Who Are We?

East Bay Harmony is an a cappella chorus of women and men that embraces popular music as a source of enjoyment and connection, that can be shared by all, regardless of background or musical experience. With no auditions required, EBH offers an opportunity to all to experience the joy of singing in harmony with others, learn and improve musical skills, and promote music in a warm, welcoming community.

Our members have varied levels of vocal experience, ranging from professionals to complete beginners. Although we perform occasionally at schools, senior citizens' homes, and Bay Area events, our emphasis is not on performance, but on improving our musical skills and fostering fellowship though song.

Here are some comments from members on their EBH experience:

"EBH provides a wonderful low-key way to sing in four-part harmony with others, improve one's singing skills, and contribute to the community through performances ...... and all this is from someone who learns by ear because I do not read music." -- Mike

"EBH has helped me to discover that I really can sing!" -- Roberta

"Monday evenings are now a refuge of enjoyment and fun in my work-week; improving my musical skills, hearing my voice blend with others, and performing in such a friendly group -- what a great community this is." -- Marlene

About Our Director

EBH Music Director Mark Bernfield graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Vocal Performance from UC San Diego, where he directed the UCSD Madrigal Singers for three years and sang in various other choirs and a cappella groups. After graduation and a summer stint at an East Coast arts camp teaching voice and directing choirs, Mark changed course completely and devoted himself to the study of jazz drumming, putting vocal music on the back burner for a while.

When the opportunity came in June of 2001 to direct East Bay Harmony, though, Mark jumped at the chance, as he missed directing choirs and immediately saw how much joy and sense of community singing in EBH brought to its members. After beginning to direct EBH, Mark got the singing bug again, and in recent years has sung in local groups Flying Without Instruments and RoShamBo. As a teacher, Mark directs the afterschool choir at Prospect Sierra school in El Cerrito and teaches private drum students in his Oakland studio.

Mark has played drums professionally with many Bay Area jazz, funk, and rock bands, and currently plays regularly with the Michael LaMacchia Group, The Brad Niven Trio, Pluto Gang, and Laughingstock, whose new CD, Under Skin, has just been released.