Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Acquires Oakland Youth Chorus
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Isa S. Chu, Marketing Manager, isa@oigc.org, (510) 839-4361
OAKLAND INTERFAITH GOSPEL CHOIR ACQUIRES OAKLAND YOUTH CHORUS
Two venerable San Francisco Bay Area arts organizations merge to achieve shared stability and increased community impact
OAKLAND, CA (May 24, 2022) –– Following a thorough review by each organization’s board of directors, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (OIGC) has accepted an invitation from Oakland Youth Chorus (OYC) to become its acquisition partner. OIGC’s acquisition of OYC embraces a legacy choral program with an outstanding reputation and expertise in serving the youth of Oakland and the surrounding areas to its program roster, leveraging OIGC’s strong leadership and infrastructure. Initial acquisition discussions began in September 2021, with a review process that took six months under the guidance of a task force made up of leadership from both organizations. The deal was finalized in April 2022, and the official public announcement was made on Saturday, May 21 to the shared communities. OIGC will work with legal and nonprofit consultants to ensure a smooth transition over the summer, supported by a generous Organizational Effectiveness grant from the Hewlett Foundation.
Small arts organizations around the region, including OIGC and OYC, continue to be deeply impacted by the loss of primary funding revue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With funders shifting priorities and leadership turnover amongst nonprofits at an all-time high, Oakland’s vibrant and vital cultural landscape has felt the impact.
“Our board assessed the landscape and chose to refocus on our founding purpose: our choral program,” says Patrick Zimski, Board President for OYC. “OIGC’s mission aligns so well with our own, and their leadership and longevity make them an ideal partner.”
“The opportunity for knowledge sharing and operational efficiencies will propel our organization to new heights, enabling us to better serve our community,” adds Maren Amdal, Executive Director of OIGC. “The merger results in a stronger organization thanks to increased capacity which will better serve all our constituents. With a combined budget projected at more than $1M, both institutions will benefit from economies of scale resulting in much-needed stability.”
Recognizing OYC as an essential resource to the East Bay community, OIGC took interest in preserving this like-minded arts organization. A merger of administration and a combining of community, OYC will retain its name and legacy, as well as rehearsal space at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland. Remaining in service of OYC are Artistic Director, La Nell Martin, and Development Manager, Nikole Wilson-Ripsom, both of whom will join the OIGC team. The newly-merged staff of seven will share a larger combined office space, moving within Preservation Park later this summer.
The acquisition of OYC fits seamlessly into a recently completed five-year plan, which includes a heavy emphasis on robust youth programming and organizational stability.
“By the fall of 2023, we anticipate there will be a resurgence of interest in youth and community choirs, with need for a focus on access and equity,” says Nicolia Gooding, OIGC’s Board President. “This merger will set the stage for our ensembles and programs to meet that need from a position of strength.”
OIGC gains artistically through this acquisition and increases sponsorship and engagement opportunities. The partnership is expected to boost enrollment and performance opportunities by quickly expanding communications and community outreach capacity. The OIGC family of choirs will now include more than 350 singers and musicians across the following ensembles:
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, and small ensembles
Oakland Interfaith Community Choir
Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir
Oakland Interfaith Kids Choir
Oakland Youth Chorus
Oakland Youth Chorus Chamber Ensemble
“In acquiring OYC, our community retains a rich musical heritage and gains from this joining of artistic talents,” adds OIGC Artistic Director Terrance Kelly. “La Nell and I have known one another for years and I have always respected the work of OYC. I am excited for everything we will create together!”
“The impact of combining these two organizations will deepen the mission and vision of each and will speak to the East Bay community by sharing diversity in music experiences. We are enthusiastic to see what new creative ventures our shared platform can present in programming and service to our youth and community, here in the East Bay,” said OYC Artistic Director La Nell Martin.
Volunteer and community leadership are the backbone of both organizations. The merger task force included leadership support from volunteers and staff, including:
Patrick Zimski, Attorney – President, OYC Board
Nicolia Gooding, ILP Coordinator, Alameda County Social Services – President, OIGC Board
Andrew Chung, Director, Visiqua – Member OYC Board
Jorge Choy, Director of Business Development, Riiid Labs– Vice President, OIGC Board
Cristine Kelly, CEO of Fix Creative – OYC Interim Executive Director
Maren Amdal – Executive Director, OIGC
La Nell Martin – Artistic Director, OYC
Terrance Kelly – Founding Artistic Director, OIGC
Community support will continue to be an essential component of success. OIGC welcomes well-wishes and donations in celebration of this commitment to community and looks forward to the opportunity to feature each of its six member choirs at public performances for years to come.
A celebration of merger will take place on Saturday, August 6 at the annual OIGC All-Choir picnic. Visit www.oigc.org for more details.
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ABOUT OAKLAND INTERFAITH GOSPEL CHOIR
Founded in 1986, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir is a nonprofit 501(c)3 performing arts organization born out of a gospel music workshop led by Terrance Kelly at Living Jazz’s Jazz Camp West. The OIGC family of choirs includes a 75-member performance choir, 20-member youth choir, and 180-member community choir performing under the organization’s mission to inspire joy and unity among all people through black gospel and spiritual music traditions.
ABOUT OAKLAND YOUTH CHORUS
Founded in 1974, the Oakland Youth Chorus (OYC) is the longest-running youth chorus in the East Bay, creating and sustaining programs of high educational and artistic merit that are accessible to and supportive of children and youth from all backgrounds. OYC accomplishes this through joyful and affirming music education and performance programs focused on musical excellence at all levels, nurturing development of the whole child. Community performances provide opportunities for singers to connect across neighborhoods and engage in the arts as service-learning experiences. OYC singers develop self-confidence, respect for the music of diverse cultures, strong friendships and community engagement, and a lifelong love of music.
For more information on OIGC, visit www.oigc.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/oigcs
Instagram: www.instagram.com/oigc
Twitter: www.twitter.com/oakinterfaith
YouTube: www.youtube.com/oaklandinterfaith
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