“It’s a very effective method. Orchestra is a metaphor for life. Everyone contributes to the outcome, love and respect for the art form, and ability to work well with others. I’m a total convert. I wish every child had access to the El Sistema program."
Caterina M.
Teacher and Bay Area Music Project Parent
BAMP is based at Maya Lin School and is open to all Kindergarten through 5th grade students. A student-centric focus on music education and social development is at the heart of BAMP's program philosophy. Students in all grades also participate in weekly guided mindfulness weekly practice. Every day after school students receive a nutritious snack, academic assistance and high quality, joyfull daily music training in beginning through advanced levels in the following:
Full orchestra
Advanced chamber ensemble
Winds and brass ensemble
String ensemble (violin, viola, cello, bass)
Percussion ensemble
Instrument sectionals
Music exploration
Choir
SoundLab (electronic music composition and production)
Ukulele
Classes are organized by ability-based learning groups. Learn about KinderBAMP programming. Students in 1st grade participate in all the following classes throughout the week:
Junior Choir
Keyboarding
Music Exploration
Yoga and Mindfulness
Free play and crafts
All instruments are provided by BAMP. Students in 2nd grade have the option to participate in at least one the following classes or ensembles:
Mindfulness (required)
Music Exploration
Keyboarding
Choir (junior or advanced)
Level 1 Winds and brass
Level 1 SoundLab (digital audio production)
Level 1 Violin
Level 1 Percussion
Level 1 Ukulele
All instruments are provided by BAMP. Students in 3rd - 5th grade have the option to participate in at least two the following classes or ensembles:
Mindfulness (required)
Advanced Choir*
Level 1-3 Winds and brass
Level 1-3 SoundLab (digital audio production)
Level 1-3 Upper strings (violin, viola)
Level 1-3 Lower strings (cello, bass)
Level 1-3 Percussion
Level 1-3 Ukulele
All instruments are provided by BAMP.
Students enrolled in BAMP are expected to perform up to three program-wide recitals per year. Advanced level ensembles can expect 4 to 6 community-based concerts at different events around Alameda and the San Francisco Bay Area. *Advanced Choir can expect at least 8-15 community/Bay Area performances throughout the program year. Additionally, BAMP musicians have opportunities throughout the year to participate in conferences, side-by-side rehearsals, concerts, field trips, assemblies, guest artist performances and guest artist workshops. BAMP students have performed with diverse musical guest artists such as Yo-Yo Ma,Linda Perry, Black Violin, TheAmani Children's Choir of Uganda, Gamelan Sekar Jaya, Videri String Quartet, Oakland Symphony Musical Director Michael Morgan, Oakland Symphony Cellist Beth Vandervennet and Shades of Yale a cappella group to name a few.
