classes • lessons • workshops
Transcription
classes • lessons • workshops
SPRING 2015 CATALOG CLASSES • LESSONS • WORKSHOPS Copyright © 2015 Blue Bear School of Music and Lauren Yerkovich Table of CONTENTS Spring Quarter 2015 PRIVATE LESSONS One-on-one instruction for kids and adults. 8 ADULTS 18+ Band Workshops Join a 10-week student band workshop and perform at a nightclub this June! Group Classes Guitar, vocals, ukulele, and more for beginning, intermediate, and advanced players. Short Seminars Special one-night classes in April. Attend one free with your paid membership fee! Creating Music Program For those who prefer working on original music, songwriting, band production, and more. SUMMER CAMP FUN! ENROLL TODAY! For more info, see page 34 or visit BlueBearMusic.org/summercamps 14 24 26 TEENS & KIDS Group Classes After-school rock bands, Perform Like A Pop Star, guitar, keyboard, and more. Kids and teens take center stage at Blue Bear Summer Camps! Week-long day camps start in June in San Francisco and Marin. 10 30 All-Star Bands Weekend band workshops for those serious about developing ensemble playing skills. 32 Summer Camps 34 Week-long music day camps in San Francisco and Marin. LITTLE BEARS Music classes for infants and toddlers and their caregivers. 40 About Us 2 Why Blue Bear? 4 From the Directors 6 Community Programs 44 Support48 Gifts, Grants, & Scholarships 50 Board of Trustees & Staff 55 Teacher Bios 56 General Information 62 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 in South of Market at Lennon Studios and in Noe Valley at Noe Valley Ministry. Blue Bear also partners with local schools and community organizations to bring exciting music programs into the classroom. Short Seminars Between quarters, Blue Bear offers Short Seminars, classes that only meet for one evening on a wide range of music topics. They are led by some of Blue Bear’s most popular teachers, along with special guest instructors. You can take one Short Seminar free with your annual membership fee. See page 24. Band Workshops Band Workshops are the heart and soul of Blue Bear! Student bands rehearse for 10 weeks under the guidance of a professional musician and instructor and then perform a 40-minute set in a local San Francisco club. See pages 10–13. Creating Music Program For those who prefer working on original music or original versions of covers, Blue Bear’s Creating Music Program offers songwriting courses, Band Production Workshops, and classes in developing guitar parts. Many Creating Music Program classes take place of Studio Z, our in-house recording facility. See pages 26–29. 2 call 415.673.3600 Private (ages 5 & up) LESSONS Blue Bear offers year-round private instruction on most instruments and voice, as well as music theory, composition, sightsinging, ear training, and improvisation. Our students range from “square one” beginners both young and old, to serious musicians preparing themselves for study at places like Berklee College of Music and Musicians Institute. See page 8. Group Classes (ages 6 to 17) Blue Bear offers a variety of after-school classes, from our Beginning Guitar and Keyboard Classes and Instrument Petting Zoo, to After School Rock Bands, and Perform Like a Pop Star! See page 30. All Star Bands (ages 11 to 17) Our youth All Star Band program is for young musicians in grades 6–12 who are serious about developing their musicianship and ensemble playing skills. All Star bands rehearse on weekends, and each band has the opportunity to play a live show at the end of each semester. See page 32. Summer Camps (ages 8 to 17) Blue Bear’s week-long music day camps at Fort Mason and in Marin include rock band, guitar, voice, and songwriting camps, all under the direction of the Bay Area’s most experienced musicians and instructors. New this year are camps devoted to recording and film scoring! See page 34. n Little Bears music classes are ths t o for the very young ones and their 5 years) parent or caregiver. Little Bears teachers are musicians who involve students in music through singing, rhythms, games and movement. Early introduction to music has been shown to improve speech development, motor skills and listening and concentration skills, all by singing your heart out, moving to the music, and making a joyful noise! Read on to learn more about our classes for Boogie Bears, Bouncy Bears and Baby Bears. See page 40. o Blue Bear offers a wide range of small group classes in guitar, voice, bass, ukulele, and music theory, generally offered on an 11-week quarter system. They’re an affordable way to either start your adventures in music or enhance your skills and keep growing as a musician. See pages 14–23. BEARS 4m Group Classes TEENS &KIDS Little s (age ADULTS18+ COMMUNITY Programs As a nonprofit organization, Blue Bear is committed to making a difference beyond the scope of our in-house programs. We partner with a variety of schools and community centers to provide free and low-cost youth music education. Most Blue Bear Community Programs are partially or fully underwritten by our generous supporters. See page 44. visit bluebearmusic.org 3 TOP NOTCH TEACHERS Blue Bear instructors are committed to teaching as a profession. Our teachers are here because they are dedicated to helping students meet their goals, not just to make some extra money on the side. And if a teacher you start with doesn’t seem like the right fit for you, it’s easy to notify our staff and request a different one. WHY Blue Bear? Students of all ages pursue music studies at Blue Bear, year after year. Here are a few reasons why. COMMUNITY Blue Bear welcomes everyone, whether you just want to play music for your own personal enjoyment or you’re seriously considering music as a career. Blue Bear unites people passionate about music. Many of our Band Workshops have spun off practice bands that continue to play together long after the end of the quarter. Some have even turned into regularly gigging bands. And of course, many friendships (and a few marriages) have begun in Blue Bear classes! Blue Bear fosters a casual and supportive atmosphere, free from the judgment, academic rigor, and competitiveness of some schools. Blue Bear has a strong track record. We’ve offered popular music instruction since 1971, so our programming reflects deep experience and lots of student feedback. 4 call 415.673.3600 INDIVIDUALIZED ATTENTION Blue Bear offers 1-on-1 consultations. As a new student, you’ll discuss your musical experience and goals with Program Director Dennis Criteser, who can answer your questions and work with you to determine which teachers and classes are best suited to your needs. Consultations are available whenever you have questions about what to do next. Blue Bear keeps class sizes small. Most of our guitar classes are limited to six or seven students. Voice classes that involve solo singing are usually limited to five or six, while most vocal technique classes are limited to eight. At these sizes, our teachers can give individual attention as needed. Blue Bear teachers work as musicians. Our instructors are experts in their craft, with significant experience in all facets of the music industry (see pages 56–61). CONVENIENCE Blue Bear has ample low-cost parking. Parking in the Fort Mason Center pay lot is 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 for a $5 administrative fee 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. visit bluebearmusic.org 5 the power of playing MUSIC Imagine being at a great concert, or listening to the music of an artist you love — what a joyful experience! Now imagine what it’s like for the people playing that music! At Blue Bear we want more people to have that experience. Blue Bear provides that opportunity for everyone, from little ones and kids, to teens and adults — from the advantaged to the underserved. After more than four decades of educating and motivating musicians, we’ve learned this essential truth: Playing music changes people’s lives. Since 1971, Blue Bear School of Music’s classes, lessons, and band workshops have brought the joy of playing music to over 30,000 participants. Over the years we’ve continued to evolve and adapt to changing musical times and interests. At the core of it all is cultivating the transformative power of playing music: the skill, the collaboration, the practice, the performance — and the joy. This spring we’re very pleased to announce new classes at Noe Valley Ministry. We’ve also expanded at Fort Mason Center, adding both a new classroom and our new Studio Z recording space. We’re continuing to offer programs at Lennon Studios in South of Market. We are particularly excited about expanding our All Star Band and Summer Camp programs for kids and teens, as well as creating more opportunities to work on original music in our Creating Music Program. 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 musicians and wannabe 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, after-school group classes, and a band program. Of course now is the time to be planning for Summer Camps, of which we offer many. For adults we have private lessons, Band Workshops, and group classes covering guitar, voice, ukulele, theory, and songwriting. I’m excited by new offerings in our Creating Music Program: Creating Parts on Guitar and Songwriters in the Studio. When I came to Blue Bear as a student 35 years ago, my experiences here empowered me to play music and create music, which had a profound effect on my life. 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 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 6 call 415.673.3600 PLAY It’s time to SPRING QUARTER 2015 CALENDAR Winter Band Showcases | April 6-9 Short Seminar week | April 6-9 Little Bears Classes | April 6-June 27 (12 weeks) Adult Classes | April 13-June 29 (11 weeks) Band Workshops | April 13-June 21 (10 weeks + showcase) Band Workshop Showcases | June 29-July 2 visit bluebearmusic.org 7 Blue Bear closed Memorial Day | Open May 23, closed May 25 POLICIES & PROCEDURES To cancel a lesson Private LESSONS Please notify the Blue Bear desk in person or by phone, not through your teacher and not by e-mail. Our office hours are Monday to Thursday 1-8 pm and Saturday 10:30 am3:30 pm. Call 415.673.3600. For lessons canceled with two days notice (see schedule below), you will be charged a $5 administrative fee that will be deducted If your lesson is on: Blue Bear offers private instruction for students age five years and up, on most instruments and voice, plus music theory, composition, sight-singing, ear training, and improvisation. Our students range from “square-one” beginners to serious musicians preparing for study at elite music schools. PRICES, PAYMENT & SCHEDULES Start lessons anytime — just give us a call at 415.673.3600 to discuss teacher and scheduling options. • One-hour and half-hour lessons are available Monday through Thursday afternoons and evenings, and Saturdays during the daytime. • You can schedule one-hour lessons either 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) from your account. 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 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 $60 $225 $525 Drums & voice $65 $245 $575 Private Half-Hours or Shared-with-a-Friend Hours (per student) 1 lesson 4 lessons 10 lessons weekly or every other week. Most instruments $34 $125 $290 • Purchase a 4-pack or 10-pack for a Drums & voice $37 $135 $315 discounted rate. • Take a trial lesson with a teacher at the single-lesson rate. To continue, you must pay our annual $35 Member Fee. 8 call 415.673.3600 visit bluebearmusic.org 9 Punk/New Wave Workshop Here’s your chance to indulge your late ’70s/early ’80s music fantasies – The Ramones, The Clash, Blondie, The Pretenders – think about the possibilities, and then make them real! Adult Band WORKSHOPS The heart and soul of Blue Bear! Our band workshops are student bands that rehearse and later perform a 40–minute set of material at a San Francisco club. Get placed in a band after a brief discussion with Program Director Dennis Criteser. You’ll help choose the songs the band plays, and an experienced professional will guide the rehearsals. A full band consists of two singers, two guitarists, bass, drums, and keys. Horn players are welcome too. We’ll supply the drums, amps, keyboard, and PA. Band workshops are ten weeks plus performance. To enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 Member Fee. Rock & Blues Workshops Wide open as to style. Material may range from oldies to blues, alternative to Top 40. You name it! Rock, Soul and R&B Workshop Includes some classics from the likes of James Brown or Aretha Franklin in the mix. 10 call 415.673.3600 Indie/Folk Workshop For acoustic players including guitar, bass, keys, singers, percussion, mandolin and fiddle, who want to play songs from the burgeoning indie/folk movement or simply unplugged versions of your favorite rock tunes. Jazz/Funk Workshop This is a small combo: one vocalist, guitarist, keyboard player, bassist, drummer, and up to three horns. A knowledge of scales and progressions is prerequisite, along with some prior reading and improvisational skill. Band members will be reading and soloing from chord charts and will play a diverse mix of old and new jazz and funk tunes. Blues, Soul and Roots Workshop Covers classic electric blues and the many styles influenced by the blues, including roots rock and roots country. Classic Rock Workshop Draws mostly from the repertoire of the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. Students get to decide on what “Classic” means! Contemporary Bands Workshop You get to perform material from a broad range of artists and bands with releases from the last five to ten years. visit bluebearmusic.org 11 PREREQUISITES, PERFORMANCES & PAYMENTS Basic level bands do not require any previous band playing experience; being able to learn parts by ear or with the help of a private instructor is best. Intermediate level bands require at least a year of previous band experience along with the ability to read chord charts and learn parts by ear. Adult BAND WORKSHOPS SPRING 2015 | BAND WORKSHOP SCHEDULE At Fort Mason Center Basic Rock & Blues Basic Rock, Soul and R&B Basic Rock & Blues Intermediate Rock & Blues (by audition) Contemporary Bands Basic Rock & Blues Intermediate Rock & Blues Acoustic Indie/Folk Jim Peterson Jim Peterson Steve Kirk Steve Kirk Mark Schuh Mark Schuh J.T. Locke J.T. Locke Mon 6–8:30 pm (4/13–6/22) Mon 8:30–11 pm (4/13–6/22) Tues 6–8:30 pm (4/14–6/16) Tues 8:30–11 pm (4/14–6/16) Wed 6–8:30 pm (4/15–6/17) Wed 8:30–11 pm (4/15–6/17) Thu 6–8:30 pm (4/16–6/18) Thu 8:30–11 pm (4/16–6/18) At Lennon (271 Dore St., South of Market) Basic Rock & Blues Intermediate Rock & Blues Classic Rock Basic Rock & Blues Jazz/Funk Workshop Punk/New Wave Workshop Blues, Soul and Roots Sean Leahy Sean Leahy Sean Leahy Sean Leahy Jim Peterson J.T. Locke Randy Clark Mon 6–8:30 pm (4/13–6/22) Mon 8:30–11 pm (4/13–6/22) Wed 6–8:30 pm (4/15–6/17) Wed 8:30–11 pm (4/15–6/17) Thu 8:30–11 pm (4/16–6/18) Sat 1–3:30 pm (4/18–6/20) Sun 4–6:30 pm (4/19–6/21) 12 call 415.673.3600 Performance dates and venue for the Spring Quarter bands will be announced online. Come check out the Winter Quarter Band Showcases on April 6–9, 7:30–11:30 pm, at Beat Box, 314 11th St., San Francisco. Tuition is $375 (or three payments of $130) 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. visit bluebearmusic.org 13 GUITAR Classes Adult Group classes are eleven weeks except where noted. To enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 Member Fee. Guitar for People Who Know a Little More Always wanted to learn how to play the guitar, but not sure where or how to start? Guitar for the Square-One Beginner 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: Mondays 6–7 pm 4/13–6/29 Kent Brown • $245 (or three payments of $85) Section 2: Tuesdays 8–9 pm 4/14–6/23 Mark Schuh • $245 (or three payments of $85) Section 3: Thursdays 9–10 pm 4/16–6/25 Kent Brown • $245 (or three payments of $85) NEW! NOE VALLEY MINISTRY 1021 Sanchez St. at 23rd St. Noe Square One Guitar Mondays 7:30–8:30 pm 4/14–6/23 Devin Lane • $245 (or three payments of $85) 14 call 415.673.3600 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 8–9 pm 4/13–6/29 Kent Brown • $245 (or three payments of $85) Section 2: Wednesdays 7:15–8:15 pm 4/15–6/24 Janak Ramachandran • $245 (or three payments of $85) LENNON STUDIOS 271 Dore St. near 9th St. & Harrison St. Tuesdays 6–7 pm 4/14–6/23 Janak Ramachandran • $245 (or three payments of $85) For graduates of Know a Little or those with about six months of playing experience, you’ll continue working on songs with an emphasis on more advanced chords. Share the challenges and successes of expanding your playing abilities with others on the same path! You should know 10–15 chords and be able to make many of the chord changes smoothly. You may still have some difficulty playing the four-string (non-barre) F chord, and no one at this level is playing barre chords yet. You may or may not have learned some fingerpicking. Section 1: Wednesdays 8–9 pm 4/15–6/24 Brian Gire • $245 (or three payments of $85) Section 2: Thursdays 7–8 pm 4/16–6/25 Kent Brown • $245 (or three payments of $85) Acoustic Guitar IV For graduates of Know a Little More or for those with 9 months to a year of playing experience, Acoustic Guitar IV will expand your song repertoire and skills using both rhythm and fingerstyle playing and begin work on barre chords. NEW! NOE VALLEY MINISTRY 1021 Sanchez St. at 23rd St. Mondays 6:30–7:30 pm 4/13–6/29 Devin Lane • $245 (or three payments of $85) Acoustic Guitar V–XV Acoustic VI: Thursdays 8–9 pm 4/16–6/25 Kent Brown • $245 (or three payments of $85) Acoustic IX: Tuesdays 8–9 pm 4/14–6/23 Brian Gire • $245 (or three payments of $85) KENT BROWN Acoustic XVI: Mondays 7–8 pm 4/13–6/29 Kent Brown • $245 (or three payments of $85) LENNON STUDIOS 271 Dore St. near 9th St. & Harrison St. Acoustic VIII: Tuesdays 7–8 pm 4/14–6/23 Janak Ramachandran • $270 (or three payments of $95) Country Guitar This class will teach Travis picking, hybrid picking, banjo rolls and many other country guitar techniques used by artists like Chet Atkins, Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. Wednesdays 7–8 pm 4/15–6/24 J.T. Locke • $245 (or three payments of $85) 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 songs by classic artists like The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac and Paul Simon as well as more contemporary tunes. Thursdays 6–7 pm 4/16–6/25 Janak Ramachandran • $245 (or three payments of $85) 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 Rocksemble Acoustic V: Tuesdays 8–9 pm 4/14–6/23 Kent Brown • $245 (or three payments of $85) Mondays 7:30–8:30 pm 4/13–6/29 Matt Driscoll • $245 (or three payments of $85) For guitarists and ukulele players who can make chord changes comfortably, this class will learn and play fun arrangements by artists like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Carlos Santana and in styles from jazz to classical. visit bluebearmusic.org 15 Adult GUITAR CLASSES Electric Lead Guitar For guitarists who are comfortable playing open position and barre chords but with little previous lead playing work, this class will focus on scales and improvising within blues and rock chord progressions. Tuesdays 7–8 pm 4/14–6/23 J.T. Locke • $245 (or three payments of $85) Electric Rhythm Guitar VII For graduates of Electric Rhythm Guitar VI, this class will continue to work on timing, rhythm and right hand techniques. Tuesdays 6–7 pm 4/14–6/23 Randy Clark • $245 (or three payments of $85) NEW! 30 Punk Songs 30 punk standards in ten weeks from “Beat on the Brat” to “London Calling”! Learn all of the great fast and furious punk songs on guitar and bass. For guitarists who can play power chords — of course. Wednesdays 9–10 pm 4/15–6/24 J.T. Locke • $245 (or three payments of $85) Beginning Blues Guitar This class will introduce you to the basic 12-bar blues form and its variations, and to the E minor pentatonic scale and extensions. You’ll learn the Jimmy Reed Progression and play two blues solos in the key of E along with the rhythm and first solo for “Hideaway.” Work includes building E and A barre chord forms up the fretboard. Prerequisites: familiarity with open position chords including B7 and C7. Wednesdays 8–9 pm 4/15–6/24 Mike Rao • $245 (or three payments of $85) Group classes are eleven weeks except where noted. To enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 Member Fee. Blues Guitar: Note for Note with the Kings Part 2 For players who know the 12-bar blues form and minor pentatonic scale, this class will take you on a tour of the “three kings” of electric blues: Freddy King, Albert King and B.B. King. You’ll learn rhythm and solos on songs like “The Stumble,” “Born Under a Bad Sign,” and “The Thrill Is Gone.” Also discussed: key centers, relevant music theory, comping and approaches to improvisation. Wednesdays 7–8 pm 4/15–6/24 Mike Rao • $245 (or three payments of $85) Jazz Guitar II For graduates of Beginning Jazz Guitar, this class will continue working on jazz soloing, comping and expansion of your jazz chord vocabulary. Mondays 7–8 pm 4/13–6/29 Brian Gire • $245 (or three payments of $85) NEW! Writing Parts on Guitar Develop the skills required to come up with original parts. You’ll learn how to create different feels and approaches to a given chord progression, and you’ll be able to record and refine your parts in our Studio Z. Lots of in-class playing – for acoustic and electric players. Wednesdays 6:30–8 pm 4/15–6/25 Colin Hayes • $345 (or three payments of $120) JAM Adult Classes 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. Wednesdays 7–8 pm 4/15–6/24 Brian Gire • $245 (or three payments of $85) NEW! NOE VALLEY MINISTRY 1021 Sanchez St. at 23rd St. Mondays 8:30-9:30 pm 4/13-6/29 Devin Lane • $245 (or three payments of $85) Acoustic Jam Basics II This class is for graduates of Acoustic Jam Basics, though new students can join who have some previous knowledge of scales and simple soloing. You’ll continue to learn new songs and build your soloing skills. Tuesdays 7–8 pm 4/14–6/23 Brian Gire • $245 (or three payments of $85) Intermediate Acoustic Jam I This class is for graduates of Acoustic Jam Basics II, though new students can join who have some previous knowledge of scales and 16 call 415.673.3600 simple soloing. You’ll continue to learn new songs and build your soloing skills. Thursdays 8:30–9:45 pm 4/16–6/25 Brian Gire • $300 (or three payments of $105) Intermediate Acoustic Jam II Have fun playing with others! In a relaxed setting, you’ll learn and play through tunes from folk, bluegrass, Celtic and rock traditions. You can take solos and sing if you’d like, or just play rhythm with the group. Open to guitar, mandolin, fiddle, Dobro and banjo. New students with previous experience with scales and soloing can join ongoing Acoustic Jam classes; call 415.673.3600 for a new student interview for accurate placement. Mondays 8–9:15 pm 4/13–6/29 Brian Gire • $300 (or three payments of $105) Advanced Acoustic Jam New guitar, mandolin, fiddle, Dobro and banjo students with strong scale knowledge and soloing experience can join Advanced Acoustic Jam, an ongoing class of regulars who have been jamming together since 2009. Call 415.673.3600 for a new student interview for accurate placement. Thursdays 7–8:30 pm 4/16–6/25 Brian Gire • $345 (or three payments of $120) visit bluebearmusic.org 17 Adult UKULELE Classes Group classes are eleven weeks except where noted. To enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 Member Fee. 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). Beginning Bass Beginning Ukulele Class members will learn to play basic chords and to play songs in folk, rock and Hawaiian styles. Also covered: tuning, ukulele care, and basic strums. No prerequisites, but a ukulele is required. Mondays 8:30–9:30 pm 4/13–6/29 Matt Driscoll • $245 (or three payments of $85) 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. This class is a square-one beginner class. We expect you know nothing about music and that you are picking up the instrument for the first time. If you have played guitar before, you should try Accelerated Bass for Guitarists. Saturdays noon–1 pm 4/18–6/27 Kai Chu • $245 (or three payments of $85) Tuesdays 8–9 pm 4/14–6/23 Matt Driscoll • $245 (or three payments of $85) Ukulele III–XIV Description: These classes are for continuing ukulele students or for those with sufficient experience to place into them. Ukulele III: Tuesdays 7–8 pm 4/14–6/23 Matt Driscoll • $245 (or three payments of $85) Ukulele VII: Tuesdays 6–7 pm 4/14–6/23 Matt Driscoll • $270 (or three payments of $95) Ukulele XIV: Mondays 6:30–7:30 pm 4/13–6/29 Matt Driscoll • $270 (or three payments of $95) Acoustic Rocksemble For guitarists and ukulele players who can make chord changes comfortably, this class will learn and play fun arrangements by bands and artists like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Carlos Santana and in styles from jazz to classical. MATT DRISCOLL 18 call 415.673.3600 Mondays 7:30–8:30 pm 4/13–6/29 Matt Driscoll • $245 (or three payments of $85) Music Theory via The Beatles Bass players are also welcome in 30 Punk Songs! See page 16. Accelerated Bass for Guitarists If you already play guitar, then you’re ready to get on the fast track to becoming more in-demand by learning the bass! This class will teach right hand fingering technique and will reveal how the bass, working with the drums, provides the foundation for most songs. You’ll learn bass lines in different styles, and upon graduation you can receive a $100 discount as a bass player in one of Blue Bear’s Band Workshops. Mondays 8:15–9:15 pm 4/13–6/29 Janak Ramachandran • $245 (or three payments of $85) Adult THEORY Classes 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. Wednesdays 9–10 pm 4/15–6/24 Brian Gire • $245 (or three payments of $85) 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 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. 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. Wednesdays 8-9 pm 4/15–6/24 J.T. Locke • $245 (or three payments of $85) Tuesdays 9–10 pm 4/14–6/23 Mark Schuh • $245 (or three payments of $85) Music Theory for Guitar visit bluebearmusic.org 19 VOICE Classes Adult interval training, singing into the bridge, and range development. In our last few sessions, you will have the opportunity to bring material of your own choosing to sing, receiving supportive guidance with concrete ideas to practice in improving your song delivery. Wednesdays 6–7:15 pm 4/15–6/24 Janak Ramachandran • $300 (or three payments of $105) Learn to Sing III: Improving Tone and Projection For graduates of Group and Solo Singing, the group singing half of this class will continue to develop your voice with more comprehensive exercises, songs focused on improving tone and projection, further work on range development, and mic technique. In the latter half of the class students will sing songs of their choosing that work into the bridge, with more supportive feedback and guidance on improving tone, dynamics and delivery.. EMILY THEBAUT JANAK RAMACHANDRAN Singing for People Who Can’t Sing You know who you are! But this class will prove you wrong, as you begin to gain control of your voice through simple exercises and ear training. By the end of eleven weeks, you’ll see improvement and enjoy increased confidence. Tuesdays 7–8:15 pm 4/14–6/23 Emily Thebaut • $300 (or three payments of $105) NEW! NOE VALLEY MINISTRY 1021 Sanchez St. at 23rd St. Thursdays 7–8:15pm 4/16–6/25 Emily Thebaut • $300 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. Mondays 7–8:15 pm 4/13–6/29 Zosia Boczanowski • $300 (or three payments of $105) 20 call 415.673.3600 Learn to Sing: Group Singing for Beginners Are you new to vocal coaching and guidance? Do you want to get your feet wet with group singing of exercises and songs? Begin with a solid foundation in technique and then apply those basic ideas in guided group singing of classic songs. Topics covered include fundamentals of posture and breathing, vowels and consonants, resonance and tone, as well as basic principles of song delivery. We’ll craft an opening warm-up with exercises that will begin the development of your voice and then have fun using those ideas to sing songs. Mondays 7–8:15 pm 4/13–6/29 Janak Ramachandran • $300 (or three payments of $105) Learn to Sing II: Group and Solo Singing This class is for graduates of Group Singing for Beginners. Continue your vocal development with more challenging exercises and group singing of songs designed to hone the techniques already learned. Topics explored in greater detail include harmony and Wednesdays 8:15–9:30 pm 4/15–6/24 Janak Ramachandran • $300 (or three payments of $105) Singing for People Who Can Sing For those with some band, theater or choral singing experience but little or no previous vocal instruction. Sessions will cover the basics of proper vocal technique: breathing and support, warmups, developing your range, tone, placement and articulation. There’ll be lots of group vocal drills and some individual presentation of songs. Group classes are eleven weeks except where noted. To enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 Member Fee. Wednesdays 7:15–8:30 pm 4/15–6/24 Lea Centauri • $300 (or three payments of $105) NEW! NOE VALLEY MINISTRY 1021 Sanchez St. at 23rd St. Thursdays 8:15 – 9:30pm 4/16–6/25 Emily Thebaut • $300 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 4/15–6/24 Lea Centauri • $300 (or three payments of $105) LEA CENTAURI visit bluebearmusic.org 21 Rock & Pop Vocal Performance Designed as a follow-on to Janak’s Learn to Sing series, or for vocalists in or preparing for a band or Band Workshop, this class combines vocal style and performance instruction with individualized coaching on material you want to sing. The vocal style component will guide students in how to affect the vocal delivery of songs from varying genres with an emphasis on tools that bring the emotional content of the lyric to life. The stage presence section of the class will introduce students to techniques from the acting world that allow the student to marry the emotional choices they are making vocally with stage movement and behavior. It all culminates in a performance at the end of the class at the quarterly Blue Bear Band Showcases! This class is, ideally, for students with some vocal training and can be repeated as needed. Class limit of four. Adult VOICE CLASSES Sing with Soul! In singers ranging from Aretha Franklin and Smokey Robinson to Rihanna, James Blake and Amy Winehouse, you hear the sound of soul — a connection to African-American vocal traditions rooted in gospel and blues music. Teacher Robert Blake grew up singing in a Southern gospel choir and will help you connect to the source and the sounds of soul. Tuesdays 7–8 pm 4/14–6/23 Robert Blake • $245 (or three payments of $85) ROBERT BLAKE Beginning Jazz Vocals This class will introduce you to the repertoire and the stylistic approaches taken by both classic and contemporary jazz singers. You’ll sing to music-minus-one recordings and receive one-on-one coaching on presentation and technique. Class limit of four. Wednesdays 6–7:15 pm 4/15–6/24 Lea Centauri • $300 (or three payments of $105) Jazz Vocal Performance In this all-singing class, intermediate to advanced vocalists will rehearse and perform a repertoire of jazz songs with expert piano accompaniment, leading up to a performance at the quarterly Blue Bear Showcase. Open to singers who are new to jazz as well as those who are familiar with the repertoire. Tuition includes two rehearsals with bassist. Class limit of five. Saturdays 1:30–3 pm 4/18–6/27 Sharman Duran • $395 (or three payments of $135) 22 call 415.673.3600 Thursdays 8–9:30 pm 4/16–6/25 Janak Ramachandran • $345 (or three payments of $120) Sing Full Metal and in Full Effect: A Two-Day Master Class Bay Area vocal coach Raz Kennedy will share his knowledge of how to sing in rock (Steven Tyler, Kings of Leon, and Janis Joplin), R&B (Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Beyoncé), pop (Pink, Adam Levine, and Adele), musical theater (Idina Menzel, Lea Michele, and Michael Crawford), and other full metal vocal styles heard in gospel, country, and world music.Raz will provide fast and effective tools that any singer can use to format the voice in order to sing in any and every popular genre without hindrance and tension.Techniques that provide a safe and healthy use of vocal effects (distortion, growl, rattle, etc.) common in popular styles will also be demonstrated and explained. Professional vocal coaches as well as performing singers will find this 2-day master class informative and inspiring. Class size is limited to 20. 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 4/14–6/23 Emily Thebaut • $300 (or three payments of $105) Saturdays 1–4 pm 7/18 and 7/25 Raz Kennedy • $150 visit bluebearmusic.org 23 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! For the Anxious Performer In this seminar you’ll address performance anxiety with a physiological understanding of our bodies. You will learn alternative ways to focus that energy through acting exercises, breathing exercises and even some yoga. Dress casually and comfortably! Tuesday April 7, 7–9 pm Emily Thebaut Getting a Great Electric Guitar Sound Electric guitar players have many options in amps, guitars and effects to help create a sound. This seminar will discuss and demonstrate the different types of amps (Class A, Class A/B and solid state) and look into different types of electric guitars and pickup configurations. You’ll also explore guitar effects and how to use them in the signal chain to expand your sonic palette. Intro to Computer Music with Pure Data Pure Data is a free, open source, easy-touse computer music program. Students will create a theremin in class and will learn about the program’s many capabilities, ranging from sequencing to creating new sounds. No programming or music experience is required, but students should bring a laptop to class. Tuesday April 7, 7–9 pm Matt Driscoll • $30 .J.T. LOCKE 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. With your annual membership fee, you Wednesday April 8, 7–9 pm can take one Short Seminar free. Lea Centauri • $30 Acoustic Blues Fingerstyle Guitar Acoustic blues fingerstyle encompasses Delta blues, Texas blues, Piedmont blues and others as well. In this short seminar, you’ll learn some of the techniques drawn from these styles and work on arrangements for tunes by Mississippi John Hurt and others. Wednesday April 8, 7–9 pm Brian Gire • $30 How to Sing and Play Guitar Together You can sing, you can play, but it all falls apart when you try to put it together? Learn tips for how to practice and develop singing-whileplaying skills, including the most important aspects of basic vocal technique. Wednesday April 8, 7–9 pm Janak Ramachandran • $30 Tetrachords This seminar will reveal the tremendous benefits that come from understanding the structure of three-note chords on your guitar, and how they appear on the fretboard. Special emphasis on using triads as a jumping off point for soloing. A tetrachord is a four-note scale structure. These compact scale and mode builders are the answer for the guitarist seeking to learn all those scale patterns that lie on the other side of the pentatonic ocean. Building on the “less is more” philosophy, this seminar will show a clear pathway through the world of scales and modes by means of combining simple tetrachord patterns. In no time, you’ll be playing scales like B melodic minor, G Lydian dominant, and D Dorian, and amazing friends and family in the process. A great way to augment your Triad Power skills (see Tuesday’s class). Tuesday April 9, 7–9 pm Brian Gire • $30 Thursday April 9, 7–9 pm Brian Gire • $30 Tuesday April 7, 7–9 pm J.T. Locke • $30 Triad Power Marketing Yourself 101 To be a successful performing artist you need more than just talent, you have to be creative in knowing how to market yourself and how to become your own manager. In this seminar, we will work on developing your image through resume basics, creating a successful website, and building an online community through social networking. Thursday April 9, 7–9 pm Emily Thebaut • $30 Alternate Picking Technique for Guitar For any guitarist who is seeking a more accurate and fluid approach to both picking and strumming. Logical fingering will also be addressed and handouts will be provided covering the material discussed. Thursday April 9, 7–9 pm Steve Kirk • $30 STEVE KIRK 24 call 415.673.3600 visit bluebearmusic.org 25 CREATINGProgram MUSIC Work on original music. Blue Bear’s Creating Music Program is for students interested in the rewarding process of working on original music. The program includes songwriting classes to help you craft original music and lyrics as well as workshops for those interested in learning to work well together on studio recordings. Whether you are a composer or a collaborator, an individual or a band member, Blue Bear wants to help you take the next step in making the world a more musical place. 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. Tuesdays 7–9 pm 4/14–6/23 Zosia Boczanowski • $425 (or three payments of $145) 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. Wednesdays 8–10:30 pm 4/15–6/17 (10 weeks) Colin Hayes • $425 (or three payments of $145) For other times, call 415.673.3600. 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. See you in the studio, Wednesdays 6:30–8 pm 4/15–6/25 Colin Hayes • $345 (or three payments of $105) Colin Hayes Recording Division Director COLIN HAYES Band Production Workshop Write Your First Song ZOSIA BOCZANOWSKI 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. Tuesdays 8–9:15 pm 4/14–6/23 Pamela Parker • $300 (or three payments of $105) Group classes are eleven weeks except where noted. To enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 Member Fee. 26 call 415.673.3600 visit bluebearmusic.org 27 Songwriters Workshop 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.” Every week, there is a songwriting assignment designed to integrate what you’ve learned in class with CREATING MUSIC Program Six-Week Songwriting Workshops with Peter Case Peter Case is a three-time Grammynominated, 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. Beginning Songwriting Workshop In this workshop, you’ll learn techniques for producing ideas and how to develop those ideas into a complete song. Topics include song structure, bridges, guitar tunings as 28 call 415.673.3600 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 4/26–6/6 (six weeks, no meeting 5/23) Peter Case • $410 Studio Z a compositional tool, and breaking through “writer’s block” with weekly assignments to guide your writing efforts. This class is for those who are justat 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. Saturdays 11 am–2 pm 4/26–6/6 (six weeks, no meeting 5/23) Peter Case • $410 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. visit bluebearmusic.org 29 To enroll, students must be current with their annual $35 Member Fee. “Thank you for all you do to make this possible. Our son Shawn really enjoyed himself, and what a great experience for him and his band!” — Wendy Bolker Kids & Teens GROUP CLASSES After School Rock Bands These bands will learn and play songs by a variety of contemporary and classic bands. Members should already be proficient on their instrument, and ideally be in private lessons concurrently. This is a chance to put the hard work of learning your instrument into practice, in real time, with other young rockers. The Monday and Thursday bands are for players in grades 8–11; the Tuesday bands are for players in grades 5–8. Section 1: (grades 8–11): Mondays 4:30–6 pm 4/13–6/1 (seven weeks) • J.T. Locke • $220 Section 2: (grades 5–8): Tuesdays 4:30–5:45 pm 4/14–6/2 (eight weeks) J.T. Locke • $220 Section 3: (grades 5–8): Tuesdays 4:30–5:45 pm 4/14–6/2 (eight weeks) Pamela Parker • $220 Section 4: (grades 8–11): Thursdays 4:30–6 pm 4/16–6/4 (eight weeks) • J.T. Locke • $250 Your Own Rock Band If you have a minimum group of four young musicians who would like to be coached as a band together, we can schedule an after school or weekend rock band session to start anytime. Call for details – 415.673.3600. Bear Cubs (grades 1–3) Is your child outgrowing Little Bears classes but still not ready for private lessons? Never fear, Bear Cubs is here! Finally, what every parent has been waiting for: a drop-off group music class for 6-, 7- and 8-year-olds. Co-taught by the powerhouse duo Teacher Barb and Miss Zosia, Bear Cubs is a high energy, hands-on exploration of melody and rhythm. Teachers use engaging songs and fun musical games to help children find their voice, learn to sing in tune and discover the true magic of singing in harmony. Children play real instruments, explore rhythm and scale patterns, begin to identify basic note and chord values and identify changes in tempos and time signatures. Come join us in a play-based musical environment where children learn from other children, sing their hearts out and get their groove on! Instrument Petting Zoo (grades 2–4) This class is for beginners who are curious about music and want to learn about different instruments before choosing one to focus on. Students sing songs and play the four main rock band instruments — drums, bass, guitar and piano. They’ll learn fundamental concepts of rhythm, melody, harmony, meter, tempo, scale and key. In addition to learning how these instruments are played in popular music, related concepts in basic math, pattern relations and emotional qualities will also be explored. Thursdays 4–4:45 pm 4/16–6/4 (eight weeks) Devin Lane • $180 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 4–4:45 pm 4/15–6/3 (eight weeks) Lea Centauri • $180 Perform Like a Pop Star! (grades 5–7) Students will pick pop songs from artists like Katy Perry, Lana Del Rey and Taylor Swift, and will then learn how to sing them. In addition to lots of solo and group singing, you’ll also work on routines and stage presence. Tuesdays 5–6 pm 4/14–6/9 (nine weeks) Zosia Boczanowski • $180 Tuesdays 4–4:50 pm 4/21–6/9 (eight weeks) 30 call 415.673.3600 Barb Murphy & Zosia Boczanowski • $270 visit bluebearmusic.org 31 Kids & Teens ALL STAR BANDS During every All Star Band performance, there isn’t a moment when I am not blown away by our young performers, lighting up the stage. After weeks of rehearsing they show up and somehow always exceed my expectations. Some say “it’s only rock and roll,” but I see teamwork, commitment, growth, courage, responsibility, stage professionalism and most important, fun! Students learn what it actually takes to thatch together individual assignments to create a piece of artistic expression. During this process, they learn about their own instrument and craft, yet also learn to listen to what other students are playing. I believe music is a collective conversation with your band mates, portraying a story to the listeners. Students learn that craft of conversation, but also learn to reflect on the dialogue and strengthen the intended delivery. I have no doubt that developing this skill is one of the most important processes for the program, but it’s also an important process for future success anywhere outside the bandstand. The All Star Band program is a comprehensive 9-month performance and education curriculum for 5th–12th graders. Using rock music as a platform, students strengthen their instrumental technique, ensemble playing, performance, improvisation, music theory, and songwriting. This unique program provides fantastic opportunities to play real shows in real venues around San Francisco. Students participate in weekly rehearsals, with guided instruction by inspirational teachers. Program Requirements All Star Bands require a commitment of the majority of weekly rehearsals. Students may audition mid-year and will be placed in the program based on age, skill level and availability of spots in ensembles. Students must have a basic understanding of their instrument or voice and we highly recommend current, ongoing music lessons. Times and Tuition Tuition for September September 2015–May 2016 is $1,400. Rehearsal time is likely to be Saturday 3–6 pm, but other Saturday times could be available depending on band placement. Audition & Placement Requirements Entering musicians must prepare a song to play with a backing band, improvise over a 12-bar blues pattern (optional), demonstrate chord changes and varying rhythm patterns. The next auditions will be in late August and early September for the 2015/2016 Program. 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 visit bluebearmusic.org 33 Blue Bear offers week-long day camps from June through early August at Fort Mason and in Marin. For recommended skill levels, see page 39. Kids & Teens SUMMER CAMPS Dear students and parents, The reverberations from fantastic musical jams last summer can still be heard here at Blue Bear as we look forward to our 2015 summer camps. Blue Bear camps offer exciting opportunities for kids in grades 4–12 to make great music with their peers and to have an amazing time learning while playing. Our music camps have a defining characteristic that sets them apart from others: a high teacher to student ratio, with instructors on each instrument group. We very effectively provide personalized instruction for all students, beginner to advanced, engaging them in the learning process from square one. We also have an incredibly talented roster of people at the helm. While our instructors have performed around the globe with the best, they are all professional teachers, highly skilled and able to impart real-world knowledge in a helpful and accessible way. In our camps, students have opportunities to write songs, sharpen instrument skills, learn how to interact in an ensemble, and get serious performance chops by leading shows in our performance hall. Kids are invigorated, challenged and inspired to do their best work — an experience that resonates far beyond the musical stage. So throw on a new set of strings, polish your horn, practice your paradiddles and get ready for an amazing summer in 2015 at Blue Bear. Both at Fort Mason and in Marin — we are ready to Rock U! All camps run Monday through Friday, 10–3, except for Voice Camps, which run 1–3pm. Most San Francisco camps offer supervised after-camp activities until 4pm for families that need a later pick-up (and kids who just want more music). Most camps that culminate in a performance run later on Friday afternoon. Songwriting San Francisco camps are held at Fort Mason Center. Marin camps are held at Drake High School in San Anselmo. Songwriting 2, Grades 8–12; SF: July 27–31, $575 Rock U This camp is for girls who want to learn to rock! Campers will learn to play simple pop and rock songs and perform them at the end of the week. Some musical experience is helpful, but not required. Friday afternoon performance. Rock out! A typical day includes morning instrument instruction and afternoon band practice, with plenty of time for jamming, songwriting, and playing complex arrangements. Friday afternoon performance. Students write, arrange, and perform songs, learning through workshops on lyrics, form, and arranging how the artists they love create their songs. Friday afternoon performance. Songwriting 1, Grades 6–9 SF: July 6–10, $575 Girls Rock!! Rock U 1, Grades 6–8. SF: June 15–19, $550 SF: July 20–24, $550 Marin: July 6–10, $625 Grades 4–7 SF: June 1–5, $495 Marin: July 27–31, $570 Rock U 2, Grades 7–10 SF: June 22–26, $550 SF: August 3–7, $550 Marin: July 13–17, $625 Guitar Camp Rock U 3, Grades 8–12 SF: August 10–14, $550 Marin: July 20–14, $625 Guitar intensive! Student guitarists work on lead and rhythm techniques, writing their own parts, learning classic solos, and crafting different tones with amps and effects. Grades 7–12 SF: June 8–12, $550 “I would highly recommend Blue Bear as the go-to place for your children’s musical experiences!” — Kristen Lemaster Nils Erickson Summer Camp Director 34 call 415.673.3600 visit bluebearmusic.org 35 Most camps meet Monday to Friday 10 am - 3 pm, plus a performance Friday afternoon. See our website for the 2015 Summer Camp Schedule! NEW! Studio Music Camps Kids & Teens SUMMER CAMPS Get Ready to Rock! This low-key camp offers kids a chance to try different instruments, play easy songs in a band, and work on songwriting, singing, jamming, and other musical games! Six months of instrument lessons is recommended. Friday afternoon performance. Grades 4–7 SF: June 8–12; July 13–17, $550 Marin: June 29–July 3, $625 Creating Music in the Studio Students work on an original music project, including arrangements, recording preparation, tracking, and mixing. Everyone will help create and record individual parts. Students get a recording of music they helped create. Hard Rock U Get ready for a week of rawk! A typical day includes morning group lessons, technique instruction, and afternoon band rehearsals. Friday afternoon performance. Hard Rock U 2, Grades 7–10 SF: June 29–July 3, $550 Grades 8–10 SF: June 15–19, $550 Music for Film, Video & Games Learn how to create and score music using a digital audio workstation. Topics include theme writing, scoring, and mixing audio and sound effects, along with music theory and composition aesthetics. Grades 9–12 SF: July 6–10, $550 SKILL LEVEL GUIDELINES We strongly suggest the following skill levels for each Summer Camp: Get Ready to Rock, Voice Camp 2 and Composing for Film, Video & Games • Campers will do best if they have been playing an instrument or singing in an organized setting for at least six months. Rock U 1 and Creating Music in the Studio • Suggested minimum of one year of lessons for all instruments and singers. • Drummers should be able to play a simple rock beat for one minute. Bassists should know names of notes and • be able to play one song through to the end. • Guitarists should know open position chords and E-form barre chords. • Keyboardists should know major and minor triads in root position. Voice Camp For singing kids who love to perform! Students expand their vocal abilities and song repertoire in a fun, relaxed setting, singing solo and in groups. Topics include technique, stage presence, musicianship and more. Voice Camp 2 students learn harmony arrangements of pop songs. Friday afternoon performance. Voice Camp 1, Grades 4–6 SF: June 29–July 3, 1-3 pm $225 Voice Camp 2, Grades 7–10 SF: June 8–12, 1-3 pm $225 36 call 415.673.3600 visit bluebearmusic.org 37 bluebearmusic.org/summercamps 2015 SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE SAN FRANCISCO : FORT MASON CENTER Kids & Teens SUMMER CAMPS Rock U 2 and Hard Rock • Suggested minimum of two years of lessons for all instruments and singers. • Drummers should be able to fill without losing time, and be able to hold three minutes of a simple rock beat. • Bassists should know names of notes and how to read chord charts, and be able to play eighth-notes through changes. •Guitarists should know open chords and E-and A-form barre chords, and know minor pentatonic scales. Keyboardists should know major and minor • triads, and know the blues scale. Rock U 3 • Suggested minimum of three years of lessons for all instruments and singers. • Drummers should know syncopated kick drum patterns, shuffle and 6/8 beats. • Guitarists should know syncopated guitar rhythms (e.g., AC/DC) and riff songs (e.g., Led Zeppelin). • Keyboardists should know 7th chords and inversions, be able to play syncopated rhythms and to play melodies and improvise. Songwriting 1 and 2 Suggested minimum of one year of lessons • for Songwriting 1, and two years of lessons for Songwriting 2. June 1–5 June 8–12 June 8–12 June 8–12 June 15–19 June 15–19 June 22–26 June 29–July 3 June 29–July 3 July 6–10 July 6–10 July 13–17 July 13–17 July 20–24 August 3–7 July 27–31 August 10–14 Girls Rock! Get Ready to Rock Guitar Camp Voice Camp 2 Rock U 1 Creating Music in the Studio Rock U 2 Hard Rock U 2 Voice Camp 1 Songwriting 1 Music for Film, Video & Games Girls Rock! Get Ready to Rock Rock U 1 Rock U 2 Songwriting 2 Rock U 3 MARIN: DRAKE HIGH SCHOOL, SAN ANSELMO June 29–July 3 July 6–10 July 13–17 July 27–31 July 20–24 Get Ready to Rock Rock U 1 Rock U 2 Girls Rock!! Rock U 3 Bassists should know syncopated • bass lines. 38 call 415.673.3600 visit bluebearmusic.org 39 Little Bears class enrollment is done online and no annual Member Fee is required. Here are the Top 5 reasons why Little Bears classes are right for your child — and for you! 1. Our teachers are actual musicians GROUP CLASSES Little BEARS Who and what are Little Bears? Simply put, Little Bears bobble, weave and dance to their own beat. Little Bears instructors are working musicians who know how early childhood music education helps develop speech, hand-eye coordination and creativity. Little Bears offers classes to suit any kid and their accompanying parent or caregiver (we want to make this fun for everyone in the classroom). Music affects all people of all ages; that’s why we began teaching classes for children as young as four months. What can a newborn really do in a music class? A lot! At birth, children are receptive to sounds, vibrations and voices, so in our Baby Bears classes parents guide the lessons with gentle clapping and singing, learning to incorporate music into everyday routines. I’ve heard from many families over the years that before their child could stand, walk or talk, they could mimic clapping and memorize and respond to rhythm patterns from class. For our active new walkers and future rock star preschoolers, we offer Bouncy and Boogie Bears classes. Our teachers have developed special curricula that get everyone singing, doing far-out dance moves, and adding a healthy dose of music education that is actually fun! Did I mention intense drum circles?! As Director of the Little Bears program for the last five years, I’ve made it my goal to keep classes fun, engaging, educational and above all — rockin’ — both for kids and kids at heart. Hope to see you this spring! Baby Bears (4 months-1 year) This class will introduce your child to the wonderful world of music through lap songs, finger-plays, sing-alongs and rhythm-based activities. Parents in this class learn to sing a variety of playful and soothing rhythms and melodies to bring home and use for bath time, dinner time, play time and sleepy time. Please bring a blanket. Bouncy Bears (1-3 years) Children in this class will create musical sounds and rhythms with their voices and bodies, play finger games, dance and move to the music, hear familiar and new songs and rock out during the percussion instrument jam. Parents be warned: there will be lots of jumping, bouncing, moving, grooving and playing in this class! Boogie Bears (3-5 years) These preschoolers are ready to rock and roll, raise the roof and jam out! Children will discover their own talking and singing voices, dance to the beat, and explore rhythm with real musical instruments. Let’s make some music and boogie down to it! who love making music. 2. Singing helps children with vocal and speech development. 3. Dancing and instrument play help children develop motor skills. 4. Aural training helps children build listening and concentration skills. 5. Because kids and adults LOVE to rock. So let your little ones sing their hearts out, move to the music and make some noise! Mixed Bears (6 months-5 years) This class is specially designed for parents with more than one child. Babies, toddlers and big kids all join in the music making fun, watching and learning from one another. There will be plenty of music, movement and instrument play for children of all ages. Get the Beat (3-5 years) The perfect class for any kid (and adult) who is obsessed with any and all things drum, including makeshift drums, treating the cat like drums, and virtually making everything a backbeat. Celebrate drums with us in the New Year without the neighbors complaining! Tanya Wheeler Little Bears Director 40 call 415.673.3600 visit bluebearmusic.org 41 TEACHERS As a recording artist, songwriter and multiinstrumentalist, Zosia Boczanowski (pronounced Zaw-sha) is a Berklee College of Music grad who is passionate about teaching voice and guitar, connecting people of all ages with the music they love. Rachel Hoiem has a B.A. in Jazz Piano from LITTLE BEARS Classes start the week of April 13 and run for 12 weeks. NEW! NOE VALLEY MINISTRY FORT MASON CENTER Baby Bears (4 months–1 year) Tue 11–11:45 am w/Rachel 4/14–7/7 (12 weeks, no class 6/16) • $275 1021 Sanchez St. at 23rd St. Monday 2–2:45 pm w/Rachel 4/13–7/6 (11 weeks, no class 5/25 and 6/15) • $250 Friday 11–11:45 am w/Rachel 4/17–7/10 (12 weeks, no class 6/19) • $275 Bouncy Bears (1–3 years) Mondays 11–11:45 am w/Barb 4/13–6/8 (8 weeks, no class 5/25) • $195 Mondays 3–3:45 pm w/Rachel 4/13–7/6 (11 weeks, no class 5/25 and 6/15) • $250 Fridays 10–10:45 am w/Rachel 4/17–7/10 (12 weeks, no class 6/19) • $275 CALVARY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2515 Fillmore St. at Jackson St. Bouncy Bears (1–3 years) Thurs 10–10:45 am w/Andrew 4/16–7/2 (12 weeks) • $275 Mixed Bears (6 months–5 years) Thurs 11–11:45 am w/Andrew 4/16–7/2 (12 weeks) • $275 Baby Bears (4 months–1 year) Tue 2–2:45 pm w/Zosia 4/14–6/30 (12 weeks) • $275 Bouncy Bears (1–3 years) Mon 3:30–4:15 pm w/Barb 4/13–6/8 (8 weeks, no class 5/25) • $195 Tue 10–10:45 am w/Rachel 4/14–6/30 (12 weeks, no class 6/16) • $275 Tue 3–3:45 pm w/Zosia 4/14–6/30 (12 weeks) • $275 Wed 3:30–4:15 pm w/Andrew 4/15–7/1 (12 weeks) • $275 Thur 10–10:45 am w/Rachel 4/16–7/9 (12 weeks, no class 6/18) • $275 Fri 10–10:45 am w/Zosia 4/17–7/3 (12 weeks) • $275 Boogie Bears (3–5 years) Mon 4:30–5:15 pm w/Barb 4/13–6/8 (8 weeks, no class 5/25) • $195 Get the Beat (3–5 years) Wed 4:30–5:15 pm w/Andrew 4/15–7/1 (12 weeks) • $275 Mixed Bears (6 months–5 years) Wed 11–11:45 am w/Barb 4/15–6/10 (9 weeks) • $215 42 call 415.673.3600 Thur 11–11:45 am w/Rachel 4/16–7/9 (12 weeks, no class 6/18) • $275 SF State and gigs regularly in her bands Light Fantastic, Bellavista, and Rachel and the Rats. Her Little Bears songs include everything from The Beatles to Beastie Boys, along with originals to keep things fresh and fun. 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. 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. Andrew Skewes-Cox has a music degree What if I need to drop a class? FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS I have more than one child; do I need to pay full tuition for both of them? from UC Santa Cruz. Known for creating drums out of practically anything and carting around a giant bag of tiny guitars for his Little Bears classes, he is the embodiment of a hard-working musician. Andrew also volunteers for Bread & Roses and plays drums for Rin Tin Tiger. Do you have a sliding scale? Blue Bear provides significant savings to students of all ages with financial need through our sliding scale tuition program. The amount of support you receive is based on your gross income from your tax return. Do you offer trial classes? To keep our class sizes consistent and rockin’, we don’t offer free drop-in trial classes. All students need to enroll and pay tuition in advance. However if it isn’t a good fit for any reason we are more than happy to issue a 100% refund. Just contact us two days before your second class. 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. We offer $20 off for additional sibling’s tuition when registered for the same class. I really need to run errands; can I drop my child off for the class? No, no, no. Not only is the parent or caregiver participation imperative when singing in rounds, but we firmly believe that children learn from watching you engage with the music and instruments. For more frequently-asked Little Bears questions, visit bluebearmusic. org/littlebears. visit bluebearmusic.org 43 DIGITAL AUDIO PROGRAM Community PROGRAMS Reaching out! It’s an unfortunate truth that public school offerings of arts and music have suffered cuts that only seem to get deeper. In response, Blue Bear’s outreach and community programs for our city’s youth have expanded. Serving hundreds of music-starved children in public and private schools and in community centers citywide, Blue Bear’s programming fosters the musical flame in those who have it, and lights a spark in those who don’t. With offerings like Digital Audio Production and Songwriting for teens in Bayview and Instrument Petting Zoo for elementary students in Twin Peaks, our community programming has something for everyone, regardless of ability. Our Rock Band Program (at Academy of Arts and Sciences and Rooftop Elementary) has produced bands that have graced professional stages at Cafe Du Nord and Bimbo’s. These programs have led to wonderful partnerships with organizations like the YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, GLIDE Memorial Church, SFUSD and more. Most important, we have witnessed firsthand the powerful and positive changes that involvement in the arts can bring our kids. Students in the gritty, challenging Bayview neighborhood of San Francisco have created incredibly poignant and personal songs, demonstrating the cathartic power of writing and performing music. For nearly ten years, Rock Band at Rooftop has produced young musicians who’ve been accepted at the prestigious Ruth Asawa School of the Arts to continue their artistic growth. Blue Bear’s outreach programs are indeed transforming lives. Our new dedicated Digital Audio Program at Bayview Hunters Point YMCA empowers at-risk youth to write, produce and record their own original music with state-of-the-art tools such as GarageBand, Ableton, Logic and Pro Tools. Students can gain pre-professional skills in the fields of digital audio and video production and engineering. Other Digital Audio Classes Studio 101: Beginning Digital Audio Production — Teaches students to create their own original songs using the acclaimed Apple program GarageBand. They work with a professional Blue Bear instructor to write, arrange and record instrumental and vocal tracks for their own compositions, or use GarageBand “clips” (or samples) to create their own remixes (a simpler version of this course is available for younger students). Music appreciation and understanding of all musical styles demonstrates the variety of types of songs students can create. All levels and interests are welcome, with no previous musical instruction required. At the end of the class, the students receive a CD of their original songs. Studio 201 — Furthers the instruction and offers a glimpse into other more advanced programs such as Ableton, Logic and Pro Tools. This course is designed to begin the transition into a more professional use of digital audio. Collaborative partnerships with onsite visual arts classes are also a possibility. DJ Course — For students interested in a more current musical art form. Our teachers cover the history, technique and equipment, using DJ media of all types from classic vinyl to CDs, and newer methods including “laptop DJing” using the Serato and Ableton Live programs. This program covers all styles and genres of DJing from hip hop to techno, with performance opportunities at completion of the course. Current and past partner sites for Blue Bear Digital Audio Programs include: • Bayview Hunters Point YMCA • Glide Memorial Church After School Center • Ida B. Wells Continuing Education High School • Bayview Opera House • International Studies Academy • Boys and Girls Clubs • Friends of the Children • Saint Joseph’s Family Center • Real Options for City Kids • Streetside Stories • Lincoln High School • James Lick Middle School • Starr King Elementary School • Claire Lilienthal Alternative School To set up programming at a location near you, don’t hesitate to contact Blue Bear. MUSIC SAVES! Cole Odin Berggren Community Programs Director 44 call 415.673.3600 visit bluebearmusic.org 45 Community PROGRAMS To bring a Blue Bear Community Program to your school or community center, contact Community Programs Director Cole Odin Berggren at cole@bluebearmusic.org. Many of our community music programs are fully or partially underwritten by generous donations from the community. To find out how you or your employer can help, contact Development Associate Alycia Moore at alycia@bluebearmusic.org. As a nonprofit organization, Blue Bear is committed to making a difference beyond the scope of our in-house programs. We partner with a variety of schools and other community centers to provide free and low-cost music education. GROUP CLASSES Blue Bear community programs provide highquality instruction by our artists-in-residence. These classes are geared for elementary through high school settings and students often participate in public performances that build confidence and self-esteem. Grades 2-4 Get Rhythm — Our entry-level class teaches students the fundamentals of one of music’s most important building blocks. Active listening and music appreciation expose students to a wide range of music styles. A variety of hand percussion instruments are played and students participate in jams with the instructor. The fundamentals of mathematics are stressed along with an introduction to the melodic components, and the instruments progress up to the level of keyboard, steel drums, bass and vibes. 46 call 415.673.3600 Instrument Petting Zoo — Designed for the beginning-level music student, with the goal of increasing interest and helping determine which instrument they like best and want to focus on. Students play the five main rock instruments including drums, bass, guitar, keys and voice, and learn the fundamental concepts of rhythm, melody, harmony, meter, tempo, scale and key. They experience how the various instruments work on a basic level through instruction and usage in popular music and correlate their usage with other related concepts they already know, such as basic mathematics, pattern relations and emotional similarities. Sing! Dance! — This vocal performance class takes the playful, contemporary side of the TV show Glee and combines it with a traditional choral class. Students learn the basics of music theory and translate them into a fun and hip vocal choir, singing songs of various musical genres. An emphasis on movement and theatrics is also provided by way of some light choreography. The program culminates in a fun performance for their peers and parents. Grades 5-12 Rock Band Ensemble — Involves hands-on instruction with a focus on practicing and performing as a group; also includes active listening, music theory, music critique and instrumental technique. Students are provided with lessons, practice sessions, performance opportunities and (in some cases) instruments, along with the mentorship of Blue Bear’s professional artists in residence. The classes range from 9 to 18 weeks of instruction and culminate in a live performance. Beginning Group Guitar —A hands-on introduction to acoustic guitar that includes basic playing skills and learning music fundamentals. Through strums, picking, scales and chords, students learn how to play a few songs and get the skills they need to take it to the next level. The Intermediate Group Guitar program increases the number of strum patterns and chords, and adds arpeggios to give students a bigger arsenal to tackle more challenging songs. Keyboard Lab — Beginning instruction on piano, the foundational musical instrument; includes music theory as well as playing skills. Students are taught how to navigate a piano through scales and chords, building chops that will assist them in learning songs. They’ll also have an opportunity to perform publicly during a recital at the end of the course. Blue Bear community programs take place at these and other Bay Area partner sites: • Bayview Hunters Point YMCA • Tenderloin Community Center • St. Joseph’s Family Center • Rooftop Alternative School • Creative Arts Charter School • The Academy of Arts and Sciences • Miraloma Elementary School • Gateway Middle School visit bluebearmusic.org 47 “Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.” — Lao Tzu FEED THE BEAR SUPPORT Blue Bear has helped over 30,000 students discover their musical talents, cultivating skills for a lifetime of learning and enrichment. Your charitable support for our nonprofit work is crucial — without it, we cannot continue to offer affordable (and free) music education. WHY GIVE WHAT YOUR GIFT SUPPORTS Just imagine a world without music… A gift of any amount directly subsidizes Blue Bear’s ability to make high-quality music education both accessible and affordable. Here are just a few of the many ways we put your support to work: A donation to Blue Bear is an investment in a vibrant, effective nonprofit organization that improves lives, one note at a time. With the disappearance of music programs in the schools, Blue Bear is an increasingly important community resource. Making music helps make the world go ‘round and here are some reasons why what we do is important work: •Music is a deeply meaningful and core mode of human expression, for all ages. •Making music together gives people a positive social experience. •Music can serve as a gratifying counter- balance to demanding professional lives. •Learning music enhances brainpower and improves academic performance. •Making music has proven health benefits. •Music gives young people a way to express themselves — even to find themselves. 48 call 415.673.3600 Playing music changes lives! And you can make a difference by helping us provide both free and very affordable music education — at a time when music programs have been slashed throughout the public school system. Contributions to our 2014-15 “Feed the Bear” campaign make Blue Bear’s day-to-day operations possible. Please donate online any time at bluebearmusic.org — it’s easy thanks to our partnership with Network for Good. HOW TO CONTRIBUTE There are many ways to support Blue Bear and you can also designate your gift to specifically benefit one or more of our programs. Please consider the following: And, you can make your gift go further — check with your employer’s HR department to see if they have a matching grant program for donations made to nonprofits. • Make a one-time, monthly or quarterly donation on our website. • Send a check by mail. • Donate musical instruments or equipment in good working condition. • Include Blue Bear as part of your planned giving. Blue Bear is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. Please contact our Development Associate, Alycia Moore, with any questions about your contributions. She can be reached at alycia@ bluebearmusic.org and 415.673.3600. •Seven off-site Youth Outreach Programs in public schools and community centers •A new Digital Audio Program at the Bayview Hunters Point YMCA, providing free music education to some of the Bay Area’s most at-risk youth •A new Vocal Performance Program at the Tenderloin Rec Center, in another of San Francisco’s most underserved neighborhoods •Multiple Youth All Star Bands for talented teens •A Little Bears Program for toddlers in a community center •Sliding scale tuition assistance and scholarships, ensuring access to Blue Bear programs for all visit bluebearmusic.org 49 GIFTS Grants & Scholarships SCHOLARSHIP DONORS SCHOLARSHIP SUPERSPONSORS Anonymous ARIA Foundation Maria Cardamone SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS Judith Hill-Weld Susan and Gregg Lustig Susan McGarry Elaine and Scott Munday in honor of Dorian Amy Nicholson Teresa Odom Bonnie Raitt STEVE STRAUSS FOUNDERS FUND Joan Barnes Maria Cardamone Stephanie and John Dains Ian J. Kalin Richard Strauss KEITH ALLEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND Patricia and Thomas Allen Charles Felsenthal Ned and Robin Selfe Blue Bear thanks the many individuals and organizations providing contributions received between January 1, 2014 and January 31, 2015. Our educational work could not continue without your support. BLUE BEAR DONORS SUPERHERO ($50,000+) Chauncey and Marion D. McCormick Family Foundation HEROES ($10,000+) Anonymous (2) Maria Cardamone Walter & Elise Haas Fund Elisabeth & Howard Jaffe The Walther Foundation SUPERBENEFACTORS ($5,000-9,999) John Brockway Huntington Foundation Mr. Christopher Lord and Ms. Coltrane C. Lord The McKenzie Foundation of San Francisco BENEFACTORS ($2,500-$4,999) Mark Brueckman Calibre One, Inc John Lee, Advanced Construction Brett May The pH Fund IN-KIND DONORS BILL GRAHAM MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Bill Graham Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund The Walther Foundation MATCHING GRANTS Anonymous (2) Business Wire Dodge & Cox Matching Fund GE Foundation Google Matching Grants Levi Strauss Foundation Matching Grants Salesforce.com Foundation 50 call 415.673.3600 SUPERSPONSORS ($1,000-$2,499) Jill Suttie and Don Arbitlit Holland Bender Block Communications, Inc. Tim and Roo Duncan D’Addario Music Foundation Emergent Transportation Concepts Dennis Fisco Paul Goldman & Monterey International The Grey Family Foundation Dominic Haigh Byron Mellberg Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation The Arch and Stella Rowan Foundation Danielle Rubin SFT Endowment for Technology, Education & The Arts Jeffrey Shaw Tony and Marcie Stais Joe Strulowitz Union Bank Foundation Jonathan Weiner Paul Winston D’Addario Music Foundation Focusrite Maria Cardamone Renee Richardson Matt Valbusa Rick Mariano Susan Weiand Sid Luckenbach John Chabalko Lin Chase JBL Professional Novation Robert P. O’Connor Carol Fridenberg Alexa Madrid Anton Semenovsky Jim Stewart Jason Yee Vicki Randle visit bluebearmusic.org 51 GIFTS Grants & Scholarships THANK YOU SPONSORS ($500-$999) Wendy Bolker California Accounting Center CPAs Elizabeth English Mike and Pat Evans Graham Greene Mike Kappus — The Rosebud Agency Rose Kirkland George Lucas Family Foundation Climb Real Estate Group James Mellon O’Dette Mortgage Group Renee Richardson Cole Rowan Steve Savage and Tamara Bock DONORS ($250-$499) Anonymous in honor of Max Swerin Robert and Marida Berlin Bimbo’s 365 Club Graham Green Mike and Kelly Halper Dan Kane Michael Keys Zach Lee Julie and Jonathan Meyer Dick Millet Blue, Indigo, and Bhushan Mudbhary Lisa Tarigo Poalillo Josina Reddy Gloria and Welton Rollerson Tamyra Thomas Pauline Ayako Uyeda Mark Williams SUPPORTERS ($100-$249) Anonymous in honor of Johnny Nitro Adrienne in honor of Carol Snow Kit Anderton Gina N. Ballenger Aleck Beach William E. Berry Ethan Bodle Jeffrey Briss Charles and Nancy Burbach Bonnie Hayes Vicki Randle 52 call 415.673.3600 SUPPORTERS ($100-$249) Alexander Calhoun in memory of Richard Smith Kira Casey and Victoria Stein Lin Chase John Close Genevieve Conaty Joycelin Craig Crosby & Kaneda Gerry Ehrmann Elizabeth Finlayson & Jim Nadel Anne and Mason Flemming Michael Gallagher Mark Gunther and Anne M. Krantz Brenda Hillman in honor of Carol Snow Adrienne Hirt and Jeff Rodman Robert S. Hodas David and Debra Hoiem Matt Holmes Mary Holzer Henry Hooker and Janine Roeth Lisa Hubbert Scott Jensen William Knight Daniel Kunstler Monica Loncola Gail J. and Robert B. Loveman Tim Lynch The Mahon Family Pat and Lori Martinez Gary and Ann Merkerson MK Productions, Inc. Andrew Moore Donald Moore Jami Nadzam Aarti Natesan Mariana Parreiras Mike Rao Yvette Rosedale Bev and Ron Sherrill The Singer’s Workshop Richard Sloan Sweetwater Music Hall Tim Whalen Dr. Richard Wolitz Carol Wong Melvin Wong, Blackbird Music visit bluebearmusic.org 53 TRUSTEES and Staff GIFTS Grants & Scholarships “We look forward to many more years at Blue Bear.” — Uma & George Lerner ASSOCIATES ($60-$99) Carol Caspe-Nayman Lisa and Matt Chanoff Ian and Joanie Crombie Donna Casey Gerber Ruth Kirschner Jennifer Rollerson Yelton Carol Snow & David Matchett BOARD OF TRUSTEES Bonnie Hayes Rose Kirkland Jim Peterson Vicki Randle Renee Richardson Richard Strauss Paul Winston Maria Cardamone Chair Steve Savage President Jay R. Shah, CPA Vice Chair Brett May Treasurer FRIENDS ($1-$59) Anonymous Blue Bear Hank Bannister In honor of Malcolm Berry on Valentine’s Day Elvin Bishop Mary Bourke Jennifer Burke Kit-Shui Chan G. and Shirley L. Costanzo Steve and Juel Craig Debbie Cucalon Sharman Duran Aguilera David and Katherine Evans E.H. and Romana L. Gallarate Jennifer Gee Sam Gharabally Kevin Gill Tim Hughes Jerry Jeter Michael Juster Michael Kelleher The Chang Knezevich Family The Koenig Family Marshall Lamm David Lehr Reshma Lensing in honor of Lyla Hielscher 54 call 415.673.3600 Donald M. Maus Walter McMath David G. and Sheree L. Meyer Holly Moore Jim Peterson Keilani Pilates Thomas Quinn Doug Raymond Karen L. Riefer Frederica Robertson Jill Robinson Dianne Younger Rosse Michael Schmidt The Simons Family Kristen Steck Hisae and Yoshimichi Takahashi Queenie Taylor Judith and Bruce Todd Victor Valentine Erin Vivion and Family Monica Wan Chavarria Marcus Yelton Lisa Zahner Michael Zwerin PROGRAM & ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Steve Savage Executive Director Dennis Criteser Program Director Cole Odin Berggren Community Programs Director Tanya Wheeler Little Bears Director Ryan Hickey Carol Snow Financial Director Bill Leigh Marketing and PR Director Stella Roshi-Moles Accounts and Office Manager Alycia Moore All Star Band Director Development Associate Nils Erickson Richelle Cullen Colin Hayes Kristina Melendez Summer Camp Director Recording Division Director Front Desk Front Desk visit bluebearmusic.org 55 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. Peter Case is a three-time Grammy-nominated, performing singer/songwriter, guitarist and producer who brings over 25 years of songwriting experience to his popular workshops. A founding member of the Nerves and the Plimsouls, Case’s songs are consistently discovered by each new generation, covered and performed by his fellow songwriters (Chris Smither, John Prine and Alejandro Escovedo, among others), and featured on film and television, most recently in True Blood and Friday Night Lights. 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. Robert Blake is a classically trained singer and actor. Growing up in North Carolina active with a variety of musical styles, he studied at Charlotte Children’s Theatre and at University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He received vocal training 56 call 415.673.3600 at University of Illinois ChampaignUrbana. Blake was a professional singer, actor and vocal coach in Brazil from 2002-2008 and is currently developing his hybrid of rock, soul and country music. rC Pete ki ws Summer camp instructor Cole Odin Berggren has drummed in bands for 20 years, and is also a trained glassblower and prominent local DJ. Currently, he is the primary songwriter and singer/multi-instrumentalist for his own pulsing, psychedelic, electronic rock band OWNERSHIP. a i s o BoczCole also teaches at Blue Bear’s Bayview YMCA Z an Digital Music Program and is Blue Bear’s o Community Programs Director. as e As a recording artist, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Zosia (pronounced Zawsha) Boczanowski has over 15 years experience in the music industry. She received a vocal scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music, where she completed a degree in Engineering & Production. Zosia is passionate about teaching voice, guitar and music technology, connecting people of all ages with the music they love. Lea Centauri has been singing since age four and is the author of two vocal programs. She lived in Paris for several years, performing and teaching throughout Europe. She is a vocal coach for all genres — jazz, pop, blues, R&B, rock, show tunes, hip hop and rap — working with individuals and groups on technique and preparation for recording and performance. Lea is also a songwriter and teaches beginning piano. Kai Chu began his music education on piano, then graduated from Berklee College of Music studying guitar, voice and music business. Now a bassist, Kai has performed for large audiences at renowned venues like Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, the LA Forum, and the Warfield and Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. Kai gigs regularly on the local scene and also plays double bass in the San Francisco Civic Symphony. With a music degree from Ithaca College, Randy Clark has been teaching guitar and amazing audiences with his critically acclaimed playing since the early 1990s. His band, Crowsong, has released three records. Randy has also composed for films and written for Guitar Player magazine. He specializes in slide guitar and roots music genres. Sus ie D TEACHERS “Steve Kirk has been an excellent teacher for me, not only for guitar technique but also for musical composition and theory. He made it all come together for me in a well-directed, fun way.”— James M. is av Caroline Dahl plays boogiewoogie, blues and rock piano and is frequently seen wearing sequins. Caroline currently plays with the Cajun/American roots band Tom Rigney and Flambeau, and also plays solo piano regularly on Sundays at Mama’s Royal Cafe in Mill Valley. She has played solo at piano boogie woogie and blues festivals in France, Switzerland, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Canada, and at numerous venues in the United States. Summer camp songwriting teacher Susie Davis is a respected music educator, professional vocalist, keyboardist, songwriter, guitarist and accordionist. Since 1986, she has toured and recorded with top names in the music world: Van Morrison, Prince, Sheila E., Billy Idol, Melissa Etheridge, Sinead O’Connor, Pat Benatar and Mick Jagger. She has worked extensively as a solo artist in the Bay Area and Los Angeles and currently tours and records with Those Darn Accordions, Rhythmtown Jive, and the Rubinoos. Matt Driscoll received a B.A. in Music Education in 2009 from Sonoma State University and his California K-12 teacher credential in music from SFSU in 2010. He’s currently pursuing an M.A. in Composition at Mills College. Matt covers a variety of guitar styles, including most forms of rock, blues and jazz. Matt also teaches ukulele, trumpet, mandolin, banjo, piano and accordion. Sharman Duran, vocalist and keyboardist, has been performing jazz standards, top 40, soul, rock, pop, and Latin jazz in bands since 1976. She also specializes in teaching music to pre-school children. She has performed throughout Europe and Asia, and gigs regularly in the Bay Area. Summer Camp Director and guitarist Nils Erickson graduated with honors from Berklee College of Music and has played and taught music visit bluebearmusic.org 57 “Kent Brown’s patience and natural ability to teach has proven to be my musical lighthouse. I look forward to class every Monday night, and I’m excited to practice his homework through the week.” —David K. 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. Raz Kennedy has worked as a vocalist, vocal coach and producer in the Bay Area since 1980. His performance credits include six years as a founding member of Bobby McFerrin’s Voicestra, as well as projects with June Watanabe Performance Ensemble, Rebeca Mauleon, Bob Ostertag, Bonnie Hayes, Linda Tillery, George Coates Performance Works and Oberlin Dance Collective. Raz is currently on leave while he completes work on his PoRazOne Project. 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 multimedia, 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. ldstein n Go Be 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. 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, 58 call 415.673.3600 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. Devin Lane has taught guitar privately and in schools and summer camps since 2007. He has also taught bass, drums, piano, voice and recording techniques. With a B.A. from UC Santa Barbara, where he studied electronic music composition, music theory, piano and English literature, Devin has performed in local bands and completed a musical journey of Latin America with performances in Mexico, Colombia and Peru. Berklee School of Music grad Sean Leahy has toured the States and Europe with Kofy Brown, Red Archibald, Marginal Prophets, Boomshanka, Four Year Bender, Guitarmageddon and London Street. An experienced guitar teacher and band workshop leader, his first influences include Hendrix, Duane Allman and Angus Young. Sean gigs regularly throughout the Bay Area and beyond. J.T. Locke has been playing guitar, writing and arranging songs for over twenty years, recording and performing across the country for over ten years, and teaching professionally since 2007. J.T. trained at PCC Music program in Portland and M.I.T in Los Angeles. He offers instruction in rock, jazz, classical, blues, metal, pop and other styles, as well as in songwriting. His current band is Deathtrap America. Summer camp songwriting teacher Ira Marlowe grew up listening to jazz and show tunes, begged for guitar lessons at eight, finally got them at thirteen and experienced a high school conversion from folkie to rocker. At nineteen, he started penning songs ey ick 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. Rya nH TEACHER Biographies Shaun McGonegal is a seasoned drummer with over 30 years of experience in performance and studio work. Along with contributions to many albums, he is a GrooveZoo.com Groove Crew Member, actively consulting for the site. His formal training began at Ontario College of Percussion and continued with Pete Magadini, John Pickering, and jazz great Tony Williams. Shaun has mastered styles from rock, R&B, blues and funk, to Latin, jazz and hip hop. Tennessee Mowrey is a multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter who has written for folk, rock, reggae, and punk bands, as well as for film and theater. Proficient in guitar, bass, drum kit, hand percussion, mandolin and ukulele, he has released multiple self-produced solo albums, as well as visit bluebearmusic.org 59 Teacher BIOGRAPHIES 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. Summer camp songwriting teacher Bill “Sputnick” Spooner is a guitarist, singer/songwriter and the founder of The Tubes, a band known for its legendary theatrical rock concerts. Bill has also released three solo albums, First Chud, Mall to Mars and Demolicious. Summer camp instructor Bob Tatum, a graduate of Percussion Institute of Technology in L.A., has been teaching drums and performing in the Bay Area since 1999. In addition to being the house drummer for the Blue Lamp in San Francisco, Bob has played with bands and artists such as Jimmy Two Times, Noelle Hampton, Storm Large, Bonnie Hayes and Heather Combs. 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 Teacher Amanda VanderMeer graduated with high honors from Portland Community College’s professional music program and has been playing and writing music for 25 years, touring the globe and releasing two studio albums. Since 2006, she has taught a wide range of ages in drums, piano, vocals, music theory and songwriting. She plays drums in her current band, Deathtrap America. Sara Jean Yaste, aka Jean Jeanie, is a performer, singer, multi-instrumentalist and composer who plays with the punkadelic group Future Twin and experimental noise duo Dark Materials. She cares passionately about enabling all people to find their voice, collectively and individually, and teaches in Blue Bear’s offsite programs. Bill “Sputnick ”S po er on 60 call 415.673.3600 Mike Rao, a graduate of G.I.T. in Los Angeles, studied solo jazz guitar with Ted Green. He loves blues and classic rock and has fifteen years of teaching experience. Mike is well known for his systematic and comprehensive approach to building skills in his group classes. He also leads youth bands and guitar classes in Blue Bear’s offsite programs. Andrew Skewes-Cox, a former Blue Bear student, has a music degree from UC Santa Cruz. Known for creating drums out of practically anything and usually carting around a giant bag of tiny guitars for his Little Bears classes, he is the embodiment of a hardworking musician. Andrew also teaches at DayOne Center, Lone Mountain Children’s Center and Calvary Presbyterian preschool, volunteers for Bread & Roses, and plays drums for Rin Tin Tiger. aM urp hy 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. n so ter Jim Pe Jim Peterson has played and taught saxophone and woodwinds for more than 25 years. He studied in his early days at Blue Bear, then at Berklee School of Music. Jim has played with Beaufunk, Mitch Woods, Steve Lucky, and President’s Breakfast, and is a founding member/composer for MoFone, Giant Trio, Mumbo Gumbo, and The New Squatoolas. He has performed at jazz festivals in Canada and Europe and at the Monterey Jazz and Blues Festivals. 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. Sean Leahy r ba Bar 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 Orleans-inspired Fatcat. visit bluebearmusic.org 61 General INFORMATION Phone – 415.673.3600 Email – info@bluebearmusic.org Private lesson changes are handled by phone only — be sure to leave a message. ENROLL ONLINE Go to bluebearmusic.org and click on “Sign Up” to get started today! BIKE RACKS Outdoor bike racks are located throughout Fort Mason. There are no indoor racks. Time Rate Rate 0-1 hour$2.00 0-1 hours $2.00 1-2 hours$4.00 1-2 hours $5.00 2-3 hours$6.00 2-3 hours $7.00 3-4 hours$8.00 3-4 hours $10.00 $10.00 > 4 hours > 4 hours $12.00 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. Fillm ore nan a Chapel Gatehouse Weekend Rates Time Bay 43 30 Lombard Chestnut SAFEWAY General’s Residence Firehouse Weekday Rates vehicle entrance lin k an Fr un V49a 47 tav ia s es N n Em Oc ad rc ba h ell Pow ero E N n ilio av lP a tiv s Fe D C B pedestrian entrance vehicle 22 entrance 28 A Beach ina Mar CONTACT INFO 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. Buc ha Blue Bear School of Music Fort Mason Center 2 Marina Blvd. Bldg. D San Francisco, CA 94123 PARKING AT FORT MASON Lag ADDRESS Market Go ug Monday to Thursday: 1-8 pm Saturday: 10:30 am-3:30 pm Friday & Sunday: closed Bay Bridge Blvd. He Co rbst we Pa ll T vili he on ate & r OFFICE HOURS Peninsula Fort Mason Center FORT MASON CENTER Fort Mason Center is located in the Marina District of San Francisco. The entrance to Fort Mason is at the intersection of Marina Blvd. and Buchanan Street. From the East Bay Bay Bridge to Fremont Street Exit; on Fremont (100 yards north) take first right on Howard; left on Embarcadero and go 2 miles; left on Bay, about 2 miles. Right on Buchanan. Cross Marina Blvd. and make a sharp right into Fort Mason Center. From the North Bay Golden Gate Bridge (US 101) to Marina Exit; go 1.5 miles. Turn left at Buchanan & turn right into Fort Mason Center. LENNON STUDIOS 271 Dore St. near Harrison St. & 9th St. www.lennonstudios.com/maps.html NOE VALLEY MINISTRY Golden Gate Bridge From the South Bay US 101 North to 9th St. Exit; 9th across Market & left on Hayes; right on Franklin; about 2 miles. Turn left on Bay St, right on Buchanan. Cross Marina Blvd. and make a sharp right into Fort Mason Center. Public Transportation Bay Area-wide: www.511.org and call 817-1717 or 511 from any area code East Bay BART: www.bart.gov and (510) 465-2278 North Bay Golden Gate Transit: www.goldengate.org and (415) 455-2000 Peninsula/South Bay CalTrain: www.caltrain.com and (800) 660-4287 San Francisco MUNI: www.sfmuni.com and (415) 673-6864 1021 Sanchez St. at 23rd St. 62 call 415.673.3600 visit bluebearmusic.org 63 GOINGS ON This? In January Blue Bear welcomed Bill Leigh as Marketing & PR Director. A bassist, guitarist, and singer-songwriter, Bill served as Editor in Chief of Bass Player magazine and led marketing projects for Ultimate-Guitar.com, Seymour Duncan Pickups, and Elixir Strings. Locally, he performs as a solo artist and as lead singer of Debased, a Pixies tribute band. Guitar, ukulele, and piano teacher Matt Driscoll recently premiered his Masters thesis composition at Mills College’s spring Signal Flow festival. After graduating with an M.A. in Composition, Matt plans to continue composing experimental works and performing in the Bay Area music scene as part of the indie band Yalpine. H EIG BILL L Blue Bear Summer Camp Director Nils Erickson recently spent several weeks at the Philharmonie de Paris, as part of the orchestra performing Glenn Branca’s Symphony No. 16 for 100 Guitars, Bass, and Drums. MATT DRISC OLL Watch for piano teacher Caroline Dahl on the KQED broadcast of Music Gone Public with her band Tom Rigney & Flambeau. Like Austin City Limits, the series will highlight 12 different bands. NILS ERICKSON Piano teacher John Turner has been playing twice monthly with 7-piece fatherdaughter jazz band, Erika Alstrom with Dale Alstrom’s Jazz Society, which plays American Songbook standards and Big Band era music. Blue Bear Chief Financial Officer Carol Snow will publish her fifth book of poetry, New & Selected Poems, on Counterpath Press. Guitar, voice, and piano teacher Pamela Parker and All-Star Band Director Ryan Hickey were co-writers on a song for action comedy film Love Hurts, directed by CAROLIN Albert Lopez. E DAHL Program Director Dennis Criteser has published his translations of the songs of Italian singer-songwriter Fabrizio De Andrè, sometimes known as the Bob Dylan of Italy, at deandretranslated.blogspot.com. Criteser performs De Andrè’s songs and those of other Italian artists with his trio Bella Strada, which includes fellow Blue Bear staffers Stella Roshi-Moles and Jim Peterson. PAMELA PARKER Voice teacher Lea Centauri just finished writing her first novel, Relms Tales of Vishnu and The Dreygon, a book about inter-dimensional travel and infinite possibility. And yes, it’s “Relms” — for “relative energy light mass space,” wherein lie the answers about who the Humans really are and their true origin and reason for existence, told in tales of adventure, sometimes frightening but always memorable. Drum teacher Shaun McGonegal is in rehearsals with his new band, Shaggy J, which will soon be plying their Reggae/R & B wares. Shaun also recently became a member of drumstick maker Vic Firth’s Education Team. The band Fatcat, featuring guitar teacher Mark Schuh and piano teacher Ryan Hickey, is polishing up new recordings at Hyde Street Studios, and will be releasing a new track each month. And Mark continues his weekly residency as house musician on Friday nights at Durty Nelly’s in the Sunset. 64 call 415.673.3600 It’s time to play. RYAN H ICK Group Classes and Band Workshops start April 13. EY bluebearmusic.org visit bluebearmusic.org 65 Fort Mason Center 2 Marina Blvd. Bldg. D San Francisco, CA 94123 IT’S TIME TO PLAY! • Private Lessons •Band Workshops •Instrumental & Voice Classes •Summer Camps Sliding scale tuition available SPRING QUARTER 2015 •Classes start April 13 •Enroll online now! bluebearmusic.org 415.673.3600 San Francisco Locations •Fort Mason Center in the Marina District •Lennon Studios in South of Market •Noe Valley Ministry in Noe Valley NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID SAN FRANCISCO, CA PERMIT NO. 10148 IN HOME BY MARCH 15