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Music Program

A person with a large, curly hairstyle is playing a violin on a stage, with various other performers visible in the background.
A group of musicians, including saxophonists, performing on stage in a dimly lit setting.
A young woman with blonde hair and glasses is seated at a drum set, playing with focus and concentration, while a group of people can be seen in the background, likely an audience or other performers.
A young man in a dark jacket is playing a violin on a stage with a vase of colorful flowers in the background.
A person with curly hair playing a trumpet on a stage, with a guitar player and floral arrangements in the background.
A man in a black outfit is playing an acoustic guitar on stage, surrounded by a group of musicians in the background.
A large group of people, mostly young adults, dressed in black clothing and holding various musical instruments, posing together in what appears to be a performance or rehearsal space.
A musical performance on stage, with a drummer, a saxophonist, and other musicians playing various instruments in a dimly lit setting.
A group of people, mostly young men, are seated on stage playing guitars and performing together in what appears to be a concert or musical event.
A large orchestra is performing on a stage, with musicians playing various instruments and a conductor leading the ensemble. The stage is illuminated by bright lights, creating a dramatic and captivating performance.
A stage with a large orchestra and several performers in colorful dresses, standing in the foreground against a backdrop of dark curtains.
A large crowd of people gathered in an outdoor wooden structure, with a stage and musical instruments visible in the background.
A large group of musicians and performers on a stage, surrounded by various musical instruments and equipment, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere.
A group of people, including musicians with various instruments, standing on a stage with a blue background.
The image shows two young women playing musical instruments, likely in a recording studio or performance space, with various equipment and instruments visible in the background.
The image shows a group of musicians performing on stage, with a conductor standing in front of them directing the orchestra.
A large orchestra performing on a stage, with arched windows visible in the background.
A group of musicians, including several women, are seated and playing various instruments in what appears to be a recording studio or performance space with wooden paneled walls.
Photos and videos of OTHS students that appear on this site are not be used without written permission from OUSD.

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.

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.

View his work