FIND FANTASTIC OUSD ELEMENTARY MUSIC PROGRAMS
ALL OVER TOWN!
ALLENDALE ELEMENTARY
Mark Rendon, music teacher
Allendale Elementary offers classes in Guitar, Piano, Percussion and Choir. Also, ALL
students receive classroom music for 30 minutes per week. We have concerts throughout the
year, including Harvest Time, Winter Holiday, Dr. King Holiday, the Cesar Chavez Holiday
and Spring Concert
mark.rendon@ousd.k12.ca.us
https://sites.google.com/a/ousd.k12.ca.us/rendon-s-rockers/
BELLA VISTA
David Hardiman, music teacher
Students have the opportunity to play a variety of band and stringed instruments, and perform
in annual Winter & Spring Concerts, as well as perform at assemblies on themes such as
Black history, Cinco De Mayo, and others. Students are graded throughout the year. Grades
are recorded on their report cards.
david.hardiman@ousd.k12.ca.us
BRIDGES ACADEMY
Linh Nguyen and Linda Green, music teachers
Bridges Academy has music classes at each grade level. Linh Nguyen teaches Orff-based
general music at all of the grade levels, focusing on the fundamentals of music making
through movement, dance, singing, rhythm training, recorder, drumming, instrument making,
and rock band. The 4th and 5th grades have an instrumental ensemble twice a week, taught
by Linda Green, where the students choose their instrument. The Oakland Children’s Chorus
and taiko offer after school music opportunities. Students eagerly participate in their
Halloween Thriller Dance, Winter Concert, Spring Concert, and End-of-the-Year Celebrations
each school year!
Linh.nguyen@ousd.k12.ca.us Linda.green@ousd.k12.ca.us
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqHuwN8byaI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btHrGpSVQ3A
BROOKFIELD
Jan Cameron, music teacher
The Music program at Brookfield consists of General Music T-K -5th grade. We have monthly
assemblies where our students perform, as well as a yearly Musical production, which last
year was The Lion King and this year a Motown Revue. 3rd - 5th grade study guitar and
keyboard in small ensemble classes. Singing and dancing, percussion and Orff instruments
are a part of the fabric woven into the school community.
jan.cameron@ousd.k12.ca.us
CHABOT
Claudia McCarthy and Adam Schraft, music teachers
Chabot Elementary School offers a comprehensive K-5 music program for all students. K-3
students receive general music including singing, classroom instruments (drums, xylophones
and recorders) and creative movement. 4th and 5th graders may opt to continue general
music and/or study a woodwind, brass or string instrument. The 5th grade band also features
a rhythm section with opportunities for guitar, bass, piano and drum set players.
claudia.mccarthy@ousd.k12.ca.us
adam.schraft@ousd.k12.ca.us
CLEVELAND
Linda Green, music teacher
Cleveland Elementary has dynamic music and art classes at each grade level. There is
singing and rhythmic training from the organization Cantare Con Vivo at all grade levels,
which include an all-school sing-a-long once a month. In addition, the students in the 4th and
5th grade classes all learn to play strings (violin, viola, or cello) with Linda Green and support
from the Oakland East Bay Symphony.
Linda.green@ousd.k12.ca.us
COMMUNITY UNITED
Yari Mander, music teacher
The music programs at CUES serves grades K-5 or portions thereof with a general music
curriculum which changes it's scope and range based on spatial and linear realities from year
to year. Students sing a variety of multicultural songs and develop skills in in tune singing,
singing rounds, harmonies, articulation and Performative expression. Some students have the
opportunity to play xylophones, drums, recorders, guitars and other Orff and world music
instruments. All students participate in an active, fun, participatory inspiring music program
which enriches their soul and brings joy.
yari.mander@ousd.k12.ca.us
CROCKER HIGHLANDS
Michael Turner, music teacher
Michael Turner Sr. teaches 1st fifth grade. In 3rd grade, students focus on learning the Songflute, which prepares them for other instruments of their choice in 4th and 5th grade, in brass,
woodwinds, strings or percussion. Once your child chooses their instrument, we encourage
them to stay with it! We also offer general music in the Orff approach, in 1st and 2nd grades.
michael.turner@ousd.k12.ca.us
EAST OAKLAND PRIDE
Mark Rendon, music teacher
East Oakland Pride Elementary offers classes in Guitar, Piano, Percussion and Choir.
Also, ALL students receive classroom music for 30 minutes per week. We have concerts
throughout the year, including Harvest Time, Winter Holiday, Dr. King Holiday, the Cesar
Chavez Holiday and Spring Concert.
mark.rendon@ousd.k12.ca.us
https://sites.google.com/a/ousd.k12.ca.us/rendon-s-rockers/
ENCOMPASS
Yari Mander, music teacher
The music programs at Encompass serves grades K-2 or portions thereof with a general
music curriculum which changes it's scope and range based on spatial and linear realities
from year to year. Students sing a variety of multicultural songs and develop skills in in tune
singing, singing rounds, harmonies, articulation and performative expression. Some students
have the opportunity to play xylophones, drums, recorders, guitars and other Orff and world
music instruments. All students participate in an active, fun, participatory inspiring music
program which enriches their soul and brings joy.
yari.mander@ousd.k12.ca.us
EMERSON
David Hardiman, music teacher
Students have the opportunity to play a variety of band and stringed instruments, and perform
in annual Winter & Spring Concerts, as well as perform at assemblies on themes such as
Black history, Cinco de Mayo, and others. A music grade is included on the students' report
cards.
david.hardiman@ousd.k12.ca.us
FUTURES
Yari Mander, music teacher
The music programs at Futures serves grades K-5 o with a general music curriculum which
changes it's scope and range based on spatial and linear realities from year to year.
Students sing a variety of multicultural songs and develop skills in in tune singing, singing
rounds, harmonies, articulation and performative expression. Some students have the
opportunity to play xylophones, drums, recorders, guitars and other Orff and world music
instruments. All students participate in an active, fun, participatory inspiring music program
which enriches their soul and brings joy.
yari.mander@ousd.k12.ca.us
GARFIELD
Juliann Moscovitz, music teacher
Garfield elementary school offers general music classes to TK-5th grade, as well as a special
chorus for grades 4 and 5. We have several concerts throughout the year: Halloween, the
Winter concert, Black History Month assembly, the Spring concert and more. All classes are
well-rounded, including movement, percussion instruments, rhythmic notation, and age and
calendar appropriate songs that foster a life long love of music and an understanding of its
structures and language.
GLENVIEW
Claudia McCarthy, music teacher
Glenview has a top-notch band and orchestra. 4th grade students may choose to participate
in beginning instrument class (flute, clarinet, sax, trumpet, trombone, percussion, violin, or
cello). 5th graders may then continue in the school band or orchestra. Performance
opportunities include winter and spring concerts. claudia.mccarthy@ousd.k12.ca.us
GLOBAL FAMILY
David Hardiman, music teacher
Students have the opportunity to play a variety of band and stringed instruments, and perform
in annual Winter & Spring Concerts, as well as perform at assemblies on themes such as
Black history, Cinco de Mayo, and others. A music grade is included on the students' report
cards.
david.hardiman@ousd.k12.ca.us
GRASS VALLEY
John Harrington, music teacher
All K-5 students are offered a comprehensive music program, including instrumental music,
singing, drumming, music writing and reading, and a myriad of children's games.
Loves Divine www.harringtonjazz.com
Stop Time www.stoptimejazz.com
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Sarah Willner, music teacher
ICS is a very supportive musical community, as all teachers bring their classes songs,
dances, and scenes to assemblies and celebrations, such as Latino Heritage Day, Black
History Day, the Winter Peace Celebration, and Cinco de Mayo. Sarah Willner is an OrffSchulwerk trained music teacher, working to bring out all ICS students' creativity in rhythm,
movement, instruments, voice, language, and drama. sarah.willner@ousd.k12.ca.us
JOAQUIN MILLER ELEMENTARY
Jean White, music teacher
Every K-3 Joaquin Miller student has an Orff based half-hour weekly music class. The
emphasis is on singing, accompanied by tuned and non-tuned instruments, as well as much
dance and musical movement activities. The 3rd grade has the opportunity to learn
recorder. I offer a 50 minute weekly guitar class after school for grades 4 and 5. Paid music
classes in violin and band instruments are offered before and after school by private teachers
hired through the after-school program.
jean.white@ousd.k12.ca.us
KAISER
Claudia McCarthy, music teacher
Music is considered an important part of the curriculum at Kaiser. All K-3 students receive
instruction in the Orff music education approach once a week with Eli Wise. In addition, 3rd
graders learn how to play the song flute to get ready for 4th grade. All 4th and 5th graders
play an instrument in the band or orchestra with Claudia McCarthy twice a week.
claudia.mccarthy@ousd.k12.ca.us
LA ESCUELITA K-8
David Tidball, music teacher
The La Escuelita Instrumental Music Program has expanded this year under the leadership of
Mr. Tidball, who is a veteran Instrumental Music Teacher with OUSD, but is currently in his
first year at this location. La Escuelita is transitioning from an Elementary School to a fullservice K-8 school, having included a 6th grade class for the first time this year. Mr. Tidball is
teaching Instrumental Music to 70+ 4th, 5th and 6th grade students, most of whom are using
instruments provided by OUSD. The school band and string ensemble will perform in concerts
at the end of fall and Spring semesters and are available to perform at other school and
District events, including the Elementary Music Festival. For the 2015-2016 school year, it is
proposed to have two bands and two string ensembles at La Escuelita, serving 4-5 and 6-7
grade levels. Grades K-3 are currently receiving instruction in General and Vocal Music.
david.tidball@ousd.k12.ca.us
LAFAYETTE
Alison Streich, music teacher
Lafayette is part of a network of West Oakland schools in an instrumental program taught by
Oakland's 2014 teacher of the year, Ms. Alison Streich! 3rd - 5th grade students have a
choice of strings (violin, cello, bass) or band (clarinet, trumpet, trombone, baritone). All
intermediate players play in the Lafayette Big Band, and students have the opportunity to
eventually play in the award-winning and uplifting Oakland Spirit Orchestra.
alison.streich@ousd.k12.ca.us
LAUREL
Muziki Ulumwengu, music teacher
Brother Muziki inspires all Laurel students to sing, move, and speak their best, as all children
and classes receive music. Musical movement and dance are also a big part of the class, as
students look forward to all-school Halloween Thriller flash mob, as well as musical and
dance participation in a wide variety of school celebrations and traditions.
muziki.ulumwengu@ousd.k12.ca.us
LINCOLN ELEMENTARY
Jean White, music teacher
Lincoln Elementary has an amazing and very strong program in traditional Chinese
instruments run by Mr. Tao Shui and Mr. Lui. It also has a choir directed by the
organization Cantare con Vivo, which offers vocal training to grades 1-3. As well, we teach
classes in recorder and guitar to 3rd-5th grade students who have chosen not to be in the
Chinese Orchestra. Additionally, the kinder and first grade classes receive Orff general music
classes.
jean.white@ousd.k12.ca.us
MARTIN LUTHER KING
Alison Streich, music teacher
MLK is part of a network of West Oakland schools in an instrumental program taught by
Oakland's 2014 teacher of the year, Ms. Alison Streich! 3rd - 5th grade students have a
choice of strings (violin, cello, bass) or band (clarinet, trumpet, trombone, baritone). All
intermediate players play in the MLK Big Band, and students have the opportunity to
eventually join the award-winning and uplifting Oakland Spirit Orchestra. MLK also has a
school choir directed by Michelle Jordan.
alison.streich@ousd.k12.ca.us
MONTCLAIR
Michael Turner, music teacher
Michael Turner Sr. teaches 1st fifth grade. In 3rd grade, students focus on learning the Songflute, which prepares them for other instruments of their choice in 4th and 5th grade, in brass,
woodwinds, strings or percussion. Once your child chooses their instrument, we encourage
them to stay with it! We also offer general music in the Orff approach, in 1st and 2nd grades.
michael.turner@ousd.k12.ca.us
CARL B. MUNCK
Michael Turner, music teacher
Michael Turner Sr. teaches 1st fifth grade. In 3rd grade, students focus on learning the Songflute, which prepares them for other instruments of their choice in 4th and 5th grade, in brass,
woodwinds, strings or percussion. Once your child chooses their instrument, we encourage
them to stay with it! We also offer general music in the Orff approach, in 1st and 2nd grades.
michael.turner@ousd.k12.ca.us
PERALTA
David Tidball, music teacher
Mr. Tidball has been teaching Instrumental Music at Peralta for 15 years and maintains a
large and inclusive program for fourth and fifth grade students who wish to learn. This year,
the program is serving 90+ students, most of whom are using OUSD instruments. There are
two bands (4th grade and 5th grade) and two string ensembles. These groups perform in
concerts at the end of fall and spring semesters and are available to perform at other school
and District events, including the Elementary Music Festival. All 3rd grade students receive
instruction in General Music and learn to play songflutes/recorders. Lower grades receive
instruction in vocal music, administered by a program funded by the Peralta Parent/Teacher
Group.
david.tidball@ousd.k12.ca.us
PLACE @PRESCOTT
Jan Cameron, music teacher
The Music program at Place@Prescott consists of General Music T-K -5th grade. We have
monthly assemblies where our students perform, as well as a yearly Musical production,
which last year was The Lion King and this year a Motown Revue. 3rd - 5th grade study guitar
and keyboard in small ensemble classes. Singing and dancing, percussion and Orff
instruments are a part of the fabric woven into the school community.
jan.cameron@ousd.k12.ca.us
REDWOOD HEIGHTS
John Harrington, music teacher
All K-5 students are offered a comprehensive music program, including instrumental music,
singing, drumming, music writing and reading, and a myriad of children's games.
Loves Divine www.harringtonjazz.com
Stop Time www.stoptimejazz.com
THORNHILL
Linda Green, music teacher
Thornhill has a flourishing music program. Grades k-2 have an Orff-based curriculum that
includes lots of singing and playing Orff percussion. The entire third grade learns the violin
and the fourth and fifth graders can chose a band instrument or continue with the
violin. There is collaboration with the San Francisco Opera to create and perform operas
every spring with some of the classrooms. The whole school participates in a monthly sing-along and there are guests who come and perform for the students throughout the year. There
are also many after and before school music options for students, like private lessons, rock
band, and drum ensemble.
Linda.green@ousd.k12.ca.us
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_81qf7VQhY