About
Cantare Youth Programs offers in-school music education classes, after-school choirs, a multi-lingual after-school program, and a tuition-free summer camp that includes choir rehearsals, musicianship classes, electives, and a field trip to an East Bay Regional park. During the summer camp, rising 4th–9th graders spend time singing and preparing for a community concert that is free to attend on the last day. All programs provide tuition-free choral music instruction led by experienced teaching artists.
• Ages: 5–17 years old
• Schedule: June 8–June 18, Monday–Friday, with camp days running 9:00am–5:30pm and after camp care from 3:00pm–5:30pm
• Price: All programs are 100% tuition-free for students; Cantare’s tuition-free summer camp for rising 4th–9th graders culminates in a free community concert on the last day
Cantare Youth Programs are led by Founder and Artistic Director David Morales and experienced teaching artists. Cantare began in 1987 as a 26-voice auditioned adult choral ensemble under the artistic direction of David Morales and expanded in 1999 to include a Music Education and Outreach Program for elementary public-school children in under-resourced Oakland communities. Since 1999, the youth programs have engaged more than 21,000 young people. The organization states that students engaged in choirs and classes develop self-esteem, discipline, respect for teamwork, a sense of belonging, and positive social behavior.
Cantare’s mission is to foster a diverse community of compassion and understanding across generational, cultural, and economic boundaries through the beauty and power of choral music. Its programs for young people bring choral music to kindergarten through 12th grade students from underserved Oakland neighborhoods, and Cantare reports that it is committed to serving the Alameda and Contra Costa County communities by lifting voices and uplifting lives. Cantare partners with seven public elementary schools, offering music education in approximately 100 classrooms each week and providing consistent music education to over 2,600 underserved children from transitional kindergarten through high school, including tuition-free after-school choirs and an award-winning auditioned choir for middle and high school students. Cantare holds weekly rehearsals and hosts seasonal concerts, including intergenerational performances accompanied by full orchestra.
Cantare received Chorus America’s Education and Community Engagement Award in 2005 and 2014, and in 2022 received the Brazeal Wayne Dennard Award recognizing work that furthers diverse African American choral traditions and demonstrates a long-term commitment to access, diversity, equity, and inclusion. One after-school choir parent describes Cantare’s commitment to students in Oakland as a gift to families, schools, and children. A Nova Singer reports learning to step up when people need help and also step back so that everyone in the choir can be balanced. Assistant Principal John Lee of Lincoln Elementary states that Cantare offers potential to students through music and that, through hard work and determination, students learn to love music and how to work together as a team.
Last updated March 28, 2026.
• Ages: 5–17 years old
• Schedule: June 8–June 18, Monday–Friday, with camp days running 9:00am–5:30pm and after camp care from 3:00pm–5:30pm
• Price: All programs are 100% tuition-free for students; Cantare’s tuition-free summer camp for rising 4th–9th graders culminates in a free community concert on the last day
Cantare Youth Programs are led by Founder and Artistic Director David Morales and experienced teaching artists. Cantare began in 1987 as a 26-voice auditioned adult choral ensemble under the artistic direction of David Morales and expanded in 1999 to include a Music Education and Outreach Program for elementary public-school children in under-resourced Oakland communities. Since 1999, the youth programs have engaged more than 21,000 young people. The organization states that students engaged in choirs and classes develop self-esteem, discipline, respect for teamwork, a sense of belonging, and positive social behavior.
Cantare’s mission is to foster a diverse community of compassion and understanding across generational, cultural, and economic boundaries through the beauty and power of choral music. Its programs for young people bring choral music to kindergarten through 12th grade students from underserved Oakland neighborhoods, and Cantare reports that it is committed to serving the Alameda and Contra Costa County communities by lifting voices and uplifting lives. Cantare partners with seven public elementary schools, offering music education in approximately 100 classrooms each week and providing consistent music education to over 2,600 underserved children from transitional kindergarten through high school, including tuition-free after-school choirs and an award-winning auditioned choir for middle and high school students. Cantare holds weekly rehearsals and hosts seasonal concerts, including intergenerational performances accompanied by full orchestra.
Cantare received Chorus America’s Education and Community Engagement Award in 2005 and 2014, and in 2022 received the Brazeal Wayne Dennard Award recognizing work that furthers diverse African American choral traditions and demonstrates a long-term commitment to access, diversity, equity, and inclusion. One after-school choir parent describes Cantare’s commitment to students in Oakland as a gift to families, schools, and children. A Nova Singer reports learning to step up when people need help and also step back so that everyone in the choir can be balanced. Assistant Principal John Lee of Lincoln Elementary states that Cantare offers potential to students through music and that, through hard work and determination, students learn to love music and how to work together as a team.
Last updated March 28, 2026.