The Beginning: OPC 1.0

On the first weekend of December 2005, the new staff and faculty of OPC hosted an engaging three-day Open House. This event included performances and mini-workshops by the founding faculty, offering attendees a glimpse of forthcoming courses. Each night wrapped up with concerts highlighting our faculty's talents. We delighted in music-making, dancing, and enjoying delicious bites from the kitchen of the newly-opened Spice Monkey Restaurant one block away on 17th and Webster St. We treasured the excitement of having a dedicated space for teaching and learning music that represented Oakland’s vibrant and diverse musical heritage.

Our inaugural semester offered a diverse range of classes for both youth and adults. The adult curriculum featured Jazz Studies, Strings, Music Theory and Songwriting, Music Technology, Afro-Cuban Rumba, Hip Hop and Spoken Word, Turntabling, Blues Piano, Jazz Guitar, and a big band dedicated to the works of Count Basie. The Preparatory Studies in Music Program, designed for youth aged 9 to 17, provided essential classes after school and on Saturdays and the OPC Rockin’ and Rollin’ Performing Arts Summer Camp.

From its establishment in 2005 until 2014, when it faced displacement due to gentrification, OPC's studios at 1616 Franklin Street thrived with the energy of youth and adults participating in workshops, master classes, concerts featuring local and international artists, and jam sessions. OPC became a vital hub for music and community events, including meetings, birthday parties, and memorial services.

Dr Angela M Wellman