Bay Area Music Project (BAMP) is a non-profit, social change through music in- and after-school program serving the social, emotional, cultural and academic needs of children in grades K-12 in under-resourced communities throughout Alameda and Oakland, California.
At BAMP, no child or family is ever turned away because of financial limitations. All students participating receive high-quality music instruction in both small group and orchestra settings plus all necessary musical supplies (instruments, song books, etc), a nutritious snack and academic support during the school year. We empower children to discover their highest potential through musical instruction and performance experiences in a collaborative, orchestral environment that helps build confidence, compassion and teamwork. Children learn the importance of collaboration and cooperation in and outside the ensemble; they learn how to become one voice, and through their shared experience, grow stronger as individuals and as a community.
Bay Area Music Project has been widely recognized by local and national education and service organizations such as California Department of Education, California District 18 Assembly and the Jefferson Award for Public Service to name a few.
BAMP was founded by Lorrie Murray in 2014 to provide high-quality and empowering after-school music education for Alameda’s socio-economically and culturally diverse community. Inspired by Venezuela’s renowned El Sistema program and its dedication to artistically rigorous ensemble training as a vehicle for social change, BAMP’s mission is to provide an opportunity where all children—regardless of circumstances—can thrive socially and academically through music education that promotes creative expression, teamwork, discipline, and social responsibility.
BAMP operates 16 hours per week, 38 weeks a year providing children in grades K- 8 access to intensive music training, instruments, academic support, and a nutritious snack in order to empower them to reach their fullest potential in the classroom and life. The program includes instrumental instruction in violin, viola, cello, bass, percussion, guitar, ukulele, choir, orchestra, electronic music composition and production, and theater arts. Students spend between 5-10 hours a week making music together, learning the values of collaboration, listening and mutual respect. Peer-to-peer instruction and reflection, along with frequent performances, serve as a powerful motivating force for excellence and provide students with a platform to showcase their understanding of the material, creativity and hard work. Whether in choir or string ensemble, students engage and collaborate with teaching artists to create their own unique, creative and adaptable learning environment.
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. *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, 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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