“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. Every day after school students receive a nutritious snack, academic assistance and high quality daily music training at the beginning to advanced levels in the following:
Full orchestra
Wind ensemble
String ensemble
Percussion ensemble
Instrument sectionals
Music exploration
Choir
SoundLab (electronic music composition and production)
Ukulele
Classes are organized by ability-based learning groups. Students in 1st grade participate in the following:
Choir
Music Exploration
Yoga (an essential element of our social development curriculum)
Free play and crafts
Students in 2nd grade have the option to participate in the following:
Yoga (required)
Music Exploration
Choir
Beginning Winds
Beginning Violin
Beginning Percussion
Beginning Theater Arts
All instruments are provided by BAMP.
Students enrolled in BAMP are expected to perform up to 3 program-wide recitals a year. Advanced level ensembles can expect 4 to 6 community-based concerts at different events around Alameda and the San Francisco Bay Area. Additionally BAMP musicians have opportunities throughout the year to participate in field trips, assemblies, guest artist performances and guest artist workshops. BAMP has welcomed diverse musical guest artists such as the Amani 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.
