Blue Bear Waltzes School of Music opens in San Francisco, founded as a nonprofit school by local rock band Wolfgang & Strauss.
Blue Bear introduces the Electric Orchestra and Folk Chorus, a band comprised of over 30 teachers and students. They’re a hit at venues all across San Francisco.
Wolfgang & Strauss dissolves. The school turned out to be a much better idea than the band.
The school is a hot item! Blue Bear is covered far and wide — from the Chronicle and the brand new BAM Magazine to the nationally-renowned Rolling Stone to the then-fledgling radio station NPR.
Name AND Venue Change! Blue Bear drops the “Waltzes” and moves to Fort Mason Center.
Blue Bear begins its long-running scholarship program, funded by generous donors and celebrity sponsors.
Founder Steve Strauss designs the beloved bear logo
Blue Bear establishes itself as a San Francisco institution and celebrates an amazing 25 years!
Blue Bear bands play San Francisco. All levels of musicians take the stage at the Fillmore, Cafe du Nord, Sweetwater, Boom Boom Room, Bottom of the Hill, The Chapel, and many more!
30 years in, Blue Bear School of Music launches www.bluebearmusic.org. Welcome to the future!
Blue Bear forms its Outreach Program, bringing the music to those who need it most, including partnerships with SFUSD, Glide Memorial, Tenderloin Rec Center, Bayview YMCA, and more!
Blue Bear debuts Blue Bear Live, showcasing the best of the best. Headlined over the years by Elvin Bishop, Los Lobos Mavis Staples, Trombone Shorty and more!
2006 Blue Bear introduces the toddler music program “Little Bears”
Blue Bear introduces the All Star Band Program, forming awesome middle and high school rock bands!
Blue Bear is recognized as a San Francisco Legacy Business, joining a prestigious group of fewer than 300 community-serving businesses that are recognized as valuable cultural assets — not to mention that they’re some of SF’s favorite places!
Blue Bear weathers the storm, and makes the most of socially-distanced music-making. (But we miss our friends!)
Blue Bear celebrates 50 years! To commemorate the milestone, we gathered a few of the current Blue Bear crew — some teachers, staff, board members and a four-legged friend — in front of the original Ocean Ave campus. We are so grateful for our deep history, and along with our loyal, incredible and musical community, we look forward to making music for another 50 years!
A donation to Blue Bear School of Music is an investment in a vibrant, established and legacy nonprofit organization that improves lives one note at a time.
Your gift of. . .
Do you have a keyboard you bought yourself for Christmas and realize you have no time to play? Here are some examples of things we’re always looking for:
While we wish we could take everything, we just don’t have the space! Please email melanie@bluebearmusic.org with item names and pictures first.
JOIN US ON PATREON
Become a part of the Blue Bear community on Patreon! We have created a place for you to enjoy videos, photos, guitar lessons, a community forum, our blog, and most important of all – to help us grow our music education programs in San Francisco.
VOLUNTEER
Join our crew! We have ongoing volunteer shifts, especially during our semi-annual events. We can use your energy and spirit! Contact Melanie at melanie@bluebearmusic.org for details.
DONATE STOCKS
Our information:
Firm: Vanguard Brokerage Services
DTC#: 0062
Account #: 19936526
Account Name: Blue Bear School Of Music
Click here to donate through your Fidelity, Schwab or BNY Mellon DAF.
Donating stocks and mutual funds is a great way to support Blue Bear. By making a donation of securities it not only helps us fulfill our mission, but also offers some valuable financial benefits.
If you have any questions please e-mail Melanie at melanie@bluebearmusic.org
PLANNED GIVING
We appreciate you thinking about us while making your planned giving plans. We would be honored to be included in your will, and are happy to discuss further with you. Please call Melanie at 415.673.3600 or e-mail her at melanie@bluebearmusic.org
Want to chat?
We would love to chat with you about any and all of your questions about our school and the importance of our work. Feel free to give us a call at 415.673.3600 during our business hours: Monday-Thursday, 1-8 pm, and Saturday, 10:30 am-3:30 pm.