Arts for Oakland Kids

Led by conservatory-trained musicians, Harmony Project is an intensive, multi-year program of instrumental classes and performances. The program provides musical ensemble training through direct instruction and musical mentorship. Students receive 4 hours of weekly, after-school instruction on violin or cello, including peer-led, teacher-mediated practice time as part of this. The program includes 3 public performances throughout the year.

The Living Jazz Children's Project is a free, in-school performing arts residency designed for pre-kindergarten through 3rd graders in the Oakland Unified School District's Title 1 schools and expanded in 2022 to West Contra Costa School District and middle school students. Debuted in 2005, the jazz-rooted arts education program teaches music fundamentals, ensemble singing, rhythm, percussion and dance, utilizing art as a tool for social change and cultural empowerment. The year-long curriculum focuses on choral music through a social justice lens, on rhythm and polyrhythms from the African Diaspora within the context of cultural awareness, and on dance as a form of cultural history, self-expression and storytelling.

Oakland Ballet Company's You Can Dance program is an in-school dance residency designed to help fill the void in dance education. Students will begin with a performance from OBC's professional dancers at an assembly where they will also receive an interactive choreography lesson. From there, students will receive another 15 weeks of classes that include dance warm-ups, movement games tied to the classroom curriculum, and the creation of their own dance that will be performed at the final presentation.

ARTogether's After-school Music Program provides newcomer refugee and immigrant students at Oakland International High School with collaborative weekly music classes & creates gathering spaces for students to learn and explore different musical styles and traditions together.

The Musical Theatre in Schools program from Bay Area Children’s Theatre will give all 3 Kindergarten classrooms (~55 students) at La Escuelita Elementary the opportunity to build performing arts skills over the course of a 16-week program. Students will create their own costumes, learn songs, choreography, and blocking, and then perform their big show in school for friends and family.

In 2023/2024, Junior Center will continue and expand our classroom residency program at Emerson Elementary, a Title 1 school located in Oakland's Temescal neighborhood. In our residency students work in a supportive environment with professional artists and makers on both individual and collaborative projects. Students will engage in hands-on skill building in painting, drawing, collage and 3D design that
encourages imagination and facilitates an understanding of artistic tools and mediums.

Latin American Music Program (LAMP) is a 90-minute after-school class provided twice per week and tailored to the 6th-8th grade students who speak Spanish or Mam at home. During the school day, most of these students are required to be in ESL classes when other students are receiving arts education. LAMP students will learn about and play music celebrating Central and South American traditions, including Mariachi, Banda, and Son Jarocho. Instruments taught will include guitar, violin, trumpet, percussion, guitaronne, and others. Classes will culminate with students recording a performance for their community that will be live-streamed.

The Esperanza Circus and Theater Arts Residency at Esperanza Elementary School will build on the the 2022-2023 residency with weekly circus and theater arts instruction for all fourth and fifth grade classrooms and a K-2nd special day class serving students with moderate / moderate-severe disabilities, engaging a projected 110 students during the 2022-2023 school year. In partnership with classroom teachers, Prescott Circus Theatre teaching artist, Aileen Lawlor, will facilitate and support students? technical skill building and creative learning in circus and theater arts while promoting habits that support school and life success.

In partnership with Rudsdale Continuation High School in East Oakland, The Crucible facilitates a weekly elective program in fine and industrial arts education for 60 students in 10th-12th grades (ages 16-21). Six to 10 students over each 6-week marking period receive 3 hours of weekly instruction in Blacksmithing, Ceramics, Glass Blowing, Glass Flameworking, Jewelry, Leather & Textiles, and Welding.