Celebrating 20 Years of Fostering Oakland's Music Education and Cultural Legacy with OPC

Dear OPC Community,

Welcome to our latest newsletter, where we celebrate music's power to connect, inspire, and uplift. For the past two decades, the Oakland Public Conservatory (OPC) has been dedicated to providing quality music education rooted in African American culture, while preserving the rich cultural legacy of the people of Oakland.

Our ongoing "Catch the Vibe" music series continues to showcase diverse talents and cultural traditions through a variety of concerts and workshops. As we embark on our 20th year, we're excited to share that this series also supports our "Brick by Brick, Note by Note" campaign, funding the construction of a new state-of-the-art music facility in Old Oakland.

The new space will be designed to offer world-class music education experiences and a fully equipped performance venue where students, musicians, and music lovers of all ages can learn, perform, and appreciate music.

Throughout our journey, we've enjoyed countless memorable moments during workshops, such as Thembi Dunaja's spiritual journey from South Africa to Black Church, Etienne Charles' invigorating drum circle through Oakland's streets, and Bokani Dyer's uplifting "Talk and Community Jam." Each event continues to inspire, and we want to share these experiences with you!

Here's a glimpse of the talented artists and events lined up for the rest of the "Catch the Vibe" series:

- Pierr Padilla Cajon Workshop - March 27th

- DJ D Sharp DJ Workshop - March 31st

- Justin Brown Drum Workshop - April 15th

- Melanie Charles Vocal & Flute Workshop - May 2nd

- OPC's 20th Annual Spring Concert featuring Melanie Charles - May 17th

As a valued member of our community, we invite you to join us in celebrating music and supporting our vision for a dynamic cultural hub in Oakland. Your continued support ensures that OPC remains a beacon of creativity and learning for all.

Here's how you can contribute to the success of our Catch the Vibe music series and the "Brick by Brick, Note by Note" campaign:

1. Attend the events: Immerse yourself in live music and enjoy the diverse sounds of our talented artists.

2. Spread the word: Share the excitement with friends, family, and colleagues, and encourage them to join our thriving community of music enthusiasts.

3. Volunteer your time: We greatly appreciate any assistance with event logistics, promotion, or other tasks to ensure each concert and workshop runs smoothly.

Your unwavering support has been the cornerstone of our success, and we are grateful to have you as part of the OPC family. Together, let's make the Catch the Vibe music series a testament to our collective love for music, while honoring our rich history and shaping the future of music education in Oakland.

Stay tuned for more details on upcoming events and opportunities to get involved. We can't wait to share these memorable musical experiences with you!

With gratitude,
Christopher “PHER” Turner
Creative Education and Innovation Steward
Oakland Public Conservatory of Music