Oakland Song for Oakland's youth
To celebrate Oakland Youth Chorus' 40th anniversary, OYC is commissioning a new work called Oakland Song by Valerie Troutt, Bay Area born and bred JazzSoul vocalist.
Valerie is an OYC alumna (1994-1997), who calls her time at OYC "one of the most vibrant learning experiences I've ever had." She describes her new piece Oakland Song as "colorful, rich and vibrant exploring folk, jazz, soul and a cappella style singing bringing a taste of OYC tradition and my experience as a JazzSoul vocalist."
Earning
her BFA in Jazz studies at the New School University
in New York.
Valerie Troutt has established herself as a
consummate composer with soul tinged songs that are dynamic and noteworthy. Jazz great Diana Reeves mentored Valerie and described her first musical encounter with Valerie stating, "Valerie is energetic, spontaneous and ready." Valerie's songs are energetic yet heartfelt offering a taste of expression and freedom
crossing many musical genres. Her ability to create an astonishing repertoire
of diverse songs will make her one of the important singer-songwriters of the
21st century. Oakland Youth Chorus is honored and thrilled to have Valerie, one of our own, compose Oakland Song especially for our singers today and for future singers to come. This song will be a key part of OYC's core repertoire moving forward, and will become an anthem for Oakland's youth.
Oakland Song will premiere at OYC's 40th anniversary spring concert on May 9, 2015. OYC's current Concert Chorus and Chamber Singers will sing this song with the Decades Choir, made up of OYC alumni, former OYC staff and those close members of the greater OYC family. YOU can sing it in concert too with your generous contribution. We have many other wonderful incentive gifts to thank you for your donation to this campaign, including OYC tshirts, hoodies and concert tickets.
Oakland Youth Chorus has the distinction of being the oldest and longest running youth choir in the East Bay Area, and has won numerous awards at festivals and competitions over the years. OYC singers have performed with Bobby McFerrin and Voicestra, John Hendricks, Ed Kelly, and Keith Terry, and have toured both nationally and internationally, singing at the Clinton White House, in New Orleans and Seattle, and in Jamaica and Japan.