Town Biz Vocal Program
Spearheaded by OUSD educator and producer/songwriter Keenan Foster of Town Business Inc. with the support of Elevate Oakland and the Oakland Unified School District, the newly-established East Oakland Vocal Program aims to establish and implement vocal and choral music curriculum that will be offered as classes during the school day to students across a continuum of schools in Deep East Oakland elementary, middle and high Schools.
The 2nd Annual East Oakland Vocal Festival, happening on Wednesday, April 24th 2024 at Castlemont High School, is a culminating performance for the second year of this community-wide effort to re-establish the historic legacy of choral music in Deep East Oakland’s public schools.
Support The Program
Meet Our Lead Teaching Artists
Keenan “The Maestro” Foster
Born and raised in Oakland, Keenan Foster is an Oakland-based educator and multi-platinum songwriter/producer for Bay Area music legends such as Too Short, Ice Cube, Kid Rock, Mac Dre, The Luniz, Drupal Down, Keak da Sneak, Ascari X and many more. Keenan remains committed to investing in the creative lives Oakland’s of young people through his work as the Choral Director at Castlemont High School and founder of the new Deep East Oakland Vocal Program initiative.
Ashling Cole
Ashling Cole is a vocal performer and vocal coach who has been singing all of her life. She was accepted into the San Francisco Girls Chorus at just 6 years old to study opera. Six years later she shifted her focus from arias to R&B after hearing Whitney Houston on the radio. After years of making demos as well as dancing professionally, she was signed to Interscope records at 17 years old, recording with producer Teddy Riley.
Marlayna Washington
Known in the industry for her versatility, Marlayna Washington, classically trained with an impressive upper vocal range, has been bringing down the house with her high energy renditions of old school, vibrant funk, soul and rock. Her captivating voice transforms audiences back in time as she blends showpersonship and creativity in the true tradition of a dynamic solo artist. Marlayna’s high energy and feel-good vibe keeps the audience dancing and singing in the true spirit of a great musical experience. In addition to her live performance excellence, Marlayna is an outstanding vocal coach licensed by SING LIKE THE STARZ STUDIOS™
Our Team
Robin H. Williams
Michelle Jordan
Bahate Pickens
Jacoree Prothro
Robin J. Williams
Natalie Cassidy
LaQuanda Wafer
Chris Poston