrew Moore
Donald Moore
Jami Nadzam
Aarti Natesan
Mariana Parreiras
Vicki Randle
Mike Rao
Yvette Rosedale
Bev and Ron Sherrill
The Singer’s Workshop
Richard Sloan
Sweetwater Music Hall
Tim Whalen
Dr. Richard Wolitz
Carol Wong
Melvin Wong, Blackbird Music
GIFTS
“We look forward to many more years at Blue Bear.”
— Uma & George Lerner
ASSOCIATES ($60-$99)
Carol Caspe-Nayman
Lisa and Matt Chanoff
Ian and Joanie Crombie
Donna Casey Gerber
Ruth Kirschner
Carol Snow & David Matchett
Jennifer Rollerson Yelton
TRUSTEES
and Staff
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Bonnie Hayes
Rose Kirkland
Jim Peterson
Vicki Randle
Renee Richardson
Richard Strauss
Paul Winston
Maria Cardamone
Chair
Steve Savage
President
Jay R. Shah, CPA
Vice Chair
Brett May
Treasurer
FRIENDS ($1-$59)
Anonymous Blue Bear
Sharman Duran Aguilera
Hank Bannister
In honor of Malcolm Berry on Valentine’s Day
Elvin Bishop
Mary Bourke
Jennifer Burke
The Chang Knezevich Family
Kit-Shui Chan
Monica Wan Chavarria
G. and Shirley L. Costanzo
Steve and Juel Craig
Debbie Cucalon
David and Katherine Evans
E.H. and Romana L. Gallarate
Jennifer Gee
Sam Gharabally
Kevin Gill
Tim Hughes
Jerry Jeter
Michael Juster
Michael Kelleher
The Koenig Family
Marshall Lamm
David Lehr
54 call 415.673.3600
Reshma Lensing in honor of Lyla Hielscher
Donald M. Maus
Walter McMath
David G. and Sheree L. Meyer
Holly Moore
Jim Peterson
Keilani Pilates
Thomas Quinn
Doug Raymond
Karen L. Riefer
Frederica Robertson
Jill Robinson
Dianne Younger Rosse
Michael Schmidt
The Simons Family
Kristen Steck
Hisae and Yoshimichi Takahashi
Queenie Taylor
Judith and Bruce Todd
Victor Valentine
Erin Vivion and Family
Marcus Yelton
Lisa Zahner
Michael Zwerin
PROGRAM & ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Steve Savage
Executive Director
Dennis Criteser
Program Director
Cole Odin Berggren
Community Programs Director
Tanya Wheeler
Bill Leigh
Marketing and PR Director
Stella Roshi-Moles
Accounts and Office Manager
Alycia Moore
Little Bears Director
Development Associate
Ryan Hickey
Richelle Cullen
Nils Erickson
Kristina Melendez
Colin Hayes
Tennessee Mowry
All Star Band Director
Summer Camp Director
Finance Director & Recording Division Director
Front Desk
Front Desk
Production Assistant
TEACHERS
“Mike Rao has in-depth knowledge and a cool, relaxed teaching style that makes
learning fun and interesting. I have learned to play a lot of cool stuff while also
developing a better understanding of the language of music.” — Kathy M.
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.
Kevin Casey is a rock vocalist, songwriter, musician/
guitarist, and producer with over 30 years experience.
He has been a professional recording engineer
and producer since 1983 and is currently a Media
Producer and Audio Tech for Symantec Corp. Kevin
continues to perform and record as a vocalist/
musician and songwriter. As lead singer for the band
RubberSideDown since 2000, Kevin has performed
over 750 live shows, released 5 albums, and licensed
over 12 songs to TV & Film.
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.
ki
ws
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.
a
i
s
o
BoczCole also teaches at Blue Bear’s Bayview YMCA
Z
an Digital Music Program and is Blue Bear’s
o
Community Programs Director.
Robert Blake is a classically trained
singer and actor. Growing up in
North Carolina active with a variety
of musical styles, he studied at
Charlotte Children’s Theatre and at
University of North Carolina School
of the Arts. He received vocal training
56 call 415.673.3600
at University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. Blake
was a professional singer, actor and vocal coach in
Brazil from 2002-2008 and is currently developing
his hybrid of rock, soul and country music.
As a recording artist, songwriter, producer and
multi-instrumentalist, Zosia (pronounced Zawsha) Boczanowski has over 15 years experience in the
music industry. She received a vocal scholarship
to attend Berklee College of Music, where she
completed a degree in Engineering & Production.
Zosia is passionate about teaching voice, guitar
and music technology, connecting people of all ages
with the music they love.
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 Amphitheater in Colorado, the
LA Forum, and 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.
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, Crowsong, 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 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.
Summer camp songwriting teacher Susie Davis is
a respected music educator, professional vocalist,
keyboardist, songwriter, guitarist and accordionist.
Since 1986, she has toured and recorded with top
names in the music world: Van Morrison, Prince,
Sheila E., Billy Idol, Melissa Etheridge, Sinead
O’Connor, Pat Benatar and Mick Jagger. She has
worked extensively as a solo artist in the Bay Area
and Los Angeles and currently tours and records
with Those Darn Accordions, Rhythmtown Jive, and
the Rubinoos.
Matt Driscoll received a B.A. in Music Education
in 2009 from Sonoma State University and his
California K-12 teacher credential in music from
SFSU in 2010. He’s currently pursuing an M.A. in
Composition at Mills College. Matt covers a variety
of guitar styles, including most forms of rock,
blues and jazz. Matt also teaches ukulele, trumpet,
mandolin, banjo, piano and accordion.
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 Director and guitarist
Nils Erickson graduated with honors from Berklee
College of Music and has played and taught music
in the Bay Area for over 20 years. Nils has been
lead teacher in Blue Bear’s camps for over 10
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 tribute group Foreverland.
TEACHER
Biographies
“I can highly recommend John Turner. He is very patient and fun,
and has the ability to teach even the most stubborn, busy,
and nonmusical individuals.”—Sabine
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. Raz is
currently on leave while he completes work on his
PoRazOne Project.
Brian Gire has been teaching and playing music
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 Watson. He teaches both
acoustic and electric guitar (in styles including jazz,
blues, classical, rock, bluegrass and more), banjo,
mandolin, piano and bass.
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.
Colin Hayes is a Bay Area native who has been
writing, playing and recording and producing music
for over 15 years. In 2009, he graduated from San
Francisco State University’s BECA program with
a degree in Audio Production. He currently plays
58 call 415.673.3600
guitar with Dogcatcher (Live
105 Top 20 Bay Area Bands
2012 & 2013) and Girl Named
T, in addition to his duties as
Recording Division Director of
Blue Bear’s Creating Music
Program.
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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.
Steve Kirk has taught guitar, bass, music theory,
composition and band workshops at Blue Bear
since 2007. Outside of the Bear, he composes
for TV, film and multi-media, including a recent
project of music for the Star Wars MMO game, The
Old Republic. He’s also a member of Orchestra
Nostalgico, known for performing movie music by
the likes of Nino Rota and Ennio Morricone.
Australian born Libby Lavella is a Grammynominated 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.
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.
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 workshop
leader, his first influences include Hendrix, Duane
Allman and Angus Young. Sean gigs regularly
throughout the Bay Area
and beyond.
J.T. Locke has been playing guitar, writing and
arranging songs for over twenty years, recording
and performing across the country for over ten
years, and teaching professionally since 2007.
J.T. trained at PCC Music program in Portland 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.
Summer camp songwriting teacher Ira Marlowe grew
up listening to jazz and show tunes, begged for guitar
lessons at eight, finally got them at thirteen and
experienced a high school conversion from folkie to
rocker. At nineteen, he started penning songs that
sounded somewhere between Daltrey/Townsend
and Lerner and Loew. His awards include the SF y
Weekly “Best of the Bay” song contest and icke
a Napa Valley Music Festival award.
Rya
nH
Rachel Hoiem has studied music for over 20
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.
Shaun McGonegal is a seasoned
drummer with over 30 years of
experience in performance and studio
work. Along with contributions to many
albums, he is a GrooveZoo.com Groove
Crew Member, actively consulting for the
site. His formal training began at Ontario College
of Percussion and continued 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.
Tennessee Mowrey is a multi-instrumentalist
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
albums with his various bands, including Borneo
and Electric Tiger Lily. Tennessee graduated from
Wesleyan University with High Honors in Music
in 2010.
Teacher
BIOGRAPHIES
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.
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 resident
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 Orleansinspired Fatcat.
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!
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.
60 call 415.673.3600
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.
Stella Roshi-Moles has been playing music since
before she can remember. She grew up in Montana,
studying classical violin and doing lots of fiddling, then
received a B.M. in Violin Performance from Portland
State University. Stella is a multi-instrumentalist
whose experimental folk music album Wisdom Teeth
was just released on Post-Consumer Records under
the moniker Stella Peach.
Andrew Skewes-Cox, a former Blue Bear student,
has a music degree from UC Santa Cruz. Known for
creating drums out of practically anything and usually
carting around a giant bag of tiny guitars for his Little
Bears classes, he is the embodiment of a hardworking musician. Andrew also teaches at DayOne
Center, Lone Mountain Children’s Center and Calvary
Presbyterian preschool, volunteers for Bread & Roses,
and plays drums for Rin Tin Tiger.
Summer camp songwriting teacher 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 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.
Summer Camp Teacher Amanda VanderMeer
graduated with high honors from Portland
Community College’s professional music program
and has been playing and writing music for 25 years,
touring the globe and releasing two studio 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.
Sara Jean Yaste, aka Jean Jeanie, is a performer,
singer, multi-instrumentalist and composer who
plays with the punkadelic group Future Twin and
experimental noise duo Dark Materials. She cares
passionately about enabling all people to find
their voice, collectively and
individually, and teaches in
Blue Bear’s offsite programs.
Bill “Sputnick
”S
po
n
so
ter
Jim Pe
Seminar instructor Ilya Portnov is an innovative
and technically advanced harmonica player who
transforms the instrument’s rustic simplicity
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.
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.
er
on
Jim Peterson has played and taught saxophone and
woodwinds for more than 25 years. He studied in
his early days at Blue Bear, 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.
into a sophisticated, expressive sound capable
of conveying the most challenging music. As a
world citizen, Ilya is equally comfortable swinging a
Brazilian choro, navigating a sinewy Balkan dance, or
celebrating the harmonica’s roots in the blues.
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 Education from UCLA, and a California
State Teaching Certificate.
Emily Thebaut studied at
Interlochen Arts Academy,
Oberlin Conservatory of Music
(B.M.), and at SF Conservatory
of Music where she received
Sean
her Master of Music degree. During
Leahy
her classical voice and opera studies, Emily
performed in Italy and Austria. With experience in
musical theater, jazz and pop music, vocal pedagogy
is an area of particular interest to Emily, who enjoys
teaching students of all ages and levels.
General
INFORMATION
Phone – 415.673.3600
Email – [email protected]
Private lesson changes are best
handled through the Blue Bear front
desk in person or by phone — be sure
to leave a message.
ENROLL ONLINE
Go to bluebearmusic.org and click on
“Sign Up” to get started today!
BIKE RACKS
Outdoor bike racks are located throughout
Fort Mason. There are no indoor racks.
Time
Rate
Rate
0-1 hour$2.00
0-1 hour
$2.00
1-2 hours$5.00
1-2 hours
$5.00
2-3 hours$7.00
2-3 hours
$8.00
3-4 hours$10.00
3-4 hours $12.00
$12.00
> 4 hours
> 4 hours
$14.00
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 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.
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Weekend Rates
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SAFEWAY
General’s
Residence
Firehouse
Weekday Rates
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CONTACT INFO
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Blue Bear School of Music
Fort Mason Center
2 Marina Blvd. Bldg. D
San Francisco, CA 94123
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.
Lag
ADDRESS
Market
PARKING AT FORT MASON
Go
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Monday to Thursday: 1-8 pm
Saturday: 10:30 am-3:30 pm
Friday & Sunday: closed
Bay Bridge
Blvd.
He
Co rbst
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OFFICE HOURS
Peninsula
Fort Mason Center
FORT MASON CENTER
Fort Mason Center is located in the Marina
District of San Francisco. The entrance to
Fort Mason is at the intersection of Marina
Blvd. and Buchanan Street.
From the East Bay
Bay Bridge to Fremont Street Exit; on Fremont
(100 yards north) take first right on Howard;
left on Embarcadero and go 2 miles; left on
Bay, about 2 miles. Right on Buchanan. Cross
Marina Blvd. and make a sharp right into Fort
Mason Center.
From the North Bay
Golden Gate Bridge (US 101) to Marina Exit;
go 1.5 miles. Turn left at Buchanan & turn right
into Fort Mason Center.
LENNON STUDIOS
271 Dore St. near Harrison St. & 9th St.
www.lennonstudios.com/maps.html
NOE VALLEY MINISTRY
Golden Gate Bridge
From the South Bay
US 101 North to 9th St. Exit; 9th across Market
& left on Hayes; right on Franklin; about 2
miles. Turn left on Bay St, right on Buchanan.
Cross Marina Blvd. and make a sharp right into
Fort Mason Center.
Public Transportation
Bay Area-wide: www.511.org and
call 817-1717 or 511 from any area code
East Bay BART: www.bart.gov and
(510) 465-2278
North Bay Golden Gate Transit:
www.goldengate.org and (415) 455-2000
Peninsula/South Bay CalTrain:
www.caltrain.com and (800) 660-4287
San Francisco MUNI: www.sfmuni.com
and (415) 673-6864
62 call 415.673.3600
APPRECIATION
Blue Bear is wishing farewell, congratulations, and heartfelt
thanks to Carol Snow, Blue Bear’s long-time Financial Director
and CFO, who is retiring after 44 years with the school and
almost 40 on the leadership team. Carol has been with
Blue Bear School of Music since nearly the beginning, joining
as a 21-year-old student soon after the school first opened
in an Ocean Avenue storefront up the block from her father’s
accounting office.
“Blue Bear would never have celebrated its 10th anniversary,
let alone it’s 44th, if it weren’t for Carol,” says co-founder Richard
Strauss. “She has always been the constant — the slow steady
CAROL SNOW
pulse of the place. If there were a Blue Bear Hall of Fame, Carol
would be the first person I’d nominate.”
A songwriter since her early teens, Carol became one of the school’s inaugural students,
studying with co-founder Steve Strauss and taking the Sunday band workshop (and helpmop-the-floors) class. By 1972, she fled her full-time job at Sanford Snow, CPA, to handle
admin and finance at the Bear. Eventually she began writing for and playing in bands with
Steve Savage, Bonnie and Chris Hayes, Donald Maus, Jennifer Holland, and Terry Herz.
When the founding four left the school around 1974, Carol was a member of the
Association of advanced students and teachers who ran the school under the leadership of
former Country Joe & the Fish manager ED Denson. Eventually Carol served as co-Director
with Bruce Unsworth and Diane Frohman, and then with returning founder Steve Savage.
Carol was there when Blue Bear moved to Fort Mason Center in 1978, continuing to
steer the ship first with Steve, and then with former student Dennis Criteser, who joined
to complete the triumvirate in 1982. Dennis and Carol had been running the school’s
day-to-day operations for more than two decades when Blue Bear’s first full-time
Executive Director was hired in 2005 to expand community outreach and fundraising.
As for her songwriting, around 1975, ED Denson proposed a
Carol Snow’s Greatest Hits album, which never happened. But
from then on whenever Carol sat down to write at the piano she
thought, “Wait, this isn’t going to be a greatest hit.” And unlike
the others, she never liked rehearsing. So Carol turned to poetry,
which eventually resulted in the publication of four books and an
NEA grant among other literary honors and awards. She’s had
three satisfying text-dance collaborations with choreographer
Alex Ketley and another is in the works. Her Position Paper: New
and Selected Poems is forthcoming from Counterpath Press in
Spring 2016.
Carol wants to say “Thank you” to the wonderful, dedicated
This is the poster Carol Snow saw Blue Bear teachers and highly esteemed staff companions both
in an Ocean Avenue storefront
now and over her entire 44-year tenure.
window in the summer of 1971.
64 call 415.673.3600
presents
SINES & SAWS
SEMINARS
Electronic Music Workshop Weekend
A creative crash course in
beat-making, synths, Ableton, & more!
July 10–12, 2015
For more info, see page 29. For an up-to-date
schedule visit Bluebearmusic.org/Electronic
Featuring
Jonah Sharp
Jasper Speicher
DJ 4AM
& more
Advanced Ableton Live Performance Techniques
Analog Modular Synth Signal Flow & Sound Creation
Modular Synth Live & Studio Setups
Beat Making Beyond the Basics
Creating DJ Edits in Ableton Live
Fort Mason Center
2 Marina Blvd. Bldg. D
San Francisco, CA 94123
IT’S TIME TO PLAY!
• Private Lessons
• Band Workshops
• Instrument & Voice Classes
• Summer Camps
Sliding scale tuition available
SUMMER QUARTER 2015
• Adult Classes start July 6
• Little Bears starts July 13
• Summer Camps run
June 8–August 14
bluebearmusic.org
415.673.3600
#bluebearmusic
San Francisco Locations
• Fort Mason Center in
the Marina District
• Lennon Studios in South of Market
• Noe Valley Ministry in Noe Valley
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
PERMIT NO. 10148
IN HOME BY JUNE 12TH

summer - Blue Bear School of Music

Transcription

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