OAKLAND YOUTH CHORUS
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Mission Statement
Oakland Youth Chorus changes the lives of East Bay children and youth through programming which combines artistic growth and musical excellence, meaningful performance opportunities, music education which fosters skills and confidence, and cross-cultural repertoire and a welcoming community, resulting in greater understanding, acceptance and inclusion for diverse cultures. OYC brings the music and cultures of the world to Oakland, and the cultures of Oakland to the world.
About This Cause
Oakland students face significant barriers to artistic and academic achievement. Census data indicates 22.8% of families and 37.4% of single mother households live in poverty. Oakland has some of the highest-risk neighborhoods and greatest number of homicides and violent crimes in the region. 25% of residents over age 25 lack a high school diploma. The proportion of English learners in schools continues to outpace the state average. Students score considerably below their peers on standardized tests and the Oakland Unified School District struggles with high dropout rates. (Citations available upon request). Schools have shifted focus to subjects measured by testing, reducing arts education – and low-income children, often children of color, are least likely to be able to experience quality arts education. Yet youth development research suggests young people need a full range of activities to become confident, successful adults. OYC targets children and youth from under-resourced neighborhoods who lack access to choral music, providing a safe, creative, educationally stimulating program outside the school day for youth of diverse backgrounds where they can develop talents, feel accepted and respected, and learn to accept others’ differences. OYC programs build multicultural understanding, intentionally bringing together Oakland youth across lines of class, race, and culture for 39 years. Research also associates music education with academic success, showing higher test scores, improved school performance, and lower drop-out rates. Choral singing is linked to greater civic and community engagement. (Citations available upon request.) Our investment in empowering and supporting youth has paid significant dividends in a community where young people face barriers to success. All of our Concert Chorus members who have stayed through senior year have graduated from high school; over 90% go on to college. OYC provides a safe place where students build meaningful relationships through a challenging music curriculum instructed by highly qualified music educators. We further growth through musical skills development and the connections made in studying and comparing songs and musical traditions from a variety of world cultures. Through a curriculum developed in alignment with California music education standards, OYC builds multicultural respect and musical skills. While many arts education programs focus either on artistic merit or on accessibility, OYC is committed to maintaining both. OYC increases access to choral music. We prioritize reaching youth from diverse communities because access to high quality music education is important for the development of all children. We carry these values through in performances, seeking opportunities that extend access to underserved audiences. K-12 programs teach a sequential, yearlong curriculum. Musical skills deepen at every level. OYC programs culturally diverse repertoire that teaches the historical and social context of music, enhancing understanding and respect for world cultures. Our programs have been recognized as models by the Oakland Fund for Children and Youth and the Oakland Unified School District. OYC alumni include La Toya London, recording artist Goapele, and Roosevelt Credit, Broadway cast member of Porgy and Bess.