Programs
Sunday Gatherings
The anchor of our community-building offerings is our Sunday gathering, held on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month (with some exceptions, so check the calendar) from 9:30am to 11:30am, at the South Berkeley Senior Center.
Sunday Gatherings are a chance to make music with your peers, your elders, the youth of your community, experienced musicians and those that will learn from you. We make music with our bodies, our voices, with instruments that you bring with you and instruments that are on-site. Familiar sing-alongs and poetry created on-the-spot. Activities are facilitated by experienced teachers and by members of the community. There is a road map, and also lots of room for spontaneity, improvisation, and the unexpected. Not a music class, but there is an educational element for those that want to learn. The emphasis is on mutuality, the community bonds that grow from collective music-making, and fun.
Our Sunday Schedule:
- 9:30: informal potluck breakfast— bring a healthy breakfast item for your family and a little extra to share
- 10:15: Hi Good Morning— With a full stomach and surrounded by friends, we’ll sing a selection of 5-7 songs. Each Sunday gathering features lots of movement, playing on Orff instruments, and a participatory musical project.
- 11:45: announcements, clean-up, and socializing
Seasonal Festivals
We mark the arrival of each season with a Festival featuring a thoughtfully-crafted musical ritual, potluck, and informal singing. Offered in March, June, September, and December. Bewitching to young and old alike!
House Parties
EBCMP facilitates musical house parties, where a family in the community opens their home for a potluck and informal singing. Third Saturday of most months, 5-8pm. To find out about the next house party, check the schedule.
Community Singalongs at U.C. Village
For babies, toddlers, and their parents, grandparents, and caregivers
In our weekly gatherings we sing songs in many languages– primarily in English, but also in Mandarin, Spanish, Hebrew, Russian, Korean, German, Bulgarian, etc! In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, you will get to know your neighbors and learn about each other’s cultures, all while exposing the little ones to lots of language and music. Each week we play musical games, sing canons, and learn lullabies. No prior experience necessary. All are welcome. The instructor is a Berkeley native, recent Village resident, and mother of two, who loves singing with other people and learning songs in other languages. Questions? Email jennie[at]ebcmp[dot]org
EBCMP Family Camp
Every Summer we spend a glorious weekend camping in the East Bay Regional Parks. The weekend features music and movement activities in the mornings, afternoon activities to choose from like a ukelele class, an art project, or a hike. In the evenings we sing around the campfire (with s’mores of course) and share stories and skits and songs. More info can be found here.
A Season of Song
Every December we carol together in public spaces. And to encourage and empower people to sing with their communities during the winter holidays, we’ve created the A Season of Song campaign.
Watch the video: