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. Fall session: August – December
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: Dr. Ondine Young -Piano/Strings/Percussion. Rob Finucane – Piano, Percussion. Anna Orias – Manager, Arranger, Percussion. Teaching Assistants: Magnus Dunn, Kevin Shen
JAZZ BAND – Basics, Blues, and Beyond: Saturdays, 10 am – 12 pm. Fall session: August – December
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: Ben Green, Winds/Brass. Rob Finucane, Piano, Percussion. Teaching Assistant: Brandon Wong
BEGINNING INSTRUMENTALISTS – Newbie Notes
Thursday: 4:30-5:15 PM, Ages 4-5. PreK/K Bells, Guitar, Piano.
Thursday: 5:15-6:00 PM, Ages 6-8. Guitar, Piano.
Thursday: 6-6:45 PM, Ages 7-11. Piano, Guitar.
For Beginners: These classes are for students new to their instruments. Each student enrolls in one instrument and works in small groups with their instructor. This class has multiple teachers and TAs that cover instrumental instruction. Students choose one instrument to enroll in.
Instructors: Rob Finucane (piano, percussion), Anna Orias (piano, percussion, vocals).
Our Teachers
Our instructional staff is carefully chosen to include individuals who are knowledgeable and experienced, but also kind, grounded, and dedicated to serving the community.
Robert Finucane is a multi-talented musician, audio engineer, and producer based in Oakland, California. He has been making a living from his passion for music since 2013 and has a strong background in keyboard performance, songwriting, and piano teaching. 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.
Enthusiastic Teacher with superb leadership and communication skills. Easily cultivates trusting and productive relationships with students, parents, teachers, and administration. Creates, monitors, and sustains a disciplined school culture of high academic and behavioral standards.
Ondine is a violin/violist, musical director/conductor, and educator who works with many organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. She earned a doctoral degree from the University of Southern California in choral conducting and early music performance. Currently she works with Piedmont Pianos/East Bay Childrens’ Chorus, and Crowden School of Music; in addition to occasionally assisting with Old First Concerts San Francisco, Superpower of the Song, Notes Music Academy and more. Click here to learn more.
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.
Our current location does not have ADA access. Construction is starting soon to remedy that. In the meantime, please let us know if you would like to see our facility and see if we may accommodate your needs with special plans in the meantime.