Join the Oakland Interfaith Family of Choirs and their friends for an evening of Black gospel music, community, and celebration. The Annual Free Spring Concert follows a day of workshops teaching elements of Black gospel music. Reserve your seat, and learn more about the Gospel Music Conference below.

2025 Gospel Music Conference

Hosted by the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir

Spend a day immersed in the different elements of Black gospel music. Discover and improve your skills in gospel soloing, vocal strength, tambourine, songwriting, stage presence, and more! Sign up for a full day of workshops, or join in the afternoon for the mass choir workshop. Afterwards, enjoy a potluck dinner hosted by the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir followed by an evening of music.

Package A - $110
• 8:30AM - Three Workshop Sessions
• 2PM - Mass Choir Workshop
• 5PM - Dinner & Concert

Package B - $ 40
• 2PM - Mass Choir Workshop
• 5PM - Dinner & Concert

Schedule of the Day

• 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Registration

• 8:30 AM - 8:45 AM Welcome and Warm Ups

• 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM Session 1

• 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM Session 2

• 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM Lunch Break

• 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM Session 3

• 2:00 PM - 3:45 PM Mass Choir Workshop: Terrance teaches music that will be performed that evening at the Annual Free Spring Concert.

• 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Sound Check

• 5:00 PM - 6:15 PM Potluck Dinner hosted by OIGC members

• 6:30 PM Doors open

• 7:00 PM Annual Free Spring Concert begins!

Class Descriptions
(in alpha order)

Finding Your Mixed Voice
Instructor: Zoe Ellis
Unlock the full potential of your voice with Zoe Ellis, this year’s Ed Kelly Gospel Music Apprenticeship participant. In this workshop, you’ll explore the art of singing in mixed voice—a powerful technique that blends chest and head voice for a seamless, dynamic sound. Through practical exercises and techniques. learn how to navigate vocal transitions, strengthen your range, and add depth and flexibility to your gospel singing.

Focusing Your Voice
Instructor: Terrance Kelly & Isa S. Chu
Unlock the full potential of your voice by mastering vocal placement! In this workshop, Artistic Director Terrance Kelly and vocal coach Isa S. Chu will guide you through techniques to refine your sound, improve clarity, and maximize vocal resonance. Learn how to place your voice for a stronger, more controlled tone while reducing strain and fatigue. Through practical exercises and expert feedback, you'll discover how to sing with greater ease, flexibility, and expression. Whether you're a soloist or a choir member, this session will help you sing with confidence and purpose.

Give Me That Rhythm
Instructor: Kyle Blase
Unlock the heartbeat of gospel music in this high-energy rhythm workshop with master percussionist Javier Naverrette. Explore the essential grooves and percussive patterns that drive gospel and spiritual music, from handclaps to syncopated beats. Whether you're a singer, musician, or just a lover of rhythm, this interactive session will help you develop a deeper feel for timing, phrasing, and the soulful pulse that brings gospel to life.

Gospel Soloing
Instructor: Ashling Cole
Step into the spotlight and discover the power of your solo voice with Ashling Cole. This workshop will help you build confidence, refine vocal techniques, and learn how to interpret gospel music with authenticity and passion. Whether you're a seasoned soloist or new to stepping forward, you'll explore phrasing, vocal dynamics, and emotional delivery to make every note count.

Gospel Soloing
Instructor: JaCoree Prothro
Unleash your gospel solo voice with JaCoree Prothro! This workshop dives into the nuances of expressive solo singing, helping you find your unique sound while honoring gospel traditions. Learn how to connect deeply with your audience, infuse your performance with emotion, and use techniques like runs, vibrato, and vocal placement to create a powerful and moving solo.

Reading Your Part
Instructor: La Nell Martin
If you've ever struggled to find or hold your part in a choir, this workshop is for you! Join La Nell Martin as she breaks down the essentials of sight-singing, harmony, and vocal blending. Whether you're a beginner or looking to strengthen your music-reading skills, you'll gain confidence in navigating sheet music, understanding your vocal line, and singing with clarity and precision.

Sell Your Song
Instructor: Ashling Cole
You’ve got a great voice—now let’s make sure your message shines! Aisling Cole will show you how to deliver a compelling and heartfelt gospel performance that connects with your audience. Learn how to bring out the emotional depth of a song through phrasing, dynamics, and stage presence. Whether performing in church or on stage, this workshop will help you captivate and inspire.

Sell Your Song
Instructor: JaCoree Prothro
Great singers don’t just hit the right notes—they tell a story. Join JaCoree Prothro for a dynamic session on how to “sell” your song with conviction and authenticity. From vocal expression to stage presence, you'll explore ways to engage your audience, build connection, and leave a lasting impact with every performance.

Songwriting
Instructor: Paul Daniels
Every song has a story to tell. In this workshop, songwriter Paul Daniels walks you through the fundamentals of crafting a song, from melody and lyrics to structure and arrangement. Whether you’re an experienced songwriter or just starting, you'll gain practical tools to develop your ideas and create songs that move hearts and lift spirits.

Support Your Sound
Instructor: Terrance Kelly
A strong choir starts with strong vocal technique! Join Terrance Kelly for an essential session on how to support your voice, maintain vocal health, and sing with power and endurance. Learn about breath control, resonance, and choir blending techniques to enhance your sound and elevate your performance.

Teach Me How to Tambo
Instructor: Jae Phoenix
Bring the spirit of celebration into your worship with the power of the tambourine! Jae Phoenix teaches the rhythms, techniques, and expressive movements that make tambourine playing an essential part of gospel music. Bring a tambourine if you have one, it doesn’t matter what kind or what size. For advanced players, please bring a “sweat rag“ (i.e. hankie or small towel) because you’ll probably need it. 😄 Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this hands-on workshop will have you playing with confidence and joy.

Free for kids, $10 Adults

GET TICKETS

Join all five of OIGC's youth ensembles as they present songs honoring and celebrating Black History.

$20 General Admission
$15 Students/Seniors (65+)

GET TICKETS

Free for OUSD Students and Families – Registration required: www.oigc.org/ousdgo

No one turned away for lack of funds!

Featuring the OIGC Youth Program Ensembles:

• Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir

• Oakland Youth Chorus - Chamber Singers

• Oakland Youth Chorus - Concert Chorus

• Oakland Youth Chorus - Miracles

• Oakland Interfaith Kids Choir

Learn more about OIGC's Youth Program at www.oigc.org/youth

OIYC is bringing back their Holiday Concert to Imani Community Church in Oakland.
Click here for the full program

Join the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir for an evening of soul-stirring music, holiday spirit, and interfaith harmony at its 39th Annual Holiday Concert, hosted by Amar Khalil, acclaimed singer/songwriter and former lead vocalist for Tony! Toni! Toné!. Taking place on Saturday, December 7 at 7 PM at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, this celebration of Healing Through Song features guest vocalists JaCoree Prothro, Reverend Reginald Finley, and Jackie Tolbert, with dynamic ASL interpretation by Half-N-Half (Sherry Hicks and Michael Velez). The Oakland Interfaith Community Choir and Youth Choir will join OIGC for a powerful performance to celebrate life and uphold freedom.

Click here for the digital program

OIGC’s 39th Annual Holiday Concert is supported in part by the following foundations: Alameda County Arts Commission, California Arts Council, City of Oakland Cultural Fund, East Bay Community Foundation, the Hewlett Foundation, Koret Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, San Francisco Foundation, and Zellerbach Family Foundation.

Additional support comes from: Kapor Foundation and donors from around the world! Visit www.oigc.org/donate to make your gift today.

Join OIYC and OIKC along with other local musicians to celebrate the tree lighting at Bay Street! Arrive early to give yourself time to enjoy the festivities that Bay Street has to offer.

From Bay Street:
Savor the warmth of festive moments with loved ones {and while you’re at it, savor the new Bay Street Emeryville at our annual Tree Lighting Event}. Join The City of Emeryville and Bay Street Emeryville as we unwrap the magic of togetherness at the 2024 Emeryville Community Tree Lighting Event! Festivities begin at City Hall then bike, scoot, or stroll on over the South Bayfront Bridge to Bay Street Emeryville for food, music & holiday fun! Discover everything new at Bay Street, including our diverse restaurant offerings and our completely redesigned plaza. Sip, Shop & Eat your way from the Plaza to north end. 

Friday, December 6, 2024
4:00pm | Sip. Shop. Eat. @ Bay Street Emeryville
4:30pm | Festivities begin @ City Hall – 1333 Park Ave.
5:30pm | Car-Free Parade begins
6:00pm | Bay Street Tree Lighting, Sip. Shop. Eat. Market, Music, food & family fun!

Community Volunteer Event

OIGC/OICC/OYC help ACFB fill bags of food for the local shelters and churches. Want to join us? Email lanell@oigc.org to RSVP.

OIGC will sing as part of the festival - see you there!

OYAE 2024 CLOSING RECEPTION

Join us on Friday, August 30th | 6-9pm for the Closing Reception of OYAE (Oakland Youth Art Explosion) annual exhibit featuring the Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir with Terrance Kelly (Co-Founder and Artistic Director).

RSVP Encouraged, visit: https://OYAE24ClosingreceptionatJGG.eventbrite.com

All-Choir 2024
SAT, Aug 3
Kick off Season 39, Healing Through Song with the annual All-Choir gathering! Meet & Greet with the board of directors and members of the OIGC family. Bring your friends, family, and a dish to share. See you soon!

WHEN
Saturday, Aug 3, 11:30am ~ 4pm
State of the Choir Address, ~12pm

WHERE
Lake Temescal - North Temescal Picnic Site
- Bring $5 cash for parking
- There is a little shade and plenty of wide open spaces.
- Feel free to bring your own chairs, sunshade, picnic blanket, frisbee, football, etc.
- As it is the Bay Area, DRESS IN LAYERS! Prepare for the sun as well as the cold.

WHAT - The Potluck
- Bring whatever you’d like to share for ~10-12 folks. Don’t know what to bring?
Sopranos - salads
Altos - entrees
Tenors - appetizers
Basses - drinks
- No alcohol is permitted at this site.
- There are park grills if you want to use them, but you will be responsible for bringing your own grill stuff.
- Plates, utensils, serving utensils, ice, and drink bucket provided.

GET GAME TICKETS from OIGC through May 31

OIGC and OYC will sing the National Anthem on June 5, 6:40 game vs. Seattle Mariners.

• Game tickets: $22.50 each

• Seats will be located in or around Section 128

• Tickets can be picked up at GATE C on game day from an OIGC staff member.

Celebrating the Class of 2024! Each graduating senior is highlighted and honored. The Riley West Scholarship award will also be presented that day.

GET TICKETS

$20 - General Admission
$15 - Seniors (65+)
$5 - Children
$10 - Livestream

OUSD Students and Families register here for free admission

All three Oakland Youth Chorus ensembles will showcase their best performances from the sets they've honed throughout the year.

Youth from 2nd to 12th grade will share the culmination of their hard work, learning, and musical exploration- a celebration of their dedication and artistic growth!

GET TICKETS

$20 General Admission
$15 Students/Seniors (65+)

FREE for OUSD Students and Families: REGISTER HERE

The Oakland Youth Chorus is a program of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir. OIGC Youth Programs are supported by the Barrios Trust, the Bill Graham Memorial Foundation, the Bridge Association of Realtors, the Distaff Singers, and the Stulsaft Foundation. This presentation is also made possible with foundation support from the Alameda County Arts Commission, California Arts Council, City of Oakland Cultural Fund, East Bay Community Foundation, the Hewlett Foundation, Koret Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, San Francisco Foundation, Zellerbach Family Foundation, and with support from individual donors from around the world! Visit www.oigc.org/donate to donate today.

Info and Register to attend

Annual Free Spring Musical and Spring Choir Workshop

2:00 PM – Workshop Choir
$30 registration

Join Terrance Kelly for a two-hour choral workshop! Learn and rehearse a couple of songs, and get ready to showcase your skills at the Annual Spring Musical later that night!

No one turned away due to lack of funds. Send financial aid requests to programs@oigc.org.

7:00 PM – Annual Free Spring Musical
FREE! And streaming live at www.oigc.org/live

Featuring:
• Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir
• Oakland Interfaith Community Choir
• Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir

Guest Artists:
• The Glide Ensemble
• Oakland Jazz Chorus
• … and more!

Immerse yourself in a unique musical experience at the Annual Free Spring Musical and Spring Choir Workshop!

For those participating in the workshop, spend two enriching hours under the guidance of the esteemed Terrance Kelly. Learn and rehearse captivating songs, and prepare to showcase your talents that same night at the Annual Spring Musical alongside the Oakland Interfaith Family of Choirs and other outstanding gospel performers.

The soulful concert features the renowned Oakland Interfaith Family of Choirs and local gospel groups and artists from across the Bay Area!

Members of the Oakland Interfaith Choirs showcase their talents and gifts.

FREE! – Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted!

Join all five of OIGC's youth ensembles as they present songs honoring and celebrating Black History.

Location:
Imani Community Church
3300 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland

$25 General Admission
$15 Seniors (65+)
$ 5 Children/Youth
Free for OUSD Students and Families – Registration required: www.oigc.org/ousdgo

No one turned away for lack of funds!

Featuring the OIGC Youth Program Ensembles:

• Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir

• Oakland Youth Chorus - Chamber Singers

• Oakland Youth Chorus - Concert Chorus

• Oakland Youth Chorus - Miracles

• Oakland Interfaith Kids Choir

Learn more about OIGC's Youth Program at www.oigc.org/youth

The OIGC Youth Program is supported by Barrios Trust, Bill Graham Memorial Foundation, Bridge Association of Realtors, the Distaff Singers, and the Stulsaft Foundation.

This presentation is also made possible with foundation support from Alameda County Arts Commission, California Arts Council, City of Oakland Cultural Fund, East Bay Community Foundation, the Hewlett Foundation, Koret Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, San Francisco Foundation, Zellerbach Family Foundation, and with support from individual donors from around the world! Visit www.oigc.org/donate to donate today.

OIYC Performs at the the 100 Club East Bay Annual Gala

2nd Yuletide Youth Holiday Concert

SAT, December 16, 2023 – 2:00 PM (Add to Calendar)
Roosevelt Middle School Auditorium (map)

$25 General Admission
$15 Students/Seniors

38th Annual Holiday Concert: Living In Harmony

Saturday, December 2, 2023 – 7:00PM (Add to Calendar)
Paramount Theatre, Oakland

TICKETS: $15-$80

• Online via Ticketmaster.com: Service charges may apply and vary according to the event. Tickets purchased online will be delivered through Mobile Delivery only.

• In-Person: Purchase tickets at our Box Office, located at the 21st Street Entrance of the theatre, Fridays, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Please check their schedule for Box Office Closures.

• Sign up to volunteer for free admission

VIP EXPERIENCE: 100 @ $100
Purchase below to elevate your concert night to an extraordinary level with the Holiday Concert VIP experience and make unforgettable memories!

Here's what you can look forward to:

• Gain early entry into the historic Oakland Paramount Theatre for an exclusive pre-concert reception. Mingle with fellow VIPs, guest artists, and Directors while enjoying treats and sipping on your favorite beverage

• Premier seating is included so you can enjoy the concert in some of the most coveted sections

• Finally, an exclusive, limited-edition gift for you as a token of our appreciation. A little something to remember the extraordinary night

Only 100 spots are available and they're going quick! PURCHASE BELOW, or call 510-839-4361
*** ALL SALES ARE FINAL ***

Getting To Know You

The OIGC family has expanded now to 7 ensembles! What’s the difference between the Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir and the Oakland Youth Chorus? There’s a kids’ choir? Does the Community Choir sing Black gospel music too? How many people are in each group?

At this concert, the OIGC family will perform for each other!

Radium Runway’s inaugural Golden Hour Youth Music Festival celebrates the best of Alameda's emerging new artists. A selection of groups from high schools across the island will perform at Radium Runway and a performance by OIGC Youth Program Ensembles: OYC Chamber Singers and Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir

FREE! – Register for Tickets

Want to perform too? Sign up to audition!

Try a rehearsal with the Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir!

The Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir introduces gospel music to youth ages 12 to 17. The choir, first started in 1997, now includes over two dozen members from diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.

The All-Choir Potluck is on Saturday, August 5!

Potluck and Hangout
10:30am ~ 3pm

LOCATION
Alameda Crown Memorial State Beach, Mariner's Lagoon Picnic Area. View map for location and parking

THE POTLUCK

• Bring whatever you’d like to share for ~10-12 folks

• No alcohol is permitted at this site.

• There are park grills if you want to use them, but you will be responsible for bringing your own grill stuff.

• Plates, utensils, serving utensils, ice, and drink bucket provided.

OTHER NOTES

• There is little to no shade, and plenty of wide open spaces.

• Feel free to bring your own chairs, sunshade, picnic blanket, frisbee, football, etc.

• As it is the Bay Area, and with this site in particular closer to the bay – DRESS IN LAYERS! Prepare for the sun as well as the cold!

$32 (regular $40-$53) – OIGC Fundraiser has ended!

Get your tickets from MLB Tickets to join OIGC in and around Section 125!

***

The OIGC choirs sing the National Anthem at the Oakland A’s game on June 12, against the Tampa Bay Rays!

Join us in supporting the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir by purchasing tickets to the upcoming baseball game fundraiser! Enjoy a fun day out while supporting our mission to spread the joy of gospel music. Grab your friends and family and come cheer on the home team while helping to make a difference.

OIGC’s Tickets will be located in and around Section 125

Upon purchase, please enter the name of your choir and choir member to keep groups together. To ensure your group is seated together, please arrive as a group to pick up tickets at the same time.

We’re celebrating our High School Seniors and sending them off to college and beyond!

5:00 PM – Dessert Reception
6:00 PM – Program and Awards Ceremony

$15 suggested donation: GIVE TODAY

View the full event program

Introducing Apprentice Director: Jenni Simpson, Redwood Interfaith Gospel Choir

Featuring Guest Artists:

Beth Eden Baptist Church Choir

Glide Memorial Church Ensemble

Jacoree Prothro ... and more!