Music Program
Though Oakland Technical High School students have been playing music in band, orchestra and choir classes since 1915, the Jazz Band is a relative newcomer having only been playing for 60 years and the choir is coming back in the fall of 2019 after an absence of around 20 years. Over the last 15 years the program has been rejuvenated through the efforts of teachers David Byrd, Helena Jack and Ted Allen.
The Oakland Tech music program has received three grants from the Grammy Museum for excellence in music education and the jazz band won 4th place at the Reno Jazz Festival in 2017 and 2nd place in 2019, as well as earning a Unanimous Superior rating at the CMEA Jazz East Festival. The music program currently offers classes in jazz, orchestra, piano choir, and guitar and has recently hosted professional mentors from the Oakland Symphony, SFJazz, and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra.
Take a Seat!
Oakland Tech's Music Program is led by Emile Porée.
About Emile Porée
Exceptional guitarist and vocalist with 35 years experience. In addition to teaching and working with other artists, he has produced and arranged his own original scores of music including producing live shows and documenting the lives of local musicians through film. Emile has studied guitar techniques, improvisation, music theory, composition, poetry, and voice.