It was a beautiful community event. The cafeteria was filled with students and their families, young and old all buzzing with energy. In the lobby, volunteers from Cantare’s Nova choir engaged attendees with flyers and programs. When the older students made an appearance in the room where the Music Stars singers were warming up, they were greeted with smiles and hugs. When the choir lined up to enter the cafeteria, I saw the middle-school boys who used to be in this choir cheering for the young singers, “Let’s go!!!”

The first soloists came onstage as Graham Seel, Cantare’s Board President, began his piano accompaniment for the first song—then the whole choir sang with such gusto! Teaching Artist Leila Motaei and myself directed the diverse repertoire that reflects the community at Lincoln Elementary, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievement.

We ended our set with an audience sing-along of “Gong Xi Gong Xi”, a traditional Chinese song for Lunar New Year. When I turned to face the audience, I was met with the eyes of parents beaming with pride and joy, and from their lips came this familiar song that has been sung to ring in so many new years. We were all just where we were supposed to be.

Everyone at the Lunar New Year event was a proud witness to the power of choral music. It brought parents to the campus and alumni back to support their younger peers. Singing is an integral part of Lincoln’s school culture. It is the fruits of Cantare's dedicated work and the impact of over two decades of support. With severe budget cuts looming for Oakland schools, the event underscored how vital a strong music program is to knitting together a thriving school community.

Cantare’s Children’s & Youth Programs, whether they’re in-school, after-school or during the summer break, always have a culminating performance for the community. Bringing people together is at the core of our mission. Through music, we create spaces for and celebrate the cultural assets that make our city strong and so very beautiful, and we invite you to join us in supporting this transformative work.

Conway Tan-Gregory

Director of Music Education