About Rhythmic Concepts Inc.

MISSION STATEMENT

RCI’s mission is the appreciation and preservation of the jazz legacy through immersion programs that foster artistic development and creative empowerment. Through education and performance opportunities, RCI offers lasting membership in a living jazz community that bridges the gap between amateur and professional artists of all ages, economic levels and cultural backgrounds.

HISTORY

RCI has produced Jazz Camp West since 1984. RCI also created the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir in 1986 (remaining it's parent organization until 1991); the Fall and Spring Music Series in 1988; RhythmVoice in 1990; Jazz Camp Weekend in 1991; the Oakland Jazz Choir in 1992 (remaining it’s parent organization until 2006); “In the Name Of Love”, The Annual Musical Tribute honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 2001; the Oakland Children’s Community Choir in 2005; and Jam Camp West in 2008.

Jazz Camp WEST

JAZZ CAMP WEST is an 8-day jazz music, dance and vocal program for teens and adults of all musical abilities. Now in its 25th season, Jazz Camp WEST creates a living music community encompassing 45 all-star faculty and approximately 250 students of all ages (12 and up) and economic and cultural backgrounds. Our faculty has included such notable artists as Tuck and Patti, Bobby McFerrin, Ray Drummond, George Cables, Rufus Reid, John Handy, Buddy Collette, Andy Narell, Buddy Montgomery, Mark Murphy, Mississippi Johnny Waters, Nancy King, Eddie Marshall, Bobby Hutcherson, Madeline Eastman, Pete Escovedo, Anthony Braxton, Tandy Beal and many others. Jazz Camp has developed a reputation for not only being a high-quality jazz music program, but is equally known as an opportunity for personal growth and ongoing membership in an inspirational creative community.

This program is 75-80% supported by tuitions, along with foundation and government support, earned income from concessions, raffle, and silent auction, as well as private contributions.

In The Name Of Love

"IN THE NAME OF LOVE": THE ANNUAL MUSICAL TRIBUTE HONORING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. is a fully collaborative production, now in its 7th season. In The Name Of Love remains Oakland’s only non-denomination musical tribute to Dr. King’s legacy, including nationally and locally known performing artists, children from Oakland public schools, a keynote address by a prominent figure, archival footage of Dr. King, and the presentation of an annual Humanitarian Award. This event has helped to cultivate partnerships with local musicians and arts organizations, social justice activists, religious leaders, political leaders, public school children, the business community, and others. It was developed in direct response to a need in the community for a musical celebration that brought the community together to honor one of history’s most important African American civil rights leaders. This event is supported by government and foundation grants, along with ticket sales.

Oakland Children's Community Choir

THE OAKLAND CHILDREN'S COMMUNITY CHOIR provides access to high quality music education and performance opportunities for elementary age children in underserved Oakland public schools. Concerned with the profound lack of cultural funding for the Oakland public schools, RCI launched OCCC in 2005 as a way to bring music education to diverse Oakland elementary schools that do not have funding for the arts. OCCC meets weekly from October through January and culminates in a high-profile final showcase and in-school assemblies. We are currently serving Cleveland, Glenview, and Garfield elementary schools.

Participating schools do not contribute financially. This program relies solely on contributed income from outside sources that share our belief that education in the creative arts is a profound and necessary component of each child’s education and development.

Jam Camp West

JAM CAMP WEST was launched this past summer 2008. This program aims to provide an alternative to traditional band camps, where youth can be exposed to current, contemporary trends in jazz today. All classes are taught by ear, provide hands-on group experiences for all levels, and an array of classes that can reach kids through the music they are listening to today. The curriculum includes instrumental ensembles taught by ear (not by written music), beat box, turntables, body percussion, steel drums, percussion, vocals, and dance. Classes are taught by professional artists, with the help of counselors and CITs, carefully chosen to serve as role models and mentors, while gaining experience assisting in classes. The beauty and awareness of the natural world is integrated into the program through outdoor recreational activities and evening campfire programs. Jam Camp is supported by tuitions, grants, and private contributions.

Rhythmic Concepts, Inc. Board of Directors

President
Priscilla Rice

Secretary
Stuart Fishman

Executive Director
Stacey Hoffman
Rocío Guitard
Wayne Wallace
Judy Berger
Flicka McGurrin
Susan Wittcoff
Kyle Blasé
Rosaura Sandoval
Aimee Waldman
David Choo

Advisory Council

Rufus Reid
Pete Escovedo
Terrance Kelly
Eddie Marshall
Mal Sharpe

About RCI