"It makes you think that you have a chance to go further with singing," said Danielle Turner, who's in the 11th grade.

The students also said they are inspired to see London and Goapele follow their dreams. "It definitely shows me the OYC gives results," said Stephan Parfait. "It prepares you for a musical career."

The chorus is preparing for its 30th Annual Choral Spring Concert on May 8, entitled "In The Mood."

General admission is $5 for the May concert, to be held at 2 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison Street. Elementary, middle and high school choruses will perform along with the Marimba Ensemble.

Adrianna Spindle, 12, said there's always a part of her that gets nervous before a performance, but she dreams of being a singer.

"I was really excited to see La Toya London make it to 'American Idol,'" Spindle said. "And she'd be a great singer."

Chorus member Billie Moore, 14, said she also wants to be a successful singer.

"I want to be famous myself," said Moore. "Now, I feel I have a good chance."

In 1974, the OYC began preparing students to sing, said Holly Faust, the group's executive director. OYC expanded into an education organization with a concert chorus. There are three musical components within the OYC: Middle School Magic Chorus, Concert Chorus for students ages 14 to 21, and Miracle Chorus, a series of school-based music programs currently at 12 Oakland schools and one in Alameda.

For more information, contact the group at (510) 287-9700 or visit www.oaklandyouthchorus.org on the Web.

The Oakland Tribune: Cityside
Leanne McLaughlin, Managing Editor
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