Maya Lin Elementary School Chapter — Grades K-5

​“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 operates its largest program for students in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade attending Maya Lin School in Alameda. 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 practice. Every day after school, students receive a nutritious snack, academic assistance and high-quality, joyful daily music training in beginning through advanced levels in the following:  

• Orchestra
• Advanced Chamber Ensemble
• Advanced Band
• BAMP Youth Chorus
• Junior Choir
• Winds and Brass Ensembles
• String ensemble (violin, viola, cello, bass)
• Percussion Ensemble
• Digital Audio Composition and Production
• Piano
• ​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:

• ​Beginner Chorus
• Music Exploration​
• Mindfulness Through Art and Music
• Free play and crafts

All instruments are provided by BAMP.
Students in 2nd grade participate in at least one of the following classes or ensembles:

• Chorus (Junior Choir or Youth Chorus by audition)
• Level 1 Winds and Brass
• Level 1 Violin
• Level 1 Percussion
• Level 1 Ukulele

All instruments are provided by BAMP.
Students in 3rd - 5th grade participate in at least two of the following classes or ensembles:

• Youth Chorus (audition required)
• Level 1-3 Winds and Brass
• Level 1-3  SoundLab (Digital Audio Composition and 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 in 4th & 5th grade also have the option to enroll in the following classes: ensembles:

• Piano
• GainUp (a specialized music production co-hort for girls and non-binary students)
  

​Students enrolled in BAMP are expected to perform up to three program-wide performances per year. Advanced-level ensembles can expect 4 to 6 community-based concerts at different events around Alameda and the San Francisco Bay Area. Youth Chorus 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 Marcus Shelby, Yo-Yo Ma, Linda Perry, Black Violin, 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.

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