About the Program
ORCHESTRA • JAZZ BAND • BEGINNER’S GROUPS
Instrumentalists, join us for our Live Ensembles! Our Orchestra and Jazz Band are mixed in age, level, and instrumentation, co-taught by two instructors and supported by multiple teaching assistants. This team collectively plays most instruments and can help customize the level and participation of each student. These larger ensembles are 2 hours each to build skills, work on repertoire, and prepare for performances. There are built-in break times to eat and socialize.
Brand new musicians start in our “Newbie Notes” classes as a pathway to the larger ensembles. Newbie Notes are classes for musicians who are brand new to their instruments and are offered in groups by age and instrument, with “The Littles” being our youngest group.
Musically Minded has a philosophy of “People first, Music Second,” meaning students may choose their own instruments and genres outside prescriptions of social and cultural norms. This opens the possibilities for students to receive support to discover their personal artistry at the forefront and promotes deeper commitment and learning for their chosen music path. We believe music thrives in healthy communities. Join and experience a safe space for students to learn while building social connections, a family-like atmosphere, and a welcoming, supportive community for each participant, embracing intergenerational scaffolded learning to meet differing skills and needs.
Live Ensemble Details
The New Location is St. John’s Church, 2727 College Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705, in the “Choir Room.”
ORCHESTRA – New Notes: Sat: 9 – 11 am.
This multigenerational ensemble plays classical and current repertoire. We welcome multi-level instrumentalists: violin, viola, cello, upright bass, guitar, piano, flute, and percussion (marimba, drum kit, orchestral percussion). Multiple teachers, Teaching assistants, and volunteers allow us the unique ability to make accommodations for each instrumentalist to best support their abilities and skills. (Beginners should start with our “Newbie Notes” program.)
The class schedule is outlined below:
9:00-9:45: New Notes Orchestra
9:45-10:00: Break (BBB students arrive and set up)
10:00-10:45: New Notes + Basics, Blues and Beyond (Symphonic Band)
Instructors: Jack Perla, Ben Green. Anna Orias – Manager. Teaching Assistants: Caroline Ou, Kevin Shen, Matilda Malabuyo
JAZZ BAND – Basics, Blues, and Beyond: Saturdays, 10 am – 12 pm.
Join us for this multigenerational jazz combo. This class is rooted in the basics of jazz and blues and includes additional exploration of other genres. Instructors work with each student to build jazz skills and prepare for ensemble performances. Parts are customized for each instrumentalist to fit their range and level, and music-reading skills are desired but not required. (Beginners should start with our Newbie Notes classes.)
Class schedule:
9:45-10: BBB students arrive and setup)
10-10:45: New Notes + BBB (“Symphonic Band”)
10:45-11: break (New Notes leaves)
11-12 pm: BBB
Instructors: Jack Perla, piano/percussion. Ben Green, Winds/Brass. Teaching Assistant: Brandon Wong
BEGINNING INSTRUMENTALISTS – Newbie Notes – Group Instrumental Classes
Th | 4:30-5:15 | Ages 4-6 | Transfer students only
Th | 5:15-6 | Ages 4-6 | FULL!
Th | 6-6:45| Ages 7-9 | Transfer students only
Fr | 4-4:45 PM | Ages 4-6 | New Class! | Starts on 9/26
Fr | 4:45-5:30 PM | Ages 6-8 | New Class! | Starts on 9/26
For Beginners: These classes are for students new to Piano.
Instructors: Anna Orias and Maya Nag.
In this class, small groups of students will learn the basics on their instruments! All students do rhythm work at the beginning and end of each class. This builds great rhythmic coordination and listening skills! In the middle class, student break out into separate rooms with their instrumental instructors, working in small groups. Caregivers are welcome, but not required, to attend and assist their children. Students are required to practice at least four days a week. Materials cost approximately $35 and are not included in the tuition. All students are required to have their own instruments. We have guitars and violins that students may rent from us for the duration of the class. Pianists are required to have full-sized weighted keyboards or acoustic pianos at home to practice on.
Composer and pianist Jack Perla survived youth in Staten Island, New York, thanks to his parents’ “Auto-Changing LP Player”. It put Sergio Mendes, Beniamino Gigli, Miles, Rachmaninoff, Erroll Garner, Heifetz, Stan Getz, and more together in a pre-iTunes mash-up that challenged his ears and left him curious. Read more
A saxophonist/composer, Ben has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Music Composition from UC Davis. He has written for ensembles from Jazz quintets to string quartets, contemporary ensembles, and hip-hop beats. Read more
Anna has an extensive background working as a teacher and an entrepreneur in the arts since 1989. She is the founder and director of Musically Minded Academy. Her 30+ years as a teaching artist and arts administrator have always emphasized building community through a wide variety of performance events.
Financial Aid/ Accessibility
Limited financial aid is available for these classes. We are especially interested in increasing opportunities for underserved youth. Please contact us and let us know your circumstances and how much you can afford for the monthly installments. We will do what we can to accommodate your needs. We have ADA access in our facility.