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Distaff Singers is a non-auditioning, Oakland-based community chorus comprised of 40 women from around the Bay Area. Founded in 1937, the organization was established for the enjoyment and enrichment of its members. We share camaraderie, friendships, and a love of music.

Our repertoire includes a variety of music styles including classical, folk, contemporary, jazz, pop and traditional songs from cultures around the world. We’re committed to performing a high quality sound and have fun entertaining our audiences.

Distaff Singers has another mission too. We raise funds to help provide music education scholarships for young people in our communities. Proceeds from our annual benefit concert go to the Ida Altenbach Scholarship Fund, which is disbursed to select applicants on a yearly basis. Prior recipients of Distaff scholarships include the Oakland Youth Chorus for Music Education, Franklin Elementary, Hawthorne Elementary, Castlemont High and Archway Schools in Oakland, Encinal High School in Alameda, and St. Cornelius School in Richmond.


Contributions

The Distaff Singers is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are welcomed and are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

If you would like to help our organization by making a donation, please contact us at info@distaffsingers.org.

 

Distaff Singers in the News


Distaff Singers invite schools to collect cash

“It’s a story you don’t hear very often: there is money available for East Bay schools, but the problem is, nobody is claiming it. The Distaff Singers, a group of Bay Area moms who sing to raise money to fund music programs in public and private schools, is having its 65th annual fund-raising concert on Oct. 19. Now if someone would just raise a hand and ask for the money when they finish singing. The group, originally formed a group of PTA moms who once sang for President Harry Truman, admits their marketing has been a bit under the radar...” [ View Full Article ]

 

Oakland Tribune
Distaff Singers to dedicate Concert to Oakland

"THE DISTAFF SINGERS, a community women's chorus 40 singers strong, will perform "A Tribute to Oakland" on Saturday at their annual concert in the Skyline High School auditorium. The 4 p.m. event is a benefit for the group's music education scholarship program.

On display in the auditorium lobby will be photos and programs of the group dating back to 1937, when they called..." [ View Full Article ]

Artistic Director: Tina Harrington

Tina Harrington has been Artistic Director of Distaff Singers since 1989. A second-generation Oakland native, Harrington is deeply involved in the Bay Area music community. In addition to directing the Distaff Singers, she sings with and serves as assistant conductor of the San Francisco Choral Artists, and conductor of the Alumni chorus of the Oakland Youth Chorus. She is also a vocal director at The College Preparatory School in Oakland.. Tina is a noted soloist and vocal coach who holds a BA in music from UC Berkeley.

 

 
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