Melodic Musings

Oakland Symphony and Maestro Kedrick Armstrong welcomed audiences on Friday, October 18th for a dazzling opening night at Paramount Theatre. The concert featured "a rich array of musical performances" with "undeniable talent and technical triumph" and, true to Oakland's spirit, a "warm display of care, both from and for the community" (The Daily Californian).

Our next concert, "Two Black Churches + Carmina Burana," will be on Friday, November 8th at 8pm at the Paramount. The concert features two pieces for orchestra and voice by composer SHAWN OKPEBHOLO, whose music embodies a strong Christian faith and commitment to African-American causes as constant sources of optimism. The night will end with Carl Orff's popular large-scale choral piece, Carmina Burana.

Please see Hall Pass information below for FREE or DISCOUNTED concert tickets for next Friday night!

We are pleased to continue our Hall Pass program and offer $10 concert tickets for all students and families from OUSD and neighboring districts, as well as teachers, administrators, community school managers, counselors, librarians, custodians, office and attendance clerks, paraprofessionals, tutors, yard duty supervisors, food service workers, nurses, and volunteers. Please use this access code to get your $10 tickets to ANY Oakland Symphony concert:

Discount Code: OUSD102425

If you are a Title I School, we offer FREE concert tickets to all Oakland Symphony concerts for your school community. Please click here or scan the QR code on the flier below to obtain access codes to your complimentary tickets. Email Rachel Kim at rkim@oaklandsymphony.org with any questions.

Oakland Symphony offers complimentary concert tickets to community organizations that serve low income residents and historically marginalized groups. Please click here or scan the QR code on the attached flier for access codes.

We look forward to welcoming you and being in community together at one of our concerts soon! Please email Rachel Kim at rkim@oaklandsymphony.org if you would like to plan a "Symphony Night" for your organization.

JOIN US for Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra's fall concert with Music Director, Omid Zoufonoun! The performance will feature a special preview of the Youth Orchestra's side-by-side with the Oakland Symphony in March performing the music of Gabriela Lena Frank.

The concert will be on Sunday, November 10th at 2pm at the Valley Center of the Performing Arts, located at 3500 Mountain Blvd, Oakland, CA 94602. We can't wait to see you there! 🎵

Maestro Armstrong recently toured several of Oakland Symphony's partnered schools in OUSD. Students worked with him in their ensembles and learned about his journey in music. It was a truly special day of engaging with students, faculty, and staff of Oakland schools! With a strong background and passion for education, Maestro Armstrong looks forward to visiting more partnered schools in the near future and inviting the community to the Paramount.

Check out the photos below to see the Maestro in action with our students and teachers!

Skyline HS students work with Maestro Armstrong alongside music teacher Mr. Adam Green

Maestro engages in conversation with students at Oakland Tech HS on their favorite music

Maestro Armstrong speaks to a large musical crowd at Montera Middle School

Maestro conducts the Advanced Band at Melrose Leadership Academy

MUSE Teaching Artist Candace "Candy" Sanderson, originally from San Diego, has played as a violinist in orchestras throughout California including the San Diego Symphony, La Jolla Chamber Orchestra, San Diego Opera & Ballet, Berkeley Symphony, and Fremont Symphony. She has been a member of the Oakland Symphony and a MUSE Teaching Artist since 1981, and her passion for music education continues to bring her to schools and performing arts organizations in Oakland to work with students.

Additionally, Ms. Sanderson plays trumpet in a 16-piece women’s big band called Melba’s Kitchen, performing 40’s- and 50’s-era jazz music. We are so fortunate to have her expertise and breadth of experience in the MUSE program!

MUSE VIVO String Orchestra and Wind Ensemble starts Thursday, November 7th. OUSD music teachers and VIVO Directors Ms. Jessica Ivry and Ms. Holly Shogbesan look forward to a year of fun and rigorous music-making with students.

Email Rachel Kim at rkim@oaklandsymphony.org if you would like to receive more information on how to join this tuition-free after-school program, open to 6th through 12th grade student musicians.

MUSE Stringendo programs are off to a wonderful start! Our Teaching Artists are hard at work in our after-school string programs at various elementary school sites. Stay tuned for more info on student performances!

Ms. Hande Erdem at Manzanita SEED elementary demonstrates plucking technique for students

Oakland Symphony at the Annual OUSD Community Schools Managers Resource Fair

Thank you for taking the time to read through our newsletter! If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Education Team.

Stay connected with us through our website as well as Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates. We look forward to continuing the year with learning, growth, and community spirit.

Warm regards,
Rachel Kim, Ed.D.
Director of Education & Social Impact, Oakland Symphony

rkim@oaklandsymphony.org

Direct: (510) 274-6364 ext. 314