OUr story
our vision
A world where every child has access to high-quality music education that fosters equity, creativity, and belonging.
our mission
To provide an opportunity for all children, regardless of circumstances, to thrive socially and academically through music education that promotes creative expression, teamwork, discipline, and social responsibility.
Bay Area Music Project (BAMP)
Inspired by the transformative El Sistema model, Bay Area Music Project (BAMP) was founded in 2014 by Lorrie Murray to expand access to exceptional music education for socioeconomically and culturally diverse youth in Alameda. From a small, twice-weekly choir with 40 students, BAMP has grown into a thriving community music program serving over 200 young people ages 5-18 each year. Since our founding, we’ve reached more than 1,500 students through low- or no-cost instruction in string orchestra, band, choir, and digital music production.
BAMP students regularly perform throughout the Bay Area, from the State Capitol Rotunda for state leaders to education conferences and Golden State Warriors games, and in 2018, our elementary cello students shared the stage with Yo-Yo Ma at the Salesforce Dreamforce conference.
Through rigorous ensemble training and culturally responsive instruction, BAMP nurtures artistic excellence while developing leadership, perseverance, collaboration, and confidence. Students grow not only as musicians, but as young people prepared to thrive academically, socially, and creatively in the next stages of their lives.
BAMP has been recognized with the 2024 Alameda County Arts Leadership Award and the 2021 Spotlight on Quality Award from the California Department of Education’s Region 4 System of Support for Expanded Learning Programs, affirming our role as a leader in equitable music education and youth empowerment.
As BAMP continues to grow, we are deepening our impact across the Bay Area — expanding advanced ensembles, digital music pathways, and performance opportunities that prepare students for college, careers, and lifelong creative expression. We are creating sustainable pathways that ensure young people from every background have the training, mentorship, and transformational experiences needed to thrive in school and life.
Elementary Program (K–8) at Maya Lin School
BAMP’s core program operates five days a week, offering comprehensive music training, access to instruments, academic and behavioral support, and nutritious snacks. Students participate in full orchestras, choral groups, and other ensembles, spending 5–10 hours each week making music while developing collaboration, listening, and leadership skills. Peer-to-peer learning, performance experiences, and ensemble work with passionate teaching artists foster creativity, accountability, and a strong sense of community, enabling each student to grow both as a musician and as an individual.
BAMP Studio (Ages 12–18) at Storehouse Lofts
BAMP recently opened its own music education studio, offering advanced training in strings and digital audio composition and production for middle and high school students. The program focuses on college and career pathways in the music industry, with a particular emphasis on supporting historically marginalized groups. Students participate in intensive ensemble work, creative projects, and mentorship, developing technical skill, artistic expression, and leadership in music.
Our History
“The quietest student in my class has gained so much confidence from BAMP’s choir; she shines on stage and is more sure of herself now in class.”
