Welcoming
Young People K-12!

What’s the Difference?

The Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir (OIYC) was founded in 1997 to introduce gospel music to youth ages 12 to 17. More recently, Oakland Interfaith Kids Choir (OIKC) was created to serve children ages 5–11, inspired by people who brought kids to the all-ages Gospel Community Choir rehearsals. Meeting at the same time and place — just a room away — it offers children and their grown-ups the joy of parallel, shared musical experiences. The OIKC and OIYC are vibrant, club-like choirs where fun, friendship, and joyful music-making take center stage. Designed for playful exploration, they focus on learning by rote rather than sight reading sheet music. They sing from a repertoire grounded in gospel and spirituals with lively infusions of jazz and other styles.

Founded in 1974, the Oakland Youth Chorus (OYC), has a rich history of uniting young singers from across the East Bay, fostering cross-cultural understanding and lifelong connections through music. OYC ensembles include Miracles, Songbirds, Concert Choir, and the Chamber Chorus - serving students in grades K-12. In 2022, it became part of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Family of Choirs, where it continues to bring together youth from diverse backgrounds to develop their voices and build community through song that celebrates cultural traditions and inspires social connection. OYC offers a traditional choral experience that blends musical training with a broad repertoire. Across these four ensembles, singers learn sight reading, basic theory, and ear training while exploring classical choral works, pop, and world music, as well as gospel traditions.

Across our entire Youth Program, singers of all ages gain rich performance experience, sharing their voices on stages throughout the Bay Area and beyond. For high school singers, the program also provides enriched opportunities for personal and artistic development, including touring, leadership experiences, and the chance to apply for college scholarships to support both their musical and academic futures. Questions? Contact our Youth Program Director, La Nell Martin: lanell@oigc.org.