Freight Community Education Festival

Schedule of Events

12:00 - 1:00 PM, Lobby: Golden State of Song Sonic Tapestry: Indian Music in California presentation
12:00 - 1:00 PM, Room 208: Singing for Fun! with Zoe Ellis
12:00 - 1:30 PM, Room 210: Country/Bluegrass Jam with Richard Brandenburg
1:30 - 2:30 PM, Showroom: Golden State of Song WWII Japanese Incarceration presentation
2:45-3:45 PM, Room 210: Workshop TBD
2:45-3:45 PM, Room 208: Workshop TBD
4:00 - 4:30 PM: Freight Singers Mini-Concert

About Our Programs

Golden State of Song
Golden State of Song is The Freight's 4th grade arts immersion program that enhances and enriches the study of California history via live performances of the state's robust musical traditions. Through this program, we present four individual modules to meet each school's individual needs and interests: WWII Japanese Incarceration, Ohlone Song, Great Migration, and our newest module, Sonic Tapestry. On the Golden State of Song website home page, you can find two 6-7 minute documentaries on our WWII Japanese Incarceration and Ohlone Song modules to help gain an understanding on what students take away from our presentations.
WWII Japanese Incarceration
Anchored by teaching artist Shirley Muramoto, this module takes a deep dive into the experience of the tens of thousands of Japanese-Americans who were incarcerated under Executive Order 9066. 
Sonic Tapestry: Indian Music in California
This module explores the powerful impact and influence of Indian music on California musicians and cultural practitioners. It is led by Dr. Rohan Krishnamurthy and Jim Santi Owen, two musicians/teaching artists who have devoted their lives to this music, as well as several special guest artists.

Freight Singers Mini-Concert
Returning to the stage is the blockbuster Freight Singers community chorus. Founded by Zoe Ellis and Bryan Dyer, the chorus introduces singers and audiences to a variety of cultures inside the US and around the world with an emphasis on traditional/roots music.

Workshops and Jams
Workshop and Jams TBD! Programming will include a variety of offerings representative of our teaching artists and Community Monday leaders.
12:00 - 1:00 PM, Room 208: Singing for Fun! with Zoe Ellis
Berkeley native Zoe Ellis has built her small singing classes based entirely in fun and harmony. Take a chance on yourself and your voice. Let’s laugh, let's sing songs we love, let’s learn new music, let’s learn to blend and to project! This is a simple workshop for any level singer. You do not need to be able to read music. We will learn some vocal exercises and learn a song that brings a smile to our faces.
12:00 - 1:30 PM, Room 210: Country/Bluegrass Jam with Richard Brandenburg
The Bluegrass/Country Jam is one of the longest-running jam sessions in the Bay Area, and this popular monthly drop-in jam is a great way to begin playing and singing traditional bluegrass and country songs at comfortable tempos in a supportive, fun, and relaxed setting. The beautiful melodies, harmonies and simple chord patterns are easy to play and learn by ear, and with the support of a friendly circle of jammers, you’ll become part of the now-vast community of folks who have made the wonderful tradition of jamming a part of their musical life! Please bring your own instrument.
2:45 - 3:45 PM, Room 210: Workshop TBD
2:45 - 3:45 PM, Room 208: Workshop TBD