2nd Annual East Oakland Vocal Festival

Elevate Oakland and Town Business Inc. are proud to present the Second Annual East Oakland Vocal Festival! Join us for one night celebrating more than 100 budding vocal students hailing from more than 5 of OUSD's East Oakland elementary, middle and high schools.

Event admission is FREE with RSVP. There is an option at checkout to make a suggested donation in support of the growth and longevity of the East Oakland Vocal Program.

Participating schools include:

• Castlemont High School
• Elmhurst United Middle School
• REACH Academy
• Edna Brewer Middle School
• Urban Promise Academy
• Coliseum College Prep Academy

ABOUT THE EAST OAKLAND VOCAL PROGRAM

Spearheaded by OUSD educator and long-time producer Keenan Foster of Town Business Inc. with the support of Oakland-based nonprofit Elevate Oakland and the Oakland Unified School District, the East Oakland Vocal Program--established in the fall of 2023--aims to develop and implement vocal and choral music curriculum that will be offered as classes during the school day to students across a continuum of elementary, middle and high schools.

Rooted in the belief that music and arts programs are most successful and sustainable when students are engaged throughout the lifespan of their K-12 education, this program centers partnership between local teaching artists and school site educator and administrators to offer year-long curriculums in choral music and vocal performance.

The East Oakland Vocal Program is built off the rich history of choral music in East Oakland, dating back as early as 1929 with the founding of the Castlemont Castleers choral group, which garnered national and worldwide recognition during the peak of the chorus’s success in the 70s and 80s. The strength and success of East Oakland’s choral music programs bred some of Oakland’s best-known musicians such as D’Wayne Wiggins, Raphael Saadiq, and Timothy Christian Riley of Tony! Toni! Toné!, all who were members of the Castlemont Castleers during their high school years.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Castlemont High School, 8601 MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland, United States