The Oakland Youth Chorus offers a variety of programs throughout Oakland and Alameda for children and youth ages 5-21. OYC's unique approach combines repertoire from cultures around the world, professional performance opportunities, a solid foundation in music literacy and sight singing, and the chance to make friends from all over Oakland and the East Bay.
For information about arranging a regular OYC class at your school, after-school program, or community-based program, please see our Music at Your School page.
If you are a school principal, after-school coordinator, teacher or parent and would like to have Oakland Youth Chorus provide a choral program at your school, please contact Program and Marketing Director, Angela Dant, at 510-287-9700.
All children registered in OYC programs should bring a newsletter home in the first few weeks of class detailing the special rehearsals and events they can participate in with all of OYC. You can also find this information, including the current updates, on OYC's blog.
OYC's award-winning Concert Chorus includes both middle school and high school students. Oakland Youth Chorus singers have been wowing audiences nearly 40 years, and have performed all over the world, with special guest artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Linda Tillery, SoVoSo, and Keith Terry. OYC alumni include La Toya London of American Idol Season 3, recording artist Goapele, Stevie Wonder pianist and backup singer, Victoria Theodore, and Roosevelt Credit, cast member of the 2012 Tony Award-winning musical, Gershwin's Porgy and Bess. Like hundreds of our alumni, they received great musical foundation and met lifetime friends here at OYC.
Whether your singer's goals are to be the next American Idol or to enjoy singing and performing with a welcoming group of friends, OYC provides the professional, highly joyful musical training to support all of our singers in their success. We hope you'll join us!
Concert Chorus is directed by La Nell Martin, OYC's Artistic and Education Director.
Concert Chorus singers meet on Mondays 4:30-6:00pm and Tuesdays 4:30-6:15pm.
There may be special rehearsals on Wednesdays 4:30-6:00pm (to be determined by the Director).
The Winter-Spring 2013 Session runs the week of February 4 through May 14 2013 (no rehearsal on Feb 18 or week of March 25) and meets at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro.
The Concert Chorus performs in both all-OYC concerts (December and May) as well as a spring choral festival tour. In addition, Concert Chorus performs frequently throughout . In addition, Concert Chorus performs frequently throughout the year. More information about these performances will be sent home with the singer as these are scheduled. OYC expects both parents and singers to make a commitment to consistent attendance at rehearsals and performances.
Commitments as an active member of OYC's Concert Chorus
For parents:
- Assist your son or daughter with 100% attendance
- Assist your son or daughter's participation in performances
- Assist OYC in fundraising efforts
- Fulfill volunteer and registration commitments
- Communicate regularly with OYC staff re: fees, schedule conflicts, and other issues affecting your singer's participation and success in the chorus.
For singers:
- Come to every rehearsal, on time, prepared to sing
- Participate in all performances and tours
- Assist in recruiting friends to join OYC
Failure to fulfill these responsibilities may result in dismissal from the chorus.
The tuition fee for the session is $425. This fee includes over 50 hours of instruction taught to California State Music Standards and community gigs and OYC concerts, opportunities to perform with guest conductors and musical organizations, all sheet music needed, an OYC t-shirt, performance attire, retreats and workshops.
Tuition fees cover only 25% of OYC's expenses, and we are committed to helping singers and families participate regardless of economic circumstance. If you find this fee to be a significant hardship and/or you wish to explore a payment plan, please contact Executive Director, Keri Butkevich, at keri@oaklandyouthchorus.org before the first class to discuss options.
Online registrations can be made with credit card and PayPal payments. CONTINUING STUDENT REGISTRATION FORM and NEW SINGER REGISTRATION FORM.
If you are registering via our printed registration form, checks or credit card payments can be made by printing and mailing the registration form (PDF).
For any questions regarding Concert Chorus, contact La Nell Martin, OYC Artistic and Education Director, at 510-287-9700 or by email at lanell@oaklandyouthchorus.org.
To have a paper registration form mailed to you, contact Program and Marketing Director, Angela Dant at angeladant@oaklandyouthchorus.org or by calling 510-287-9700.
Once you’ve registered your child, visit OYC's blog for current information on rehearsals, holidays, and other special events.
OYC's Lincoln Middle School Chorus is open to any Alameda Unified School District middle school student. The chorus rehearses on Thursdays at Lincoln Middle School in Alameda. It is led by OYC's Artistic and Education Director, La Nell Martin.
Aspiring singers in 6th through 8th grade rehearse 3:10-4:10pm.
The Winter-Spring 2013 Session runs February 28 through May 9, 2013 (no rehearsal April 4).
Tuition includes instruction taught to CA State Music Standards, assessment of students' learning, and performance time, including special rehearsals for the annual OYC concerts and time doing community gigs, opportunities to learn from and perform with guest conductors and musical organizations, an OYC t-shirt and all sheet music needed.
Tuition fees cover only 25% of OYC's expenses, and we are committed to helping singers and families participate regardless of economic circumstance. If you find this fee to be a significant hardship and/or you wish to explore a payment plan, please contact Executive Director, Keri Butkevich, at keri@oaklandyouthchorus.org before the first class to discuss options.
Registration is handled through Alameda Education Foundation. Visit www.alamedaeducationfoundation.org and click REGISTER and find Lincoln Middle School's enrichment offerings.
If you wish to register with a check, you can visit your school office for an AEF registration form.
For any questions, contact Angela Dant, Program and Marketing Director, at angeladant@oaklandyouthchorus.org or by calling 510-287-9700.
Once you've registered your child, visit OYC's blog for current information on rehearsals, holidays, and other special events.
OYC's All-City Miracle Chorus rehearses on Tuesdays at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. at Castro. It is led by the talented and engaging OYC teacher Rhonda Crane.
Aspiring singers in K through 5th grade rehearse 4:30-5:30pm. Depending upon enrollment, classes may be separated to make sure everyone has the best experience possible.
The Spring 2013 session runs March 19 through May 28, 2013.
Tuition includes instruction taught to CA State Music Standards, assessment of students’ learning, and performance time, including special rehearsals for the annual OYC concerts and time doing community gigs, opportunities to learn from and perform with guest conductors and musical organizations, an OYC t-shirt and all sheet music needed.
Tuition fees cover only 25% of OYC's expenses, and we are committed to helping singers and families participate regardless of economic circumstance. If you find this fee to be a significant hardship and/or you wish to explore a payment plan, please contact Executive Director, Keri Butkevich, at keri@oaklandyouthchorus.org before the first class to discuss options.
Online registrations can be made with credit card and PayPal payments. CONTINUING STUDENT REGISTRATION FORM and NEW SINGER REGISTRATION FORM.
If you are registering via our printed registration form, checks or credit card payments can be made by printing and mailing the registration form (PDF).
For any questions, or to have a paper registration form mailed to you, contact Angela Dant, Program and Marketing Director, at angeladant@oaklandyouthchorus.org or by calling 510-287-9700.
Once you’ve registered your child, visit OYC's blog for current information on rehearsals, holidays, and other special events.
OYC's NEW Alameda Miracle Chorus is a partnership between OYC and Alameda Recreation and Parks Department and rehearses on Tuesdays at the Veterans' Memorial Building, 2203 Central Avenue, Alameda.
Aspiring singers in Kindergarten through 5th grade rehearse Tuesdays 4:30-5:30pm. Minimum enrollment of 16 needed to separate by grade level into a K-2nd grade class and the 3rd-5th grade class. Classes are combined if enrollment falls below the 16 singer minimum.
The Spring 2013 session runs March 19 through May 28, 2013. There is no class on April 2, 2013.
Registration is handled through Alameda Recreation and Park Department. The full course catalog in PDF format is HERE; Oakland Youth Chorus may be found on page 13.
Online registration: https://www.arpdeplay.com/Start/Start.asp
For any questions about the program, contact Angela Dant, Program and Marketing Director, at angeladant@oaklandyouthchorus.org or by calling 510-287-9700.
Once you've registered your child, visit OYC's blog for current information on rehearsals, holidays, and other special events.
OYC's Miracle Chorus at Chabot rehearses on Mondays at Chabot Elementary and is only open to Chabot Elementary Students. It is led by the talented and engaging OYC teacher Rhonda Crane.
Aspiring singers in K-2nd grade meet 3:00-4:00pm. 3rd-5th graders meet 4:05-5:05pm. Classes may be combined if enrollment falls below 16 for both classes.
The Spring 2013 session runs April 8 through June 2, 2013. There is no class on May 27, 2013.
Tuition includes instruction taught to CA State Music Standards, assessment of students' learning and performance time, including special rehearsals for the annual OYC concerts and time doing community gigs, opportunities to learn from and perform with guest conductors and musical organizations, an OYC t-shirt and all sheet music needed.
Tuition fees cover only 25% of OYC's expenses, and we are committed to helping singers and families participate regardless of economic circumstance. If you find this fee to be a significant hardship and/or you wish to explore a payment plan, please contact Executive Director, Keri Butkevich, at keri@oaklandyouthchorus.org before the first class to discuss options.
Online registrations can be made with credit card and PayPal payments. CONTINUING STUDENT REGISTRATION FORM and NEW SINGER REGISTRATION FORM.
If you are registering via our printed registration form, checks or credit card payments can be made by printing and mailing the registration form (PDF).
For any questions, or to have a paper registration form mailed to you, contact Angela Dant, Program and Marketing Director, at angeladant@oaklandyouthchorus.org or by calling 510-287-9700.
Once you've registered your child, visit OYC's blog for current information on rehearsals, holidays, and other special events.
OYC's Miracle Chorus at Franklin is open to any Alameda Unified School District student. The chorus rehearses on Mondays at Franklin Elementary in Alameda. It is led by the talented and engaging OYC teacher Michelle Jacques.
Aspiring singers in K through 5th grade rehearse 3:00-4:00pm.
The Winter-Spring 2013 session runs March 4 through May 13, 2013 (no class April 1).
Tuition includes instruction taught to CA State Music Standards, assessment of students' learning and performance time, including special rehearsals for the annual OYC concerts and time doing community gigs, opportunities to learn from and perform with guest conductors and musical organizations, an OYC t-shirt and all sheet music needed.
Tuition fees cover only 25% of OYC's expenses, and we are committed to helping singers and families participate regardless of economic circumstance. If you find this fee to be a significant hardship and/or you wish to explore a payment plan, please contact Executive Director, Keri Butkevich, at keri@oaklandyouthchorus.org before the first class to discuss options.
Registration is handled through Alameda Education Foundation. Visit www.alamedaeducationfoundation.org and click REGISTER and find Franklin Elementary School's enrichment offerings.
If you wish to register with a check, you can visit your school office for an AEF registration form.
For any questions, contact Angela Dant, Program and Marketing Director, at angeladant@oaklandyouthchorus.org or by calling 510-287-9700.
Once you've registered your child, visit OYC's blog for current information on rehearsals, holidays, and other special events.
OYC's Miracle Chorus at Glenview is only open to Glenview Elementary students. It is led by the talented and engaging OYC teacher, Bryan Dyer.
Aspiring singers in K through 5th grade rehearse on Tuesdays from 2:55-3:40pm. Classes may be split into K-2 and 3-5 grade is singer enrollment reaches 16 student minimum.
The Spring 2013 session runs April 9 through June 4, 2013.
Tuition includes instruction taught to CA State Music Standards, assessment of students’ learning and performance time, including special rehearsals for the annual OYC concerts and time doing community gigs, opportunities to learn from and perform with guest conductors and musical organizations, an OYC t-shirt and all sheet music needed.
Tuition fees cover only 25% of OYC's expenses, and we are committed to helping singers and families participate regardless of economic circumstance. If you find this fee to be a significant hardship and/or you wish to explore a payment plan, please contact Executive Director, Keri Butkevich, at keri@oaklandyouthchorus.org before the first class to discuss options.
Online registrations can be made with credit card and PayPal payments. CONTINUING STUDENT REGISTRATION FORM and NEW SINGER REGISTRATION FORM.
If you are registering via our printed registration form, checks or credit card payments can be made by printing and mailing the registration form (PDF).
For any questions, or to have a paper registration form mailed to you, contact Angela Dant, Program and Marketing Director, at angeladant@oaklandyouthchorus.org or by calling 510-287-9700.
Once you've registered your child, visit OYC's blog for current information on rehearsals, holidays, and other special events.
OYC's Miracle Chorus will rehearse on Mondays at Hillcrest Elementary and is only open to Hillcrest Elementary students.
Aspiring singers in Kindergarten rehearse on Mondays 2:00-3:00pm* and 1st through 5th grade rehearse on Mondays from 3:00-4:00pm.
The Spring 2013 session runs April 3 through June 3, 2013. There is no class on May 27, 2013.
Tuition includes instruction taught to CA State Music Standards, assessment of students' learning and performance time, including special rehearsals for the annual OYC concerts and time doing community gigs, opportunities to learn from and perform with guest conductors and musical organizations, an OYC t-shirt and all sheet music needed.
Tuition fees cover only 25% of OYC's expenses, and we are committed to helping singers and families participate regardless of economic circumstance. If you find this fee to be a significant hardship and/or you wish to explore a payment plan, please contact Executive Director, Keri Butkevich, at keri@oaklandyouthchorus.org before the first class to discuss options.
Online registrations can be made with credit card and PayPal payments. CONTINUING STUDENT REGISTRATION FORM and NEW SINGER REGISTRATION FORM.
If you are registering via our printed registration form, checks or credit card payments can be made by printing and mailing the registration form (PDF).
For any questions, or to have a paper registration form mailed to you, contact Angela Dant, Program and Marketing Director, at angeladant@oaklandyouthchorus.org or by calling 510-287-9700.
Once you've registered your child, visit OYC's blog for current information on rehearsals, holidays, and other special events.
OYC's Miracle Chorus for Homeschoolers and Kindergartners will rehearse on Tuesdays, 1:30-2:30pm at Rhythmix Cultural Works (2513 Blanding Avenue, Alameda) and is open to any Kinder through 5th grader in Alameda and the greater East Bay. It will be led by OYC's Artistic and Education Director, La Nell Martin.
The Spring 2013 session runs March 26 through June 4, 2013. There is no class on April 2, 2013.
Tuition includes instruction taught to CA State Music Standards, assessment of students' learning and performance time, including special rehearsals for the annual OYC concerts and time doing community gigs, opportunities to learn from and perform with guest conductors and musical organizations, an OYC t-shirt and all sheet music needed.
Tuition fees cover only 25% of OYC's expenses, and we are committed to helping singers and families participate regardless of economic circumstance. If you find this fee to be a significant hardship and/or you wish to explore a payment plan, please contact Executive Director, Keri Butkevich, at keri@oaklandyouthchorus.org before the first class to discuss options.
If you plan to pay with a PO from your Resource Center (Hickman or Connecting Waters), your Education Specialist MUST send the PO to OYC prior to the first class. Your ES can contact Angela Dant at 510-287-9700 or angeladant@oaklandyouthchorus.org to discuss your PO.
Online registrations can be made with credit card and PayPal payments. CONTINUING STUDENT REGISTRATION FORM and NEW SINGER REGISTRATION FORM.
If you are registering via our printed registration form, checks or credit card payments can be made by printing and mailing the registration form (PDF).
For any questions, or to have a paper registration form mailed to you, contact Angela Dant, Program and Marketing Director, at angeladant@oaklandyouthchorus.org or by calling 510-287-9700.
Once you've registered your child, visit OYC's blog for current information on rehearsals, holidays, and other special events.
OYC's Miracle Chorus at Kaiser will rehearse on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Kaiser Elementary and is only open to Kaiser Elementary students. It will be led by the talented and engaging OYC teacher Michelle Jacques.
Aspiring singers in K through 2nd grade rehearse on Tuesdays from 3:00-4:00pm and singers in 3rd through 5th grade rehearse on Thursdays from 3:00-4:00pm. Classes may be combined if enrollment falls below the 16 singer minimum.
The Spring 2013 session dates are TBD.
Tuition includes instruction taught to CA State Music Standards, assessment of students’ learning and performance time, including special rehearsals for the annual OYC concerts and time doing community gigs, opportunities to learn from and perform with guest conductors and musical organizations, an OYC t-shirt and all sheet music needed.
Tuition fees cover only 25% of OYC's expenses, and we are committed to helping singers and families participate regardless of economic circumstance. If you find this fee to be a significant hardship and/or you wish to explore a payment plan, please contact Executive Director, Keri Butkevich, at keri@oaklandyouthchorus.org before the first class to discuss options.
Online registrations can be made with credit card and PayPal payments. CONTINUING STUDENT REGISTRATION FORM and NEW SINGER REGISTRATION FORM.
If you are registering via our printed registration form, checks or credit card payments can be made by printing and mailing the registration form (PDF).
For any questions, or to have a paper registration form mailed to you, contact Angela Dant, Program and Marketing Director, at angeladant@oaklandyouthchorus.org or by calling 510-287-9700.
Once you've registered your child, visit OYC's blog for current information on rehearsals, holidays, and other special events.
OYC's Miracle Chorus at Redwood Heights Elementary will rehearse on Thursdays and is only open to Redwood Heights Elementary students.
Aspiring singers in 1st through 5th grade rehearse from 3:00-4:00pm.
The Spring 2013 session runs April 11 through June 6, 2013.
Tuition includes instruction taught to CA State Music Standards, assessment of students' learning and performance time, including special rehearsals for the annual OYC concerts and time doing community gigs, opportunities to learn from and perform with guest conductors and musical organizations, an OYC t-shirt and all sheet music needed.
Tuition fees cover only 25% of OYC's expenses, and we are committed to helping singers and families participate regardless of economic circumstance. If you find this fee to be a significant hardship and/or you wish to explore a payment plan, please contact Executive Director, Keri Butkevich, at keri@oaklandyouthchorus.org before the first class to discuss options.
Online registrations can be made with credit card and PayPal payments. CONTINUING STUDENT REGISTRATION FORM and NEW SINGER REGISTRATION FORM.
If you are registering via our printed registration form, checks or credit card payments can be made by printing and mailing the registration form (PDF).
For any questions, or to have a paper registration form mailed to you, contact Angela Dant, Program and Marketing Director, at angeladant@oaklandyouthchorus.org or by calling 510-287-9700.
Once you've registered your child, visit OYC's blog for current information on rehearsals, holidays, and other special events.