|
Cantare Children's Choirs of Oakland is an Education and Outreach program of Cantare Con Vivo. Our program offers high-quality choral music education in urban
neighborhoods of Oakland where students have limited access to arts programs. All students participate in our program and special activities at no charge, through
financial support from donors, local businesses and foundations.
Our education and outreach program began in Fall 1999 with a choir of third-fifth graders. In response to community needs, our program has grown to offer weekly rehearsals, regular community performances and field trips for over 600 Oakland students in kindergarten through ninth grade. We currently offer in-school music education and after-school choirs at two Oakland elementary schools, an after-school choir for middle school students and a summer music camp. In 2005, our program was recognized with the Outstanding Education Program award from Chorus America. Cantare Con Vivo’s Music Education programs provide quality music education and meaningful musical experiences that foster a lifelong love of music. Through their participation, students will develop increased self-esteem, through discipline, teamwork and healthy social behavior, providing them with essential tools for living successful and productive lives. On April 26th, 2008, our All Star Singers participated in the Anaheim Heritage Festival where our students took first place with a "gold" rating among junior high choirs which makes our choir elligble for future invitation-only competitions. In addition, one of our singers was chosen from thousands of participating students to receive Disney's "Million Dreams" award.The students performed beautifully at the festival, including an a capella piece from Zambia in SATB voicing. The judges were excited about the work we are doing in our program and summed it up by telling our students during their clinic: 'You are the hope of the world'. "Watching my students learn and grow this weekend made me so grateful that Cantare has chosen to invest in the future of each one of these remarkable children. Music fills them with so much hope and pride." - Julie Haydon
Our after-school “Music Stars” choirs offer third, fourth and fifth grade students an exciting array of musical opportunities. Students rehearse twice a week, learning fundamentals of choral singing and music theory, and performing a variety of musical styles employing unison and two-part singing. Singers also participate in special field trips to live musical performances and special events. Students also work with volunteer adult mentors from our adult choirs and local universities, which facilitates a high level of personal interaction with students and families. We also bring a special unit into each fourth grade classroom, bringing alive the music of California History. Students study the diverse music styles and historical events that have shaped California and present a cumulative performance for the school and community. Lincoln Elementary
“The halls are alive with the sound of music when Cantare Con Vivo comes to Lincoln. The engagement of the students is palpable, and the smiles on the faces of
both the teachers and the students reflect the wonderful sense of community that's created when music is in the air. Our students not only love to sing but are also
finding great satisfaction and excitement when learning to read and write music. What a channel for expression and creativity!”
“My students would not have had any exposure to music if not for the Cantare Con Vivo program that brings music into the schools. My students learned about
rhythms and notes and sang beautiful songs. But most importantly, they were exposed to something that can be a positive outlet in their lives. This is so important in a
neighborhood where there are so many negative things pulling children in the wrong direction. The program provided a positive, uplifting experience for my students.”
“My favorite part was when we went to the competition because we sang our best. We were the smallest group but we still won the spirit award because we had the biggest hearts.” - 8th Grade Student, The All Star Singers
|
Elementary Programs
We are beginning the third year of our partnership with Lincoln Elementary, located in Oakland’s Chinatown. Directors:
Julie Haydon and Erika Uribe 
Lafayette School
All-Star Singers
Summer Music Camp
Make a Difference