OUSD Secondary Music Programs
Students and Families: See the list below for descriptions of the outstanding middle
school and high school music programs in Oakland! To choose one, fill out the School
Choice form online, at http://www.ousd.k12.ca.us/Page/12117.
You can also email the music teachers listed below for more information.
Did you know...
● Over 90% of OUSD schools have vibrant music programs
● Both the 2013 and the 2014 OUSD Teachers of the Year are MUSIC
TEACHERS: Zack Pitt-Smith and Alison Bailey Streich.
● OUSD Middle School and High School Musicians rock venues all over town,
including the Paramount, Yoshi's, Oakland Museum, statewide conferences,
television, senior and youth centers, festivals, fairs, etc., as well as our annual
JumpStart Retreat at the Cazadero Music Camp.
● Students can explore music after-school in OUSD after-school programs in highlevel district wide ensembles: the MUSE Orchestras, Oakland East Side AllStar Ensemble, HOUSE string chamber music ensembles, and the Oakland
Spirit Orchestra, and more.
● Oakland music teachers are dedicated, passionate, and experienced,
engaged locally and nationally as professional performing and recording
musicians. Check out the OUSD music teachers big band: Big O!
● Oakland music programs partner with many organizations and artists,
including the Oakland East Bay Symphony, Oaktown Jazz Workshops,
510akland, and local stars Sheila E., Kev Choice, among others.
● Oakland music teachers developed a new national teacher training model
in the Orff-Schulwerk approach to bring general music to all K-2 students in
OUSD.
OUSD Secondary Music Programs
OUSD MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAMS
BRET HARTE
Duane Worm, music teacher
Bret Harte Middle School offers a full instrumental music ensemble program. In
Beginning Strings and Beginning Band students learn instrumental basics. We also
offer the following advanced classes: Jazz Band, Symphonic Band and
Orchestra. These courses require music reading and are recommended for students
who are accustomed to practicing on a daily basis. The music room is open daily an
hour before and after school so that students can utilize our practice rooms as well as
receive informal training for any style of music. duane.worm@ousd.k12.ca.us
www.bretharteoakland.org
CLAREMONT
Vincent Tolliver, music teacher
Claremont has a vibrant and richly varied music program, offering beginning and
advanced orchestra and band, with a specialized jazz band. As well, students can
explore the guitar or take a music appreciation class. vincent.tolliver@ousd.k12.ca.us
EDNA BREWER
Zach Pitt-Smith and Stephanie Holmes, music teachers
Welcome to the Edna Brewer Middle School Music Department, where "Panthers Play
with Pride"! The Edna Brewer Middle School music program consists of over 300
students in grades 6th - 8th participating in three concert bands, three string
orchestras, a Jazz Band, Pep Band, and Orff World Music Ensemble. We have many
performing opportunities, including performances at Yoshi's. and other local musical
performance spaces. http://music.ednabrewer.net/
music@ednabrewer.net
‘Like' us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EdnaBrewerMusicProgram
FRICK
Heather Kipnis, music teacher
In the music classroom at Frick, students are encouraged to let go of daily stresses
and step into a safe space that fosters creativity and personal development. The
course is titled "Collaborative Peace Through Music" as it strives to connect students
through the peaceful vehicle of music.
heather.kipnis@ousd.k12.ca.us
LA ESCUELITA K-8
David Tidball, music teacher
La Escuelita is a full-service music program, now expanding to middle school. Students
play in rigorous and absorbing band and orchestra programs.
david.tidball@ousd.k12.ca.us
OUSD Secondary Music Programs
MELROSE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY K-8
Rachel Repanshek, music teacher
Melrose middle school students enjoy a drumming and vocal music program, as well
as a ground-breaking ‘beats and flows’ spoken word and computer music class.
rachel.repanshek@ousd.k12.ca.us
MONTERA
Eric Swihart, music teacher
Montera Middle School has a strong music program that includes Beginning/
Intermediate Band, Advanced Band, Beginning/Intermediate Orchestra, Advanced
Orchestra, Orff Music Ensemble (singing, dancing, and drumming), and an afterschool Jazz Band. Music classes are “electives”, meeting everyday for 50 minutes.
These groups perform throughout the year at various school concerts, assemblies,
community events, and festivals. Check us out and see what we’re all about!
Go Toros!
eric.swihart@ousd.k12.ca.us
ROOSEVELT
Daniel Andrade, music teacher
Roosevelt students have the opportunity to play in long-standing band and orchestra
programs at beginning and advanced levels, which include singing and music literacy.
daniel.andrade@ousd.k12.ca.us
UNITED FOR SUCCESS
Carl Barone, music teacher
The music program at United for Success features an outstanding drumming program,
highlighting the Brazilian samba ensemble, as well as instrumental classes.
carl.barone@unitedforsuccess.org
WESTLAKE
Randy Porter, music teacher
Westlake has a committed music program, with six music classes that meet for 55
minutes daily, including beginning and intermediate band and orchestra, guitar, and an
intensive jazz ensemble. Westlake ensembles are well known for their blazing
performances at major venues and events throughout the Bay area.
randy.porter@ousd.k12.ca.us
WEST OAKLAND
Alison Streich, music teacher
Students have the opportunity to attend intermediate and advanced strings and band
twice a week, as well as the incredible Oakland Spirit Orchestra, involving Oakland
students grades 4th -12th. The Spirit Orchestra invites you to be uplifted, developing
students’ connection, love, and acceptance through making great music together.
alison.streich@ousd.k12.ca.us
OUSD Secondary Music Programs
OUSD HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAMS
OAKLAND HIGH SCHOOL
David Byrd, music teacher
Oakland High offers band, strings, guitar, and keyboard, with after school orchestra.
Currently building the program, we will offer intermediate and advanced levels of
instrumental music next year, as well as small group ensembles.
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/OHigh-Performing-Arts/info
OAKLAND TECH HIGH SCHOOL
Helena Moss-Jack, music teacher
Overheard outside Tech’s band practice room: “I want to go to that party!” Tech offers
many levels of band and orchestra, as well as piano, guitar, and choir. Qualified solo
musicians may play in the jazz bands. Tech’s orchestra, jazz bands, and choir perform
at the school, and in festivals, competitions, and venues in Oakland and around the
Bay.
SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL
Kenneth Wiliams, instrumental; Mitchell Galli, choir
Skyline offers rich, varied musical experiences, including many levels of band,
orchestra, and choir. Students with a special passion for music may join Skyline’s
Performing Arts Pathway for a more focused experience. Students have many
opportunities for perform, in the 975-seat, state-of-the-art Farnsworth Theater on our
beautiful campus in the Oakland hills. Skyline integrates its performing arts curriculum
and practice into an academically enriched program that includes many honors and AP
classes. We look forward to seeing you here!
Also check out our choir and drumming programs at Castlemont,
Fremont, & McClymonds!