A key component of Law Rocks’ mission is to promote music education for underserved youth. In 2023, due to our increased sponsorship and fundraising, Law Rocks was able to offer a new grant at each Law Rocks show: The Music Matters grant. This grant, continuing in 2024, is given to a local nonprofit that supports youth music education in each of our U.S. tour cities. Omi Crawford, director of Law Rocks, says of the grant initiative:
“Since our 2009 founding, Law Rocks has supported hundreds of incredible nonprofits, with an emphasis on youth music education organizations. The Music Matters grant is a natural evolution of our mission and a chance to formalize our support of amazing music education nonprofits across the country.”
Today’s spotlight is on our 2024 Law Rocks San Francisco Music Matters grant recipient, Bay Area Music Project. BAMP exemplifies our mission in every way and we are delighted to celebrate the hard work and heart behind this exceptional organization.
Keep reading to learn more in our spotlight interview with Bay Area Music Project Founder and Executive Director, Lorrie Murray.
Our 2024 San Francisco Music Matters Grant Recipient: Bay Area Music Project
1) Can you tell us a little about the history of your nonprofit, as well as its mission and focus?
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary this year, and it's amazing to see how far our program has come since it began with just 40 children in a choir back in 2014. Currently, over 230 students participate annually across five partner school sites in Alameda and East Oakland, California.
Bay Area Music Project (BAMP) is a non-profit after-school music education and social-emotional learning program that creates community amongst culturally and economically diverse groups of children and youth in grades K-12. All students participating receive high-quality music instruction in both small group and orchestra settings, plus all necessary musical supplies (instruments, songbooks, etc), a nutritious snack, and academic support during the school year. We empower children to discover their highest potential through musical instruction, positive mentorship and inspiring performance experiences that help build confidence, compassion, and teamwork.
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.
2) What is the best example of the way you’ve seen your organization’s work make a difference?
The best example is when I see a child’s face light up when they do something they didn’t think they could. That moment when things click. You can see their confidence build and the pride they feel. When we start with kindergarteners, we play the long game when gauging impact, so for us, success is in the details. It’s in the daily “ah-ha” moments when they learn a new note or compose a new song. I especially love it when they perform for family and friends. That smile on their faces when they finish playing a piece of music with their orchestra that was difficult to learn. They know what they’re capable of, and that feeling is palpable.
Image courtesy of Bay Area Music Project
3) What are some upcoming initiatives that you are planning for?
There are a few on the horizon, but one we’re particularly excited about is our “GainUp” music production and engineering program for girls and gender-expansive youth. GainUp gives extra hands-on experience and mentorship from women and gender non-conforming adults working in the music industry. The program offers classes that will teach students about audio engineering and songwriting and producing and create pathways to careers in the music industry.
With mentorships and partnerships with women and gender-inclusive studios, girls and nonbinary youth will feel empowered to take up space in their learning environment and access information about audio and music that has traditionally favored boys and men.
Our goal is to uplift our marginalized youth, expand their knowledge, and inspire them to “gain up” the volume of their voices.
4) What is the greatest challenge your organization faces?
One of the greatest challenges BAMP faces is addressing the long-term effect the pandemic has had on young people's mental health and wellbeing. It's heartbreaking to see the ramifications of a prolonged lack of social interaction paired with too much social media use affecting youth of all ages. More students than ever before require specialized care beyond the healing power of music.
In response to our students' needs, we formed a team of trained professionals who support their social-emotional development by helping them understand, express, and regulate their emotions.
Image courtesy of Bay Area Music Project
5) What does the power of music mean to you?
Music has the transformative power to change a single person or an entire community. It connects us all on a deeper level and feeds our soul.
6) How will the Music Matters grant be used?
BAMP aims to provide support and opportunities for young people from marginalized communities to pursue careers in the technical and creative aspects of audio production. With the help of the Music Matters grant, we plan to expand our GainUp program to middle and high school students, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the music industry.
Learn more about Bay Area Music Project.