Greetings! In the fall of 1999, Cantare began its music education and outreach program at the Samaritan Neighborhood Center housed at the First Baptist Church in Oakland. Cantare expanded that year to encompass a new symphonic choir (Chorale) and to provide choral singing opportunities to Oakland youth that were otherwise non-existent, due to the severe income cuts to education aligned with the 1978 passage of Prop 13. As an Oakland resident, who came to the Bay Area in 1974 to begin the Oakland Youth Chorus, I have always had a passion for uniting young people to sing alongside one another, creating beauty in sound while exemplifying what is possible when working with others.

Thanks to the efforts of two compassionate and enthusiastic people, board member and singer Rachel Eidbo and Samaritan Center Director Yvonne Young, I, alongside my colleague and friend John Thomas, began working with 30 Oakland singers grades 3–5 in what was the beginning of Cantare’s children’s choir program. Today, that seed has blossomed into not simply a tree, but a full-blown forest represented by over 21,000 young people—many now in their late 20’s and mid 30’s! They have not only experienced being part of Cantare’s caring and compassionate community, but also made a positive, life-changing impact on all of us who have served as their directors and rehearsal assistants.

One of the unanticipated blessings of working alongside these youth is discovering the gift of purpose and joy that they have offered each of us. They remind us that we are equal shareholders in life’s journey, one in which Cantare has joined us together. We share an understanding of working alongside those with whom we differ in myriad ways that require give and take, and of investing our voice while listening and respecting the voices of others to ensure balance and blend. Another blessing is the formation of life-long friendships from across Oakland, nurtured through the time spent together in rehearsals, concerts, workshops, festivals, tours and numerous social events. A central outcome of our music-making investment in one another is the fostering of a compassionate community that now extends out and into the circles of each of our lives, advancing dignity and respect for all those we encounter.

In our upcoming May concert series, It Takes a Village, several of our youth choirs along with 30 youth alumni will join with the Chorale for this special occasion. With Nova, Youth Honor Choir, youth alumni, and Music Stars choirs from Lincoln Elementary and Melrose Leadership Academy, we will bring 150 of our youth singers to Walnut Creek as well as Oakland. I want you to be there with us in cultivating your understanding and connection with these in Cantare’s family who continue to strengthen our community. Along with the Chorale, we will entertain you with a fabulous array of pieces and pay tribute to those who launched us and to all of you who have invested your time, presence and money in this facet of our mission.

We have now discounted the ticket price to $25—for 25 years! I want you with us to celebrate with gratitude what we have achieved—and even more, what these young people continue to achieve for the betterment of our society. There are no words to that reflect the pride and depth of respect that I feel for what these tens of thousands of youth, along with our teaching staff and volunteers, have accomplished. Having a dream is an initial step. But those who take that dream and turn it in to reality through their dedication and hard work are the ones deserving of our appreciation. I am indebted to all of them and all of you.

David Morales Founder and Artistic Director

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