Returning to the Fox Theater in CIRCLE, a dynamic range of student work from all 10 Arts Pathways was presented in unique Pathway pairings. Together, we explored the CIRCLE and how it is inherently connected to all aspects of life, creativity, community, art, and academics. Throughout the evening, we journeyed through thematic explorations of life cycles, the universe, time traveling, stars, the cosmos, rituals, and relationships.

Thank you for joining us as we celebrated another beautiful all-school performance at the historic Fox Theater at the center of the Uptown Oakland art scene.

Student narrators opening the space and orienting the audience around their journey through the Circle.

The minor celestial body Chiron is a profound symbol in both astrology and metaphysical exploration. Often described as a "wounded healer," Chiron is known for its transformative role in healing, growth, and the realization of one’s higher self. Although technically a comet or asteroid with a complex orbit, Chiron's symbolism is that of a bridge between the physical and cosmic realms. It represents the healing of deep wounds, often those that are tied to the soul, and the integration of these experiences into a higher, spiritual consciousness.

A Pantoum is a cyclical poem of any length, it doubles back on itself, as we do with our memories. Like memory, it shapeshifts as it continues, taking on new meaning with each repetition. Memory is time travel—fluid, cyclical, ephemeral. As we remember, we retell our past to ourselves, shuffling the images and emotions of our experience until bit by bit, frame by frame, we've reconstructed a story that rings true.

Inspired by ‘agogo’ bells of West Africa, the electric vibrations of bass guitars, pulsing earthly rhythms of percussion and brass, colorful remixes of Indian sitar, and calming vocals, this interwoven display of our artistic universe lends itself to understanding the power and
unity of our Circle. Pat Metheny’s “First Circle” offers a dynamic fusion of intricate rhythms and vibrant melodies, a perfect way to capture the essence of exploring continuous cycles. Circles, whether in music, fashion, or life, symbolize the unity, balance, and infinite
potential of artistic expression.

A Poem by Patrick Secrease and read by OSA Alumni 'Twon Pope with Coach Coleman on Saxophone.

What is expressed within the sound of a sigh? We inhale deeply and release - new hope, new thought, and inspiration. In that breath we set change in motion and honor the cyclical nature of life’s ebb and flow. It is breath that gives us the strength to move on and keep creating.

This is a collaborative visual and theatrical production designed to make a connection between you and the cosmos. The projection
piece made by Media Arts was created using close-up photography of materials like milk, curry powder, dyes, and other everyday materials to create celestial objects. The process illustrates the way in which physical phenomena on the smallest scale can resemble many of our universe's largest, like nebulas, galaxies, and black holes. The words and song are quotes from scientists and artists
throughout history who seek to make this communion with our humanity and the universe.

We drifted down from cosmic light, Born of fire, dark and bright. In ancient Stars, our stories spun, forged in fusion, one by one. Now we breathe, now dream, carrying echos of what has been. Galaxies whisper, calling true, we are the stars and they are you! 

This is a piece about being in-between: between places, between languages, between identities--and how this history repeats itself. It's about the ways that again and again our sense of self can get fragmented and lost in translation, and the ways that we still try, doggedly, to circle back to what makes us whole again.

We're all interconnected - linked to each other within our local and global communities. From students to staff, parents to alumni, workers to community leaders, and to each and every one of us here - let’s continue to create the world we want to see.

Vocal and Instrumental Music Arts Pathways with closing remarks by Mike Oz, OSA Executive Director