Oakland Interfaith Kids Choir
Almost 5 years after the idea took hold, the Oakland Interfaith Kids Choir will hold its first rehearsal on Saturday, August 20!
OIKC, the latest addition to the Oakland Interfaith family of choirs, introduces elementary and gospel music concepts to children ages 5 to 11 through rhythm games, singing, and movement.
Led by long-time OIGC member, Isa Chu, OIKC will rehearse concurrently with the Community Choir once a month on Saturdays from 3pm to 5pm. In addition, OIKC will have two opportunities for performances at OIGC self-produced events!
Choir tuition is $120 for the year ($12/month). Monthly payment plans are available. No one is turned away due to lack of funds!
Pre-register at www.oigc.org/oikc
Isa S. Chu - Director, OIKC
Hi, my name is Ms. Isa, I’d like to tell you a little about myself.
I am a lifelong choir nerd with a background in Early Education, and I am so excited to lead the Oakland Interfaith Kids Choir. I can’t wait to see everyone!
Growing up as a Chinese immigrant in Oakland, CA, my musical influences came from my parents, friends, and the community. I listened to 50’s pop music & barbershop quartets, the Beatles, 80’s Hong Kong pop music, and Cantonese opera, and love watching the musical movies of the ’60s. I also took piano lessons for a number of years, so now I am a proficient piano plunker.
While I was developing my own musical identity, I listened to 90’s hip hop and R&B on my favorite radio station, which also played Motown tunes and other Oldies on Sunday nights. I sang in school and church choirs from elementary through high school, In college at UCSB, I took vocal classes and joined my first Black gospel choir which was also taught as a class.
After I graduated, I began a career in Early Education, starting as a preschool teacher and when I left, I was the Education Coordinator for the City of Oakland’s Early Head Start program, coaching other educators in their practice.
I joined the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir in 2005, and it has taken me all around the world singing and soloing on stages such as the Paramount Theatre, Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, and even on stage at SF Outside Lands with the Muppet band, Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem! (I can’t wait to introduce you to my friend Tehree 😊)
I look forward to singing and learning together! See you soon…
~ Ms. Isa
