toddlers • kids • adults - Blue Bear School of Music

Transcription

marina
soma
noe valley
mid-market
FALL
2015 CATALOG
TODDLERS • KIDS • ADULTS
Young Rockers Wanted
See page 28 for All Star Band audition details.
Table of
CONTENTS
Fall Quarter 2015
PRIVATE LESSONS
One-on-one instruction for kids and adults.
8
ADULTS
Band Workshops
Join a 10-week student band workshop
and perform at a nightclub this December!
Group Classes
Guitar, vocals, ukulele, and more for beginning,
intermediate, and advanced players.
Creating Music Program
For those who prefer working on original
music, songwriting, recording, and more.
Short Seminars
A special week of one-night classes in
between each quarter. Attend one free
with your paid membership fee!
SHOW YOUR STUFF
Youth Rockcital, Saturday November 14th, Noon.
Adult Rockcital, Thursday December 17th, 7pm.
Request a time to perform at [email protected]
NEW LOCATION!
Blue Bear is pleased to offer group
adult voice classes at the Center for
New Music in Mid-Market.
See pages 20-21
10
14
25
28
TEENS & KIDS
All-Star Bands
Weekend band workshops for those serious
about developing ensemble playing skills.
Group Classes
After-school rock bands, Perform Like A Pop
Star, guitar, keyboard, and more.
30
34
LITTLE BEARS
36
SUMMER CAMPS
42
Music classes for infants and toddlers
and their caregivers.
Week-long music day camps in
San Francisco.
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 & Locations 62
Goings On
64
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
at Lennon Studios in SOMA, at the Center for New Music in mid-Market,
and at Noe Valley Ministry in Noe Valley. Blue Bear also partners with local
schools and community organizations to bring exciting music programs into
the classroom.
Band Workshops
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 28.
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 recording, Blue Bear’s Creating
Music Program offers songwriting classes and
individualized instruction that use our in-house
recording facility, Studio Z.
See pages 25-27.
4 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 after-school classes
like Instrument Petting Zoo and Singing,
Performing and Songwriting, as well as
After-School Rock Bands for tweens
and teens who are already rockin’.
See page 34.
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 pages 30-33.
Summer Camps (ages 8 to 17)
Blue Bear’s week-long music day
camps include rock band, guitar, voice,
songwriting, and recording and film
scoring! See page 42.
nt
o
Blue Bear offers small group classes in guitar,
voice, bass, ukulele, and music theory, run
on an 11-week quarter system. They’re an
affordable way to either start your adventures
in music or enhance your skills and keep
growing as a musician. See pages 14–24.
4m
Group Classes
TEENS &KIDS Little
BEARS
s
(age
ADULTS
hs
to 5
Little Bears music classes are
years
)
for the very young ones and their
parent or caregiver. Little Bears teachers
are musicians who involve students in
music through singing, rhythms, games
and movement. Early introduction to music
improves speech development, motor skills
and listening and concentration skills, all by
singing your heart out, moving to the music, and
making a joyful noise! Learn more about Boogie
Bears, Bouncy Bears and Baby Bears classes.
See pages 36-41.
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 pages 44-49.
visit bluebearmusic.org 5
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.
6 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
A Musical Backbone!
Blue Bear is building a musical backbone in the City of San Francisco. We’re
offering programming at 17 locations in addition to our main Fort Mason
Center campus, with plans to expand into several more sites. We are
committed to making the gift of playing music available to everyone in our
beloved city! As we have seen time and time again in our programs, playing
music makes for magical changes in people’s lives. Blue Bear runs elements from our core Fort Mason programming in Noe
Valley, SOMA and Mid-Market. We are responsible for school-day and
after-school programs at eight San Francisco schools. Blue Bear runs our
signature Little Bears programs (for 4 mos. to 5 years) at four different
locations, including the St. Joseph’s Family Center. The Bear has programs
at four facilities in the Bayview and Tenderloin districts – helping the city’s
underserved youth – including a new program in the Teen Center at the SF
Main Library that was just opened by Mayor Lee to great fanfare. There is a short TED-Ed piece from Anita Collins that explains why playing
music benefits the brain more than any other activity. Playing music is
the brain’s equivalent of a full-body workout, allowing music makers to
solve problems more effectively and creatively, in both academic and
social settings. Making music increases the ability to plan and
strategize, strengthens attention to detail and enhances
memory functions.
Please join with us as we continue our tradition of
changing lives through the transformational power of
playing music!
Steve Savage
Co-Founder and Executive Director
8 call 415.673.3600
Blue Bear’s mission is simple: to empower you to
play the music you love. To that end we offer a broad
selection of programs for aspiring and accomplished
musicians of all ages.
Our Little Bears classes, for ages 4 months to 5 years, are a
wonderful introduction to the joys of music.
For kids and teens we offer private lessons year-round, and during the
school year our after-school bands get back into action. We’re offering new
classes in Composition and Singing/Songwriting, and we’re excited to be
starting the fifth year of our weekend All-Star Band program.
For adults we have private lessons, Band Workshops, and group classes
covering guitar, voice, ukulele, theory, and songwriting. We’re pleased to
welcome Raz Kennedy back into the fold after a hiatus during which he
completed his 3-year certification as a Complete Vocal Technique instructor.
Singers of all levels may experience the powerful benefits of this technique
in Raz’s Vocal Technique class and in his new Singing in the Pocket class (see
page 22). Highly recommended!
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
PLAY
It’s
time
to
FALL QUARTER 2015 CALENDAR
Short Seminars | September 21-24
Summer Band Showcases | September 22-24
Little Bears & Kids Classes | September 21-December 11 (12 weeks)
Adult Classes | September 28-December 17 (11 weeks)
Band Workshops | September 28-December 10
Fall Band Workshops Showcases | December 14-17
Blue Bear closed Thanksgiving | Closed November 26, open November 28
Blue Bear closed for holidays | December 23-January 1
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
To cancel a lesson
the desk in person
•Notify
the desk at 415.673.3600
•Call
Email
[email protected]
•Don’t cancel
through your teacher
•
Private
LESSONS
Blue Bear offers private instruction for students age
five years and up, on most instruments and voice, plus
music theory, recording, songwriting, sight-singing,
ear training, and improvisation. Our students range
from “square-one” beginners to serious musicians
preparing for study at elite music schools.
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 For lessons canceled with two days
notice, you will not be charged:
Lessons canceled with less than two days’
notice will be charged in full so your teacher
can be paid for the reserved time.
If you are behind on tuition, we will ask
you to catch up before confirming your
next lesson. We may sometimes call to
ask if you’re able to move your lesson
time on a particular date. If the change is
not convenient, feel free to keep your
usual time. To drop your 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.
10 call 415.673.3600
Modern Rock Workshop
You get to perform material from a broad
range of artists and bands with releases from
the past ten to fifteen years.
Acoustic Rock Workshop
For acoustic players including guitar,
bass, keys, singers, and percussion, who want
to play unplugged versions of their favorite
rock tunes or songs from the indie/folk
movement.
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.
Deep Rock and Improv Workshop
This band will tackle more complex material
with an emphasis on soloing and arrangement
rather than getting cover songs performanceperfect. In addition to challenging rock and
funk material, simpler jazz tunes will also be
introduced. Group songwriting is a possibility,
too. Rather than performing at the in-club
Showcase, this band will headline Blue Bear’s
new adult Rockcital in our performance hall,
showing off some of their work in a lower-key
setting. By audition, for intermediate players
who can improvise and play from chord charts.
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
Blues, Soul and Roots Workshop
Rock, Soul and R&B Workshop
Classic Rock Workshop
Wide open as to style. Material may range
from oldies to blues, alternative to Top 40.
You name it!
Includes material from classic artists like
James Brown and Aretha Franklin.
12 call 415.673.3600
Covers classic electric blues and the many
styles influenced by the blues, including roots
rock and roots country.
Draws mostly from the repertoire of the
1960s, ’70s and ’80s. Students get to decide
on what “classic” means!
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
FAll 2015 | BAND WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
At Fort Mason Center
Basic Rock & Blues
Basic Rock & Blues
Intermediate Rock & Blues (by audition) Intermediate Rock, Soul, R&B (by audition)
Basic Rock & Blues Intermediate Rock & Blues
Acoustic Rock
Jim Peterson
Jim Peterson
Steve Kirk
Steve Kirk
Mark Schuh
Mark Schuh
J.T. Locke
J.T. Locke
At Lennon (271 Dore St., South of Market)
Basic Rock & Blues
Intermediate Rock & Blues
Modern Rock Classic Rock
Basic Rock & Blues
Basic Rock & Blues Blues, Soul and Roots
14 call 415.673.3600
Sean Leahy
Sean Leahy
Janak Ramachandran Sean Leahy
Sean Leahy
Jim Peterson
J.T. Locke
Randy Clark
Mon 6–8:30 pm (9/28-11/30)
Mon 8:30–11 pm (9/28-11/30)
Tues 6–8:30 pm (9/29-12/1)
Tues 8:30–11 pm (9/29-12/1)
Wed 6–8:30 pm (9/30-12/2)
Wed 8:30–11 pm (9/30-12/2)
Thu 6–8:30 pm (10/1-12/10)
Thu 8:30–11 pm (10/1-12/10)
Performances will be December 14-17
at Beat Box, 314 11th St., San Francisco.
Be sure to check out the Summer Quarter
Band Showcases there on September 2224, 7:30-11:30 pm. Deep Rock workshops
perform at Blue Bear December 17.
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.
Mon 6–8:30 pm (9/28-11/30)
Mon 8:30–11 pm (9/28-11/30)
Tue 8-10:30 pm (9/29-12/1)
Wed 6–8:30 pm (9/30-12/2)
Wed 8:30–11 pm (9/30-12/2)
Thu 8:30–11 pm (10/1-12/10)
Sat 1–3:30 pm (10/3-12/5)
Sun 4–6:30 pm (10/4-12/6)
GUITAR
Classes
Adult
Guitar for People Who Know
a Little More
For graduates of Know a Little or those with
about six months of playing experience, you’ll
continue working on songs with an emphasis
on more advanced chords. 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 (nonbarre) 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 6-7 pm 9/28-12/7
Kent Brown
Section 2: Tuesdays 8-9 pm 9/29-12/8
Mark Schuh
Always wanted to learn how to play the guitar, but not
sure where or how to start?
Section 3: Thursdays 9-10 pm 10/1-12/17
Kent Brown
Guitar for the Square-One Beginner
NOE VALLEY MINISTRY
1021 Sanchez St. at 23rd St.
Mondays 7:30-8:30 pm 9/28-12/7
Devin Lane
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.
Section 1: Tuesdays 9-10 pm 9/29-12/8
Mark Schuh
Section 2: Wednesdays 7-8 pm 9/30-12/9
Brian Gire
Section 3: Thursdays 8-9 pm 10/1-12/17
Kent Brown
NOE VALLEY MINISTRY
Mondays 8:30-9:30 pm 9/28-12/7
Devin Lane
Guitar for People Who Know a Little
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 9/28-12/7
Janak Ramachandran
Section 2: Wednesdays 7-8 pm 9/30-12/9
J.T. Locke
NOE VALLEY MINISTRY
Mondays 6:30-7:30 pm 9/28-12/7
Devin Lane
All above are $260 (or three payments of $90)
16 call 415.673.3600
Acoustic Guitar IV
For graduates of Know a Little More or for those
with nine months to a year of playing experience,
Acoustic Guitar IV will expand song repertoire
and skills using both rhythm and fingerstyle
playing and begin work on barre chords.
Section 1: Mondays 8-9 pm 9/28-12/7
Kent Brown
Section 2: Wednesdays 7:15-8:15 pm 9/30-12/9
Janak Ramachandran
Group classes are eleven weeks
except where noted. To enroll,
students must be current with
their annual $35 Member Fee.
KENT BROWN
Acoustic Guitar
V-XVIII
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.
Acoustic V.1: Wednesdays 8-9 pm 9/30-12/9 Brian Gire
Acoustic V.2: Thursdays 7-8 pm 10/1-12/17 Kent Brown
Acoustic VII: Tuesdays 8-9 pm 9/29-12/8
Kent Brown
Acoustic XI: Tuesdays 8-9 pm 9/29-12/8
Brian Gire
Acoustic XVIII: Mondays 7-8 pm 9/28-12/7 Kent Brown
LENNON STUDIOS
271 Dore St. near 9th St. & Harrison St.
Acoustic X: Tuesdays 7-8 pm 9/29-12/8
Janak Ramachandran • $290
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.
Tuesdays 6-7 pm 9/29-12/8
Brian Gire • $260
(or three payments of $90)
Adult
GUITAR CLASSES
MIKE RAO
Electric Lead Guitar II
For graduates of Electric Lead Guitar, this
class will continue to develop soloing skills
over blues and rock chord changes by
expanding your scale knowledge and with
lots of in-class playing.
NEW! Boomer’s Banquet
This class is for strummers who would like to
play and sing through the great songs of the
‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s in a fun and supportive
group setting. Folkies and retired rockers,
please apply!
Brian Gire • $260 (or three payments of $90)
BARB MURPHY
NEW! Get Your Folk On! with
Barb Murphy
Do you know your basic guitar or ukulele chords
and love singing? This class is for those who
want to sing and play together in a lowpressure environment. Instructor Barb Murphy
will help you Get Your Folk On! as she leads FUN
sing-a-longs with your family and friends so
you, too, can be the life of the party.
NOE VALLEY MINISTRY
Wednesdays 7-8 pm 9/30-12/9
Barb Murphy • $260 (or three payments of $90)
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.
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.
18 call 415.673.3600
J.T. Locke • $260 (or three payments of $90)
Electric Rhythm Guitar II
For graduates of Electric Rhythm Guitar,
this class will continue to build skills through
learning new songs and techniques.
Thursdays 8-9 pm 10/1-12/17
Randy Clark • $260 (or three payments of $90)
Electric Rhythm Guitar IX
For graduates of Electric Rhythm Guitar VIII,
this class will continue to work on timing,
rhythm and right hand techniques.
Blues/Jazz Guitar II
For players conversant with 12-bar blues
and soloing, this class will build on your
understanding of key centers, music theory,
comping and improv. You will also cover
arpeggios, scales and modes using the
CAGED system.
Wednesdays 7–8 pm 9/30-12/9
Mike Rao • $260 (or three payments of $90)
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 9/30-12/9
Colin Hayes • $380 (or three payments of $130)
Tuesdays 6–7 pm 9/29-12/8
Randy Clark • $260 (or three payments of $90)
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 E along with work on
“Hideaway” and building E and A barre chord
forms up the fretboard.
Mike Rao • $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.
JAM
Adult
Classes
Have fun playing with others! In a relaxed setting you’ll learn and play through tunes from folk,
bluegrass, Celtic and rock traditions. You can take solos and sing if you’d like, or just play rhythm
with the group. Jam classes are open to guitar, mandolin, fiddle and banjo. New students can
join ongoing classes; call 415.673.3600 to discuss placement options.
Adult
UKULELEClasses
Beginning Ukulele
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 10/1 - 12/17
Intermediate Acoustic Jam II
This class is for graduates of Intermediate
Acoustic Jam I. You’ll continue to learn new
songs and develop your soloing skills.
Tuesdays 7–8 pm 9/29-12/8
Intermediate Acoustic Jam IV
This class is for graduates of Intermediate
Acoustic Jam III. You’ll continue to learn new
songs and develop your soloing skills.
Mondays 8–9:15pm 9/28-12/7
Acoustic Jam Repertoire
New guitar, mandolin, fiddle, Dobro and banjo
students with strong scale knowledge and
soloing experience can join Acoustic Jam
Repertoire, an ongoing class of regulars who
have been jamming together since 2009.
Thursdays 7–8:30pm 10/1-12/17
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 7:30-8:30 pm 9/28-12/7
Matt Driscoll • $260 (or three payments of $90)
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 6:30-7:30 pm 9/28-12/7
Ukulele III
For graduates of Ukulele II or those who know
basic chords and note reading, this class will
expand your repertoire of songs.
Rock Ukulele
For ukulele players with a handful of chords
under their belt, this class will teach a
repertoire of fun songs that will expand chord
vocabulary. Singing will be encouraged.
Mark Schuh • $260 (or three payments of $90)
NEW! Get Your Folk On!
with Barb Murphy
Do you know your basic guitar or ukulele
chords and love singing? This class is for
those who want to sing and play together in
a low-pressure environment. Instructor Barb
Murphy will help you Get Your Folk On! as she
leads FUN sing-a-longs with your family and
friends so you, too, can be the life of the party.
NOE VALLEY MINISTRY
Barb Murphy • $260 (or three payments of $90)
Mondays 8:30-9:30 pm 9/28-12/7
20 call 415.673.3600
VOICE
Classes
Adult
“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
Learn to Sing: Group Singing
for Beginners
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.
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.
Tuesdays 7-8:15 pm 9/29-12/8
Emily Thebaut
Thursdays 7-8:15 pm 10/1-12/17
Janak Ramachandran
Singing for People Who Can’t Sing
NEW! CENTER FOR NEW MUSIC
55 Taylor St. at 6th and Market
Mondays 7-8:15 pm 9/28-12/7
Emily Thebaut
NOE VALLEY MINISTRY
Thursdays 8:15-9:30 pm
Libby Lavella
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.
NOE VALLEY MINISTRY
Thursdays 7-8:15 pm 10/1-12/17
Libby Lavella
22 call 415.673.3600
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 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.
Wednesdays 8:15-9:30 pm 9/30-12/9
Janak Ramachandran
All classes on pages 20 and 21 are $320
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.
Mondays 7-8:15 pm 9/28-12/7
Janak Ramachandran
Learn to Sing IV: Finding Your Style
and Using a Mic
After a few sessions adding new exercise
ideas (and embellishing older ones) as well
as group singing of songs that address
tools of style, the majority of this class
will focus on individual material with an
opportunity to work with a microphone and
practice stylistic techniques that enhance
the emotional delivery of a song. You’ll
continue to use opening warm-ups and
exercises developed over previous classes
to strengthen technique and prepare for a
move to the stage.
Wednesdays 6-7:15 pm 9/30-12/9
Janak Ramachandran
LEA CENTAURI
Singing for People Who Can Sing
For those with some band, theater or choral
singing experience but little or no previous
vocal instruction. Sessions will cover the
basics of proper vocal technique: breathing
and support, warm-ups, developing your
range, tone, placement and articulation.
There’ll be lots of group vocal drills and some
individual presentation of songs.
Wednesdays 7:15-8:30 pm 9/30-12/9
Lea Centauri
NEW! CENTER FOR NEW MUSIC
55 Taylor St. at 6th and Market
Mondays 8:15-9:30 pm 9/28-12/7
Emily Thebaut
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 9/30-12/9
Lea Centauri
Group classes are eleven weeks except where
noted. To enroll, students must be current with
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 in a San Francisco club.
Open to singers who are new to jazz as well
as those who are familiar with the repertoire.
Tuition includes a rehearsals with bassist and
drummer. Class limit of five.
Saturdays 1:30–3 pm 10/3-12/12
Sharman Duran • $455
(ten weeks plus performance)
Rock & Pop Vocal Performance
Adult
VOICE CLASSES
Vocal Technique with Raz Kennedy
For experienced singers, this class is an
overview of the basic principles needed to
sing expressively and unhindered, utilizing
a comprehensive method which provides
an effective, safe and healthy approach to
singing which is applicable to any musical
dynamic, genre and style.
Tuesdays 8-9 pm 10/6-12/8 (ten weeks)
Raz Kennedy • $305
Rhythm and the R&B Style:
Singing “In the Pocket”
Rhythm is the basic premise of music with
roots in Africa, which R&B certainly is. This
class explores the principal African rhythms
that are still essential to and define the
R&B singing style. Rhythm games, body
percussion and other learning tools will assist
singers to comprehend subdivisions and
African polyrhythms to enhance interpreting
R&B singing. All ability levels are welcome.
Tuesdays 7-8 pm 10/6-12/8 (ten weeks)
Raz Kennedy • $305
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.
Thursdays 8:15-9:45 pm 10/1-12/17
Janak Ramachandran • $380
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 9/29-12/8
Emily Thebaut • $320
Beginning Jazz Vocals
RAZ KENNEDY
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 9/30-12/9
Lea Centauri • $320
24 call 415.673.3600
Adult
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).
CREATINGProgram
MUSIC
Work on original music.
Blue Bear’s Creating Music Program is for
students interested in working on original
music, and includes songwriting classes as
well as private lessons and workshops that
take advantage of our on-site recording
facility, Studio Z. Sign up today to hear your
creations come to life!
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
Beginning Bass
fingering technique and will reveal how the bass,
This class is a square-one beginner class. We
working with the drums, provides the foundation
expect you know nothing about music and that
for most songs. You’ll learn bass lines in different
you are picking up the instrument for the first
styles, and upon graduation you can receive a
time. If you have played guitar before, you should
$100 discount as a bass player in one of Blue
try Accelerated Bass for Guitarists.
Bear’s Band Workshops.
Saturdays noon–1 pm 10/3–12/12
Kai Chu • $260 (or three payments of $90)
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.
Mondays 7-8 pm 9/28-12/7
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 8-9 pm 10/1-12/17
Steve Kirk • $260 (or three payments of $90)
26 call 415.673.3600
Saturdays 1-2 pm 10/3-12/12
Kai Chu • $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.
Mondays 6-7 pm 9/28-12/7
Mark Schuh • $260 (or three payments of $90)
COLIN HAYES
See you in Studio Z,
Colin Hayes
Recording Division Director
Write Your First Song
In this introductory class you’ll learn
about song forms and how to write chord
progressions, melodies and lyrics. In-class
assignments will guide you step-by-step
through writing a complete song and give
you the tools you need to generate ideas and
complete songs on your own. In the final
weeks of class you’ll make demo recordings
of your work in Blue Bear’s Studio Z.
Mondays 8–9:15 pm 9/28–12/7
Pamela Parker • $320
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.
Colin Hayes • $425 (ten weeks)
Group classes are eleven weeks except where
noted. To enroll, students must be current with
CREATING
MUSIC PROGRAM
Private Lessons
If you’d like to work on polishing your songs,
to make a demo of your work, or to just learn
how to make digital recordings, consider
private lessons with one of our songwriting/
studio teachers: Zosia Boczanowski, Colin
Hayes, Steve Kirk or Pamela Parker. Call
415.673.3600 to discuss openings in Studio Z.
Four-Week Songwriting Workshops
with Peter Case
Peter Case is a three-time Grammy-nominated,
performing singer, songwriter, guitarist and
producer who brings 25 years of songwriting
experience to these exciting and popular
workshops. Beginning with an exploration of the
craft involved in the classic songs of Dylan and the
Beatles as well as songs of the present day, you’ll
develop and present your own songs and song ideas
for further discussion in class. These workshops are an
encouraging, friendly and at times humorous environment
in which to either begin writing songs or to further your skills.
A 4-pack is $265 and a 10-pack is $625.
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.
PETER CASE
Songwriting Workshop with Peter Case
You will learn techniques for producing ideas and how to develop those ideas into a
complete song. Topics include song structure, bridges, guitar tunings as a compositional
tool, and breaking through “writer’s block” with weekly assignments to guide your
writing efforts. This class is for those who are at the beginning stages of writing, or for
those who would like to write their first song. You should have some basic skills on guitar
or piano, or be able to sing.
Studio Z
Saturdays 11 am–2 pm 9/19-10/10
Peter Case • $280 (four weeks)
Advanced Songwriters Workshop
with Peter Case
Experienced writers will learn techniques
for producing ideas, exercises for improving
the vividness and power of their songs, and
many more tricks of the trade. Topics include
song structure, bridges, guitar tunings as
a compositional tool, and breaking through
“writer’s block.” Each week you’ll get a
songwriting assignment designed to integrate
what you’ve learned in class with your own
ideas and inspiration. People are invited to
bring their acoustic guitar (or other portable
instrument), a notebook and a pen, and you
will be encouraged to play the week’s assigned
song in the workshop (though performance is
not mandatory).
Saturdays 2:30–5:30 pm 9/19-10/10
Peter Case • $280 (four weeks)
28 call 415.673.3600
Introducing Studio Z, Blue Bear’s new recording-ready classroom. Made
possible by our recent Fort Mason Center expansion — as well as generous
donations from Focusrite, Novation, JBL Pro, the D’Addario Foundation, and
others — Studio Z is geared toward students and bands interested in working
on original music and making studio recordings. Studio Z is equipped with a full
band setup, including a microphone-equipped drum kit and Reflexion Filter for
recording vocals, and a large remote display that allows students to follow the
recording process on the computer.
Adult
SHORT SEMIN ARS
Between quarters, Blue Bear offers Short Seminars,
classes that only meet for one night on a wide range of
topics. They are led by some of Blue Bear’s most popular
teachers, along with special guest instructors, and
are a low-cost way to dip your toes in the water!
How to Play the Blues
This seminar will show you the basic tools
needed to play electric blues solos á la BB King.
You’ll learn two pentatonic scales, expressive
skills like note-bending and vibrato, and learn
about phrasing.
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 September 22, 7-9 pm
Brian Gire• $30
Wedesday September 23, 7–9 pm
Ilya Portnov • $30
Getting a Great Electric Guitar Sound
The Art of Creating Guitar Parts
Studio Z
This seminar will demonstrate types of amps
(Class A, Class A/B and solid state) and look at
different types of electric guitars and pickups.
Also covered will be how to use guitar effects in
your signal chain to expand your sonic palette.
Tuesday September 22, 7-9 pm
J.T. Locke • $30
How to Develop Solos on Guitar
Wanna solo but feeling stuck, with no clue
how to do it? This seminar will give you some
simple and direct ways to think about soloing so
you can take your first steps into improv.
Wednesday September 23, 7-9 pm
Brian Gire • $30
30 call 415.673.3600
This class will delve into the secrets of how
to come up with guitar parts that are both
memorable and fit naturally into a song.
Wednesday September 23, 7-9 pm
Colin Hayes • $30
Voice!
This seminar is a wonderful overview of
the voice as the most basic tool of human
expression. You’ll work with breath and the ear,
and learn about styles of singing from jazz and
pop to show tunes and rap. Includes group
singing and vocal exercises.
Wednesday September 23, 7–9 pm
Lea Centauri • $30
Exploring Guitar Tones and Textures
Using examples of songs and bands that
influenced him, Rex will show how to emulate
those tones, both in live playing and in recording.
He will also work with individual students on the
sounds they are striving for in their own playing.
Wednesday September 23, 7-8:30 pm
Rex John Shelverton • $30
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 September 23, 8:30-10 pm
Rex John Shelverton • $30
How to Practice
This seminar will show you some basic principles
that can help you get the most out of the time you
invest in learning your instrument, based on the
science of how our brains work.
Thursday September 24, 7-9 pm
Brian Gire • $30
Stage Two Harmonica
This seminar will focus on more advanced
harmonica techniques (such as overblowing
and advanced tongue blocking), the use of these
techniques in playing blues, and playing blues in
first and twelfth positions.
Thursday September 24, 7-9 pm
Ilya Portnov • $30
Each year you can take one
Short Seminar free with your
annual membership.
Alternate Tunings
Expand the guitar’s tonal palette with tunings that
create fuller sounds through open-string voicings,
and enable modern fingerstyle 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.
Thursday September 24, 7-8:30 pm
Teja Gerken • $30
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 right- and left-hand
approaches, ergonomic considerations,
and tone production. For intermediate players;
includes handouts in standard notation
and tab.
Thursday September 24, 8:30-10 pm
Teja Gerken • $30
ALL STAR BAND
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.
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
AUDITIONING NOW!
Blue Bear is seeking musicians in grades
5 to 12 to join our All Star bands!
This isn’t your mom and dad’s school band.
Blue Bear All Star bands rock out on some of
San Francisco’s biggest stages!
WANTED:
Guitarists
Bassists
Vocalists
Drummers
Keyboardists
+more
Must have a basic understanding of instrument or voice,
with current and ongoing lessons highly encouraged.
Students are placed in bands according
to appropriate age and skill level.
Auditions are taking place through mid-September;
see page 30 for details on how to sign up.
VENUES ALL STAR BANDS HAVE PLAYED:
Bimbo’s
The Chapel
Jerry Day Festival
Ex’pression College
The Verdi Club
Rickshaw Stop
Cafe du Nord
Jerry Garcia Amphitheater
All Star Band performing at Bimbo’s with Jackie Greene
Kids & Teens
ALL STAR
BANDS
What is All Star Band?
Program Requirements
Times and Tuition
Audition & Placement
Requirements
34 call 415.673.3600
All Star Band 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. There are
multiple bands within the All Star Band program.
All Star Band requires 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.
Tuition for September 2015-May 2016 is $700 per semester with a two
semester commitment. Rehearsal time is likely to be Saturday 3-6pm.
We offer payment plans and income-based sliding scale.
Email [email protected] to set up an audition. Entering
musicians must prepare any cover or original song (with backing track
or with an instrument and singing), plus one of the following to play
with a backing band (in a key of your choice): “Radioactive” (Imagine
Dragons), “Blitzkrieg Bop” (The Ramones), or “Boulevard of Broken
Dreams” (Green Day). You’ll also have a chance to demonstrate
improv, chord changes, varying rhythm patterns, scales, rudiments and
vocal range.
What people
are saying...
“For the past four years, my daughter has taken private lessons,
songwriting workshops, and been in several bands at Blue Bear.
If she could be there every day, all day, she absolutely would. She
has grown tremendously as a musician and, more significantly, as
a person. The teachers are inspiring and create a supportive and
welcoming atmosphere that is rarely seen.”
“The All Star Band, under the direction
of Ryan Hickey, was an amazing experience for
our son over the last four years! He not only played
challenging music, but had the opportunity to
learn how to play in a group and create music with
other musicians. Very few teenagers get to play
in nightclubs across the City - what a fabulous
experience for any musician!”
“My now 18 year old son began with Blue
Bear when he was a 15 year old drummer,
in a band which rehearsed weekly. His
dedicated teacher knew how to get along
beautifully with teenagers and also was an
excellent instructor, on many levels. The
band became closer as a unit and matured
in their musical skills. The performing
locations and number of opportunities
provided by Blue Bear for its students are
remarkable. The music study is serious yet
fun. The staff is available and involved.”
“…My son was worried he didn’t know
what it was like to play in a band and
now I can’t imagine him not being
in a band. He’s learned how to hear
instruments, how to improvise, how to
play with others, how to have fun and
express his love for music with others.
Their first concert compared to their
last concert shows this growth.”
“Blue Bear was instrumental in Abby’s development as a singer, songwriter
and performer. As her mother, I appreciate her time with you as she
progresses onward and upward with her music.” - Jan D.
Instrument Petting Zoo (grades 2–4)
Kids & Teens
GROUP CLASSES
Classes are twelve weeks
except where noted.
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
6–9.
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.
Singing, Performance
and Songwriting (grades 5-7)
Section 1: Grades 8–11
Students will learn how to sing and perform
songs from popular artists and also develop
songwriting skills. Each student will receive a
private recording session to further enhance
their musicianship. In addition to solo and group
singing, kids will also work on routines and stage
presence. A final performance will take place at
the last class meeting.
Section 2: Grades 6-9
Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 pm 9/22-12/8
Zosia Boczanowski • $305
Mondays 4:30–6 pm 9/14-11/30
(twelve weeks plus performance) • $425
Tuesdays 4:30–5:45 pm 9/22–12/1
(eleven weeks plus performance) • $335
Section 3: Grades 8–11
Thursdays 4:30–6 pm 9/17-12/3
(eleven weeks plus performance) • $395
All sections led by J.T. Locke
36 call 415.673.3600
To enroll, students must
be current with their
annual $35 Member Fee.
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 9/24-12/17
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.
Wednesdays by arrangement
Lea Centauri • $280 (eleven weeks)
Composing for Games and
Video (grades 9-12)
Using a digital audio workstation in our Studio
Z, students will learn how to create and score
music. Activities include ear training, theme writing, scoring and mixing audio and sound effects
along with discussions about music theory and
composition aesthetics. Participants should
have some basic skills on an instrument or the
ability to sing.
Wednesdays 4:30-6 pm 9/23-12/9
Steve Kirk • $410
WHY
Little
BEARS
1. Our teachers are actual musicians who love making music.
Little
BEARS
Who and what are Little Bears? Simply put, Little Bears bobble, weave and dance
to their own beat.
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!
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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?!
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.
This Fall we are very excited to announce the addition of new teachers, our new pizza-based class
called ‘Snack Attack!’ and our new North Bay home at The Sweetwater. So much to look forward to in
September - can’t wait to see you then!
Tanya Wheeler
Little Bears Director
38 call 415.673.3600
I have more than one child; do I need
to pay full tuition for both of them?
We offer $40 off for additional siblings’ tuition
when registered for the same class.
Do you offer trial classes?
Do you have a sliding scale?
Blue Bear provides significant savings to
students of all ages with financial need
through our sliding scale tuition program.
The amount of support you receive is based
on your gross income from your tax return.
See page 39 for more details.
Do you pro-rate?
We are able to pro-rate after the second
week of classes at a rate of $25/class.
Please contact the front desk at
415.673.3600 to enroll.
What if I need to drop a class?
If you decide to discontinue a class for any
reason, please contact us 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.
TEACHERS
Barb Murphy aka Teacher Barb has been
LITTLE BEARS
Fall classes start September 21 and run for 12 weeks.
FORT MASON CENTER
2 Marina Blvd. Building D, Room K
Baby Bears (4 months to 1 year)
Snack Attack! (2 to 4 years)
Tuesday 11-11:45 am w/ Rachel
9/22-12/22 (12 weeks) $275
Thursday 11-11:45 am w/ Rachel
9/24-12/17 (11 weeks) $255
Saturday 11-11:45 am w/Laurynn
9/26-12/19 (11 weeks) $255
Boogie Bears (3 to 5 years)
Monday 10-10:45 am w/ Michael
10/26-12/21 (8 weeks) $185
Monday 3:30-4:15 pm w/Zosia
9/21-12/21 (12 weeks) $275
Tuesday 10-10:45 am w/ Rachel
9/22-12/22 (12 weeks) $275
Tuesday 3:30-4:15 pm w/ Michael
10/27-12/22 (8 weeks) $185
Wednesday 10-10:45 am w/ Barb
9/23-12/16 (12 weeks) $295
Thursday 10-10:45 am w/ Rachel
9/24-12/17 (11 weeks) $255
Friday 10-10:45 am w/Zosia
9/25-12/18 (11 weeks) $255
Mixed Bears (6 months to 5 years)
Bouncy Bears (1 to 3 years)
Friday 11-11:45 am w/Zosia
9/25-12/18 (11 weeks) $255
Saturday 10-10:45 am w/Laurynn
9/26-12/19 (11 weeks) $255
For schedule updates
and more, check
bluebearmusic.org/little bears
40 call 415.673.3600
Monday 4:30-5:15 pm w/Zosia
9/21-12/21 (12 weeks) $275
Tuesday 4:30-5:15 pm w/ Michael
10/27-12/22 (8 weeks) $185
Monday 11-11:45 am w/ Michael
10/26-12/21 (8 weeks) $185
Wednesday 11-11:45 am w/ Barb
9/23-12/16 (12 weeks) $295
NOE VALLEY MINISTRY
Baby Bears (4 months to 1 year)
Monday 11-11:45 am w/ Barb
9/21-12/14 (12 weeks) $295
Wednesday 2:30-3:15 pm w/ Rachel
9/23-12/16 (11 weeks) $255
Bouncy Bears (1 to 3 years)
Monday 3:30-4:15 pm w/ Barb
9/21-12/14 (12 weeks) $295
Wednesday 10-10:45 am w/ Rachel 9/23-12/16 (11 weeks) $255
Snack Attack! (2 to 4 years)
Wednesday 3:30-4:15 pm w/ Rachel
9/23-12/16 (11 weeks) $255
Boogie Bears (3 to 5 years)
Monday 4:30-5:15 pm w/ Barb
9/21-12/14 (12 weeks) $295
rockin’ out with Little Bears since its inception
in 2007. Her legion of devoted followers chant
“Teacher Barb” when they see her in the halls;
when in class Barb incorporates a range of
folk, original numbers, and of course some
good ol’ fashioned rock ‘n’ roll. Become one of
her devotees this Fall!
19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley
see website for more details
Check bluebearmusic.org for schedule
updates and class cancelations.
GROUP CLASSES
Baby Bears (4 months-1 year)
2014 from Berklee College of Music and has
been an awesome addition to our faculty,
not only teaching a range of adult and kids
classes, but also making many toddlers and
parents alike wiggle, giggle and get down to
their own beat.
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.
Michael Chulada joined Blue Bear this year
Bouncy Bears (1-3 years)
Zosia Boczanowski came to Blue Bear in
working at many of our off-site community
programs with after school kids. While
studying for his certificate in early childhood
development, the connection was made that
Little Bears would be an awesome fit! Michael
has played in many San Francisco bands and
has a real knack for picking out fun songs that
will get everyone movin’ and shakin’!
Rachel Hoiem has been beat boxing with
Little Bears since 2009 and has been a strong
influence on the program with her off-thewall songs, amazing boogie woogie piano,
and epic percussion breakdowns. Join Teacher
Rachel for Snack Attack! this fall - it will surely
be delicious!
Laurynn Scholar is the newest addition
to the Little Bears den. Hailing from the East
Coast, she recently moved to the Bay Area
with her degree in music therapy from Berklee
College of Music. In addition to working with
little ones, she leads intergenerational groups
in sing-a-longs and drumming
groups with the elderly.
Laurynn is a sax and
guitar player who will
wow you with her
fun songs!
THE SWEETWATER
MUSIC HALL
Enroll online!
bluebearmusic.org/littlebears
CHEF RACHEL
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!
Snack Attack! (2-5 years)
Teacher Rachel is whipping up something
special this Fall! Watch the classroom be
transformed into a musical kitchen for you
and your child, to drum on pots and pans, use
spoons to make songs, and sing about your
favorite foods! Bring your apron, chef hats
optional.
Boogie Bears (3-5 years)
These preschoolers are ready to rock and
roll, raise the roof and jam out! Children will
discover their own talking and singing voices,
dance to the beat, and explore rhythm with
real musical instruments. Let’s make some
music and boogie down to it!
Mixed Bears (6 months-5 years)
This class is specially designed for parents
with more than one child. Babies, toddlers
and big kids all join in the music making fun,
watching and learning from one another.
There will be plenty of music, movement and
instrument play for children of all ages.
LITTLE BEARS
AT SAINT JOSEPH’S FAMILY CENTER
Saint Joseph’s Family Center is an emergency shelter located in San
Francisco’s Mission District, for families before they transition into
permanent housing. For the last year Teacher Rachel has been teaching
at the center, with children as young as two weeks to anyone who wants
to participate. The experience has been a rewarding one for all involved,
and we feel very fortunate to be able to share the feel-good vibes with
families who can really use them when times are tough.
“Hi, my name is Cynthia and I am a mother of two beautiful 9-month old twin
girls. Coming into the shelter with newborns was really scary at first
and has been very stressful. I am so happy that we have been able
to participate in Blue Bear music. Having time to spend with my
babies doing something that we all enjoy has been so fun and
relaxing. It has been a nice break to just sit down and sing
songs with them and even bond with the other mothers
and babies in the shelter. I appreciate how welcoming
and calming our music teacher has been. I can even see
my babies growing so much and learning while we listen
and sing together. Thank you so much for bringing this
program to us and giving us a time to enjoy being moms.”
42 call 415.673.3600
“At an early age rhythm was pouring out of my son in
everything he did. Blue Bear’s amazing programming
helped further foster a love and interest in music.
Participation in their Little Bear’s classes wouldn’t
have been possible without the sliding scale tuition.
My son was able to join in the glory of Blue Bear
because of it and I am forever thankful for the lasting
memories he will have.” – Claire Y.
“Thanks to Blue Bear’s sliding
scale, we were able to give our son
the ability to experience music
at a young age...which in turn,
established a foundation and a love
of music for life.” - Justin W.
LITTLE BEARS
SLIDING SCALE
Blue Bear wants to ensure
that everyone has an
opportunity to participate
in music education. Thanks
to community support we
have been able to provide
a generous sliding-scale
program for our tiniest of
rock stars, offering from
20%-85% off. For more
information or to see if
you qualify, please call
415.673.3600.
Kids & Teens
SUMMER CAMPS
Dear students and parents,
What a terrific summer of music making we had this year! We offered new camps that
proved to be very exciting: Music for Video & Games and Creating Music in the Studio.
Both were added to an action-packed summer that included favorites like Songwriting,
Rock U, Girls Rock, and Guitar and Voice camps.
As the recent recipient of Parent’s Press’ “Best of the Bay 2015,” our
summer camp program offers exciting opportunities for kids in grades
4-12 to make great music with their peers, and to have an amazing time
learning while playing.
While there are many music camps out there, ours have a defining
characteristic that sets them apart: a high teacher/student ratio with
instructors on each instrument group. This allows us to instruct the
students at a higher level with a large amount of student-picked material to
perform in our camps.
We have an incredibly talented roster of people at the helm. While our teachers have
performed around the globe with the best, they are also just that – real 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 their instrumental
skills, learn how to interact in an ensemble, and get serious performance chops by
leading shows in our performance hall. In our recording camps students score a
cartoon and write and record original material, learning about composition and digital
tracking along the way. The experiences are invigorating and challenging, and inspire
kids to do their best musical work.
This school year, keep working on your music chops and collecting song ideas; we will
be ready for you in 2016 – we’ll be here to Rock U!
Nils Erickson
Summer Camp Director
44 call 415.673.3600
SUMMER CAMPS
ABOUT:
Our camps are designed to balance peer groups with
skill levels so that everyone can have a great time.
Camps run Monday through Friday and most culminate
in a Friday performance to show off the results of a
week of hard work, learning and fun.
POPULAR CAMPS INCLUDE:
ROCK U • Includes instrument instruction, band practice and a
chance to work on songwriting and arranging.
SONGWRITING • Students write, arrange and perform songs,
learning through workshops on lyrics, form, and arranging how
the artists they love create music.
VOICE CAMPS • Designed for kids who love to sing and perform.
Students expand their vocal abilities and song repertoire in a fun
and relaxed setting singing solo and in groups.
STUDIO MUSIC CAMPS • From scoring music using a digital
audio workstation to arranging, recording, and mixing original
music projects, these camps take place in Blue Bear’s new digital
recording room, Studio Z.
PLUS MORE!
HOW TO ENROLL:
Camp enrollment will start in January – check our website
for more information and for a full description of offerings.
bluebearmusic.org/camps
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 and have performed for talent
shows in their own auditoriums.
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.
To set up programming at a location near you, don’t hesitate to contact Blue Bear.
MUSIC SAVES!
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.
Blue Bear’s current partner sites:
• Bayview Hunters Point YMCA
• Tenderloin Community Center
• GLIDE Memorial Church After School Center
• George Peabody Elementary
• Rooftop Alternative School
• Creative Arts Charter School
• The Academy of Arts and Sciences
• Miraloma Elementary School
• Gateway Middle School
• Telegraph Teen Center
• The Ranch
• The Mix at SF Public Library
• St. Vincent De Paul
Past partner sites for Blue Bear
programs include:
• Ida B. Wells Continuing Education High School
• Bayview Opera House
• International Studies Academy
• Boys and Girls Clubs
• Friends of the Children
• Real Options for City Kids
• Streetside Stories
• Lincoln High School
• James Lick Middle School
• Starr King Elementary School
• Claire Lilienthal Alternative School
• Commodore Sloat Elementary
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.
Cole Odin Berggren
Community Programs Director
46 call 415.673.3600
Lynell at our Bayview YMCA location mixing beats
Blue Bear strives to foster the love of
music in people young and old, and
when that bug bites, the results can
be wonderful. In Bayview/Hunters
Point, Blue Bear runs a Digital Audio
Program at the YMCA. While we’ve had
many great students who have created
really excellent work, one student in
particular, Lynell Peterson, truly stands
out. His backstory and path to the
present is amazing. Previously an introvert, Lynell has had
Lynell practicing in the booth at the Bayview YMCA
to deal with the struggles of life in
Bayview, both in school and on the street.
Lynell’s story continues to unfold. He was
Since joining our program he has come out
recently chosen to represent San Francisco
of his shell and into his own as a musician,
songwriter, producer and rapper. In the short youth through the Bayview policesponsored Operation Genesis, the second
time of about two years, he’s learned to play
Blue Bear student to be given this honor.
keys, written and produced over 50 songs,
and has even collaborated with peers across In the latest chapter of his progression
and development, Lynell is teaching digital
the country, sending tracks through the
audio production for the school at The Mix,
internet to like-minded artists in New York,
the SF public library’s state-of-the-art
Alabama, and Atlanta. On top of that, he
media studio, where Blue Bear is a partner.
performed on stage at Sweetwater
As you can see, Blue Bear’s community
Music Hall with a Blue Bear after-school
programming is positively changing lives;
band at our January Fundraiser, opening
we’ll let Lynell tell you directly what Blue
for Mavis Staples. Bear has done for him.
Photos by Bob Minkin
A Blue Bear Success Story - From Student to Teacher
Blue Bear youth band TH_ and Lynell perform an
awesome rendition of “Third Stone from the Sun”
by Jimi Hendrix.
“My experience with Blue Bear School of Music
is arguably everything I could’ve ever needed,
to help me as an artist, and to perfect my craft
and set me on my journey to share my art with
the world.
“Blue Bear has opened numerous doors and
presented plenty of great opportunities for me.
Blue Bear School of Music will, and always has
been, a huge part in helping me take further
steps down my path of success.
“Starting out earlier in my career I was
uninformed of the tools and skills I needed
to pursue my goal of becoming a successful
musician, and really, I was doing it for all
the wrong reasons. Friends and I would just
make funny little songs, but as I grew older,
I took it seriously, got into classes with Blue
Bear, and really started to find a love for
creating music. While attending classes at
Blue Bear, I was taught how to make my own
instrumentals on GarageBand so I would no
longer need to take them from other producers
off of YouTube. I found myself as an artist,
which is something I’m forever thankful for.
“Thanks to Blue Bear and all of the equipment
they’ve given me over the years, I can share
my music with people out of state and spread
my art to the world that much faster.”
Lynell opening for Mavis Staples at
Sweetwater Music Hall
Hear some of Lynell’s work as Lu Suplex
and LSKATA96, along with that of our other
students, at the Bayview/Blue Bear Digital
Audio Production SoundCloud page: https://soundcloud.com/bvhpmediacenter
— Lynell Peterson
48 call 415.673.3600
FEED THE BEAR
SUPPORT
Blue Bear has helped over 35,000 students discover
their musical talents, cultivating skills for a lifetime
of learning and enrichment. Your charitable support for
our nonprofit work is crucial — without it, we cannot
continue to offer affordable (and free) music education.
WHY GIVE?
Just imagine a world without music…
A donation to Blue Bear is an investment in
a vibrant, effective nonprofit organization
that improves lives, one note at a time. With
the disappearance of music programs in
schools, Blue Bear is an increasingly important
community resource. Making music helps make
the world go ‘round and here are some reasons
why our work is important:
•Music is a deeply meaningful and core mode
of human expression, for all ages.
•Making music together gives people a positive
social experience.
•Music can serve as a gratifying counterbalance 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.
50 call 415.673.3600
WHAT YOUR GIFT SUPPORTS
Your gift directly supports 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:
• Thirteen off-site Youth Outreach Programs in public schools and
community centers
• A 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 at a homeless shelter
• Sliding scale tuition assistance and scholarships, ensuring access to Blue Bear programs for all
Playing music changes lives! And you can make
a difference by helping us provide both free and
very affordable music education — at a time when
music programs have been slashed throughout the
public school system. Contributions to our 2015-16
“Feed the Bear” campaign make Blue Bear’s dayto-day operations possible. Please donate online
any time at bluebearmusic.org/donate — it’s easy
thanks to our partnership with Network for Good.
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE
There are many ways to support Blue Bear and you can also designate your gift to
specifically benefit one or more of our programs.
• Make a one-time, monthly or quarterly donation on our website.
• Send a check by mail.
• Donate musical instruments or equipment in good working condition.
• Include Blue Bear as part of your planned giving.
• Set up a matching grant through your employer to make your gift go even further
Blue Bear is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. Please contact our Development
Associate, Alycia Moore, with any questions about your contributions. She can be
reached at [email protected] and 415.673.3600.
“Ah, music,” he said,
wiping his eyes.
“A magic beyond all
we do here!”
― Albus Dumbledore, Harry
Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
GIFTS
Grants & Scholarships
Blue Bear thanks the many individuals and organizations
providing contributions received between July 1st, 2014 and
June 30th, 2015. Our educational work could not continue
without your support.
BLUE BEAR DONORS
SCHOLARSHIP DONORS
SCHOLARSHIP SUPERSPONSORS
Anonymous
ARIA Foundation
Mike Kappus - The Rosebud Agency
SUPERHEROES ($50,000+)
Anonymous
Chauncey and Marion D. McCormick
Family Foundation
SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS
Anonymous (2)
Henry E. Martens in memory of Baxter Reade
Amy Nicholson
Teresa Odom
Donna Ozawa and Indigo Som
Bonnie Raitt
HEROES ($10,000+)
Anonymous
Maria Cardamone
Walter & Elise Haas Fund
The Libra Foundation
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
Anonymous
Sydney Rowan - in honor of my brother Ted O’Connell
MATCHING GRANTS
Business Wire
GE Foundation
Levi Strauss Foundation Matching Grants
52 call 415.673.3600
SUPERBENEFACTORS ($5,000-9,999)
Ira and Leonore Gershwin
Philanthropic Fund
Mr. Christopher Lord and
Ms. Coltrane C. Lord
James Mellon
BENEFACTORS ($2,500-$4,999)
Mark Brueckman
Friends - in memory of Eric Schultz
Brett May
The pH Fund
The Arch and Stella Rowan Foundation
SUPERSPONSORS ($1,000-$2,499)
Block Communications, Inc.
D’Addario Music Foundation
Stephanie and John Dains
Dennis Fisco
Paul Goldman and Monterey International
The Grey Family Foundation
Elisabeth and Howard Jaffe
Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation
Byron Mellberg
Roger and Susan Schow
SFT Endowment for Technology,
Education and the Arts
Jeffrey Shaw: to Jim Peterson,
for all his hard work
Jill Suttie and Don Arbitlit
The Walther Foundation
Paul Winston
IN-KIND DONORS
Anonymous
Maria Cardamone
John Chabalko
D’Addario Music Foundation
Fender Musical Instruments
Corporation
Focusrite/Novation Inc.
Brooks Frank
Geras Tousignant Gallery
Brian Gingerich
JBL Professional
Ronald Light
Sid Luckenbach
Alexa Madrid
Rick Mariano
Cristophe Moskalonek
Xuemei Ouyang
Pellegrini Wineries
Susan Pritzker
A. Hamilton Rowan III
City of San Francisco
Paul Schwarzbach
Anton Semenovsky
Jim Stewart
Adel Taslimi
Matt Valbusa
Jason Yee
GIFTS
THANK YOU
SPONSORS ($500-$999)
Wendy Bolker
California Accounting Center CPAs
Catherine Federico: in support of the work of Maria Cardamone
Elizabeth English
Mike and Pat Evans
Graham Green
KFOG Radio
Rose Kirkland
Cole Rowan
DONORS ($250-$499)
Warren Bellows and Will Kent
Mark Gunther and Anne M. Krantz
Adrienne Hirt and Jeffrey Rodman
Dan Kane and Katherine Emery
Michael Keys
Janine Kubert
Diane Lee
Pat and Lori Martinez
Julie and Jonathan Meyer
Blue, Indigo, and Bhushan Mudbhary
Tom Quinn
Josina Reddy
Paul Saraceni
Steve Savage and Tamara Bock
Sweetwater Music Hall
Martha Wellbaum
Mark Williams
In honor of Max Zwerin
54 call 415.673.3600
“We look forward to many more years at Blue Bear.”
— Uma & George Lerner
SUPPORTERS ($100-$249)
Adrienne in honor of Carol Snow
Kit Anderton
Keysha Bailey
Justin Bass and Marisa Rolland
Russ and Fran Bock
Jeffrey Briss
Renee Charnas
John Close
Genevieve Conaty
Joycelin Craig and Conrad Lopez
Susan and Ed Croft
Crosby & Kaneda
James Dilley
Gerard Ehrmann
Elizabeth Finlayson and Jim Nadel
Michael Gallagher
Geras Tousignant Gallery
Brian Gifford
Bonnie Hayes
Brenda Hillman
Judith Hill-Weld
Robert S. Hodas
Henry Hooker and Janine Roeth
Stephen Kaus
Julian Lopez
Gail J. and Robert B. Loveman Fund
Susan and Gregg Lustig
Tim Lynch
The Mahon Family
JoAnn McDevitt
Susan McGarry
Diane Micheletos
Kate Murphy
Lisa Nelson
Vicki Randle
Janis Reed
Woodford Rowland
Joe Rubio
Leigh Sealy
Sue Siegel
The Singer’s Workshop
Brian Smith
Katherine and Andrew Stephens
Hisae and Yoshimichi Takahashi
Jim Tepperman
Tamyra Thomas
Bill Tiedeman, L.C.S.W.
Pauline Ayako Uyeda
Dr. Richard Wolitz
Martin and Brigitta Wolman
Matthew Zlatunich
GIFTS
ASSOCIATES ($60-$99)
Ian and Joanie Crombie
Ruth Kirschner
David Lehr
Josh Norek
TRUSTEES
and Staff
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Maria Cardamone
Chair
Steve Savage
President
FRIENDS ($1-$59)
Sharman Duran Aguilera
Amy Amago
Brian Barbier
George and Jaleh Bishrat
Paul Burns
Thomas E. Churchill II
Judy and David Epstein
David and Katherine Evans
Ermanno Gallegioni, Jr.
David and Debra Hoiem
Shana Inspektor
Laurent Isenegger
Amy Johnson
Leslie Ann Jones
Donald M. Maus
Steven Meloan
Linda Muller
Bernice Musante
Jim Peterson
Mike Rao
Peter Schwab
Rachel and Anthony Smith
Trent and Karen Spralding
Shirley Svihra
Queenie Taylor
Mike Tortorelli
Jeremy and Scarlett Uejio
Jay R. Shah, CPA
Vice Chair
Brett May
Treasurer
PROGRAM & ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Steve Savage — Executive Director
Dennis Criteser
Program Director
Cole Odin Berggren
Community Programs Director
Tanya Wheeler
Alycia Moore
Development Associate
Stella Roshi-Moles
Accounts and Office Manager
Jackie Andrews
Little Bears Director
Marketing and PR Director
Colin Hayes
Richelle Cullen
Ryan Hickey
Kristina Melendez
Nils Erickson
Tennessee Mowry
Finance Director & Recording Division Director
All Star Band Director
Summer Camp Director
56 call 415.673.3600
Bonnie Hayes
Rose Kirkland
Jim Peterson
Vicki Randle
Renee Richardson
Richard Strauss
Paul Winston
Front Desk
Front Desk
Production Assistant
TEACHERS
Blue Bear’s instructors are experienced mentors committed to helping you reach your
musical goals. They are passionate about sharing the knowledge they’ve gained both
from traditional training and from performing, on the stage and in the studio. With
impressive biographies, Blue Bear teachers have played and recorded with a long list
of “who’s who” in the popular music world.
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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.
Cole also teaches at Blue Bear’s Bayview YMCA
Digital Music Program and is Blue Bear’s
Zosia Bocz
Community Programs Director.
an
o
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.
58 call 415.673.3600
He received vocal training at University of Illinois
Champaign-Urbana. Blake was a professional
singer, actor and vocal coach in Brazil from 20022008 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.
Steve Kirk has been an excellent teacher for me, not only as far as guitar technique but also
for musical composition and theory. He made it all come together in a well-directed, fun way.
Thanks to Steve and Blue Bear Music for putting us together! — James 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.
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.
Peter Case is a three-time Grammy-nominated
performing singer/songwriter, guitarist and producer
who brings over 25 years of experience to his popular
workshops. A founding member of the Nerves and the
Plimsouls, Case’s songs are consistently discovered
by each new generation, covered and performed by
his fellow songwriters (Chris Smither, John Prine and
Alejandro Escovedo, among others), and featured on film
and television, most recently in True Blood and Friday
Night Lights.
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.
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.
Offsite program instructor Michael Chulada has
played synths and piano in many bands over the last
25 years and has performed in almost every venue
in San Francisco. He has released numerous studio
recordings, most recently with san franpsyche rock band
The Rabbles. When not tearing it up with The Rabbles,
he’s busy working on his solo synthesizer-based project
The Pre’s, paying homage to the ambient ‘80s. One of
Michael’s greatest joys is sharing his love and wonder of
music and sparking that love with others.
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 completed an M.A. in Composition at Mills College
in 2015. 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.
TEACHER
Biographies
Hickey
Ryan
Goldstein
Ben
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.
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.
60 call 415.673.3600
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 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.
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.
Australian born Libby Lavella is a Grammynominated singer and vocal coach. Special Artist
Vocal Development sessions are available with
Libby - call for information. She has taught both
signed artists and non-singers, including non-singing
actor Mark Webber, who she prepared for his leadsinging role and soundtrack work on the 2010 film
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. Libby has worked with
Courtney Love, Smash Mouth, Jamie Lynn Spears,
Wendy Melvoin, Latin Pop artist Gustavo Galindo,
and many others. She recently released an EP with
her LA-based harmony group, The Amber. Libby is
available for limited Artist Vocal Development lessons
on Tuesdays; call for rates and times.
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.
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.
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 Oberlin Dance Collective.
He has a long list of recording and live credits
(Narada Michael Walden, Todd Rundgren, Whitney
Houston, etc.) and has coached artists ranging
from Adam Duritz (Counting Crows) to Rancid,
among many others. Raz is an authorized CVT
(Complete Vocal Technique) instructor, having
studied for nearly four years in Copenhagen under
the direction of the creator and founder of CVT,
Cathrine Sadolin. Raz is available for limited private
instruction on Tuesdays; call for rates and times.
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.
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.
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
Weekly “Best of the Bay” song contest and a Napa
Valley Music Festival award.
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.
Teacher
BIOGRAPHIES
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.
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!
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
62 call 415.673.3600
Seminar instructor Ilya Portnov is an innovative
and technically advanced harmonica player who
transforms the instrument’s rustic simplicity
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.
Janak Ramachandran is driven to inspire, connect
and enlighten via his teaching philosophy of
“motivating encouragement, concrete guidance, and
playful musicality.” Once a student at Blue Bear, he
is now one of a handful of teachers to receive Blue
Bear’s Outstanding Faculty Award for his work in
teaching voice/vocal style, guitar, bass, piano, theory/
songwriting and stage performance.
Mike Rao, a graduate of G.I.T. in Los Angeles, studied
solo jazz guitar with Ted Green. He loves blues and
classic rock and has fifteen years of teaching
experience. Mike is well known for his systematic and
comprehensive approach to building skills in his group
classes. He also leads youth bands and guitar classes
in Blue Bear’s offsite programs.
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.
Little Bears teacher Laurynn Scholar plays sax and
guitar and has a degree in music therapy from Berklee
College of Music. In addition to working with little ones,
she leads intergenerational groups in sing-a-longs and
drumming groups with the elderly.
Emily Thebaut studied at Interlochen Arts Academy,
Oberlin Conservatory of Music (B.M.), and at SF
Conservatory of Music where she received her Master
of Music degree. During 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.
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.
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.
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
Emily
Thebaut
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.
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.
Brandy Washington is a self-taught singer,
songwriter, keyboardist, rapper, drummer and
producer who writes and performs under the moniker,
BEDAZAE. Her songs and instrumentals have
been used for various
underground projects.
Brandy is a co-teacher for
the Blue Bear Digital Audio
Production program at the
Bayview YMCA.
n
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Jim Pe
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.
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.
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.
General
Peninsula
INFORMATION
CONTACT INFO
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
Weekend Rates
Time
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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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. Blue Bear is on
the 2nd floor of Building D.
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.
From the South Bay
64 call 415.673.3600
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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.
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ADDRESS
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
Market
Blvd.
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OFFICE HOURS
Bay Bridge
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.
Golden Gate Bridge
LENNON STUDIOS
271 Dore St. near Harrison St. & 9th St.
www.lennonstudios.com/maps.html
Band workshops, group guitar classes and
limited guitar, voice and sax lessons take place
at this SOMA location.
NOE VALLEY MINISTRY
Little Bears classes and adult group voice and
guitar classes take place at this Noe Valley
location (no private lessons).
CENTER FOR NEW MUSIC
55 Taylor St. near 6th and Market
Group voice classes take place at this
Mid-Market location. Limited voice lessons
also available on Mondays.
GOINGS ON
Blue Bear is pleased to welcome Jackie Andrews as our new Marketing and PR Director. Jackie is very
knowledgeable about the San Francisco music scene from her many years of work at the SF Bay
Guardian, and she brings a wealth of marketing savvy to the job. Don’t be shy about introducing
yourself to Jackie – she’d love to hear from you so she can get to know the Blue Bear community
better – [email protected].
S
NDREW
The band Caroline Dahl plays with (Tom Rigney and Flambeau) is included in a PBS special of twelve
different bands called “Music Gone Public,” televised on stations all across the country and heard locally
on KQED in early August. Caroline can be heard regularly for Sunday brunch at Mama’s Royal Cafe on Miller
Ave. in Mill Valley from 11 am to 1:30 pm. Her complete gig calendar, along with her fantastic art work, can be viewed at
carolinedahl.com.
A
JACKIE
Steve Kirk inaugurated a Scoring Music to Video camp at the Bear this past July. In late August he performed original
music to silent film with the inimitable Clubfoot Orchestra at SF Jazz, and he is completing the final mixes to his latest
album, due out late this year on Bandcamp, iTunes and CD Baby. In the fall, Steve will commence work composing
music for the video game Thimbleweed Park, a Kickstarter funded project created by legendary game designer Ron
Gilbert (Monkey Island, Maniac Mansion, Scurvy Skallywags). You can view Steve’s impressive portfolio at stevekirkpop.
com.
This past summer Raz Kennedy taught a successful master class at Blue Bear in July. Earlier in the year he completed
nearly four years of training in Copenhagen under the direction of Danish master vocal coach/researcher Cathrine
Sadolin and her talented teaching staff, and Raz is now the first Authorized CVT (Complete Vocal Technique) Teacher on
the West Coast. Search for “Raz Kennedy CVT teacher” on YouTube to learn more.
Libby Lavella’s band The Amber opened for Red Wanting Blue at Hotel Utah in
July, after performing a showcase at Fantasy Studios earlier in the day. The band
released a new single at the end of July. If you like harmony-driven indie-folk rock,
check out The Amber on Facebook.
Support our mission to provide
affordable or free music education
to everyone. Donate today.
A GIFT TO BLUE BEAR MEANS:
MBER
THE A
Many students come to Blue Bear to play music as a counterbalance to the
pressures of work life. Jason Smith came in April of 2010 and over the next three
years played bass in four different band workshops – techie by day, rock bassist by night. His last two workshops were
with J.T. Locke, who eventually needed a bassist for his own band Deathtrap America. Jason signed on for what ended
up being almost two years of rehearsing, local gigs, and touring. With that rock and roll adventure now behind him, we
hope to see Jason back in action in some Blue Bear bands!
Community Programs Director Cole Berggren is familiar to many of you as the organizer and producer of the quarterly
Showcase events. Now he’ll have a new title – dad! Cole and wife Nico welcomed Mena Rhodes Berggren to the world
on May 28. And in a not unrelated vein, 2015 has proven to be a year of love for Blue Bear with the upcoming weddings
of teachers Zosia Boczanowski and Laurynn Scholar and Little Bears Program Director Tanya Wheeler.
Tennessee Mowry has really climbed the Blue Bear ladder. Starting as a summer camper in 2005, he worked his way
up to being a camp intern, and then camp instructor. Last fall he started working with our All Star Band Program, and
this past June he became our much needed Production Assistant. Tennessee will help keep things in good shape at the
school and will be a regular feature at our quarterly Showcases.
Stella Roshi-Moles, known to many as our accounts manager, to others as our violin instructor, and to many others
as the artist Stella Peach, was name-dropped in a June 1 The New Yorker article about legendary radio d.j. Vin Scelsa
who had recently discovered Stella’s 2014 album Wisdom Teeth. And she and her partner Marcus Lund were winners
of a Quiet Lightning book contest. The Sacred Text of Rosa Who Is Great, written by Marcus and illustrated by Stella,
was published in early August and is a mini-epic of a seemingly normal person who just wants to be left alone, as
understood by the community who didn’t understand her (some say him) while she was actually around.
More music! We have helped over 35,000 students discover
the joys and transformational powers of playing music.
YOU can help us reach even more adults and kids.
We are a 501 (c)(3) and your gift is tax-deductible.
HOW TO HELP “FEED THE BEAR”:
• Make a one-time, quarterly, or monthly gift at our website bluebearmusic.org/donate
• Send a check by mail
• Donate instruments or equipment
• Include Blue Bear in your planned giving
PLAYING MUSIC CHANGES LIVES.
See pages 42-49 for more information on our community programs
66 call 415.673.3600
artwork by constance cartwright
Fort Mason Center
2 Marina Blvd. Bldg. D
San Francisco, CA 94123
IT’S TIME TO PLAY!
• Private Lessons
• Band Workshops
• Instrument & Voice Classes
• Youth All Star Bands
Sliding scale tuition available
FALL QUARTER 2015
• Adult Classes start September 28
• Kids and Little Bears Classes
start September 21
bluebearmusic.org
415.673.3600
San Francisco Locations
• Fort Mason Center in
the Marina District
• Lennon Studios in SOMA
• Noe Valley Ministry in Noe Valley
• Center for New Music
in Mid-Market
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
PERMIT NO. 10148
IN HOME BY AUGUST 28TH
NEW TO BLUE BEAR?
Mention your mailing code to receive $20 off!

toddlers • kids • adults - Blue Bear School of Music

Transcription

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