Artistic Co-Directors
Othello B. Jefferson |
Christopher Street |
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Othello Jefferson is a native of San Francisco.
He received a Bachelor of Music Degree in Voice from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and a single subject music credential from San Francisco State University. As a singer, pianist, organist, composer, and arranger, Othello enjoys any and all opportunities to share his God given gifts with the world. At Sequoia High School, in Redwood City, CA, he serves as Piano Instructor, Chorus and Orchestra Director. He also serves as Minister of Music at First African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in San Francisco. He is the recipient of awards from San Francisco’s Academy of Gospel and the Friends of Negro Spirituals, Oakland and has completed the first level of the American Guild of Organist’s examinations for professional certification (Service Playing Certificate). Othello conceived, provided original compositions for, and music directed the multi Theater Bay Area Award winning musical "I, Too, Sing America", which honors the perspectives and experiences of American artists of color with poetry, song, music and movement, featuring a diverse cast of singers, actors, poets, and performers (presented and produced by the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company). The CD of music from the show was released in 2022. He is also the featured singer on the African American Composers Initiative (AACI) recent CD entitled Good News. Othello is honored to participate and share in the wonderful vision of Vinjana Chorale San Francisco! |
Originally from Southampton, New York, Street has performed with large and small concert choirs, and bands across the U.S. since the age of 16.
He holds a Bachelors of Music Degree in Music Theory and Choral Performance and has dedicated many years as a youth arts advocate and educator. He has worked with varied neighborhood youth programs through out San Francisco and the Bay Area for over two decades. In his service he has had the honor of being an KIPP Academy Music Director (2006-11). A Elementary & Secondary School Paraprofessional/Behavioral Specialist and Instructional Aide within the San Francisco Unified School District (2011-2022). He concurrently held the positions of Prep Choral Levels 1 & 2 Director and Training Chorus Director at the Ruth Williams Opera House, Bayview Hunters Point YMCA, and Kanbar Center for the Arts for the San Francisco Girls Chorus Campus' (2018-2022). An artist in residence at the Ruth Williams Opera House in the Bayview Hunters Point Neighborhood of San Francisco (2022) and has spent sixteen years as a resident lead teaching artist and composer with the San Francisco Opera and currently with the San Francisco Opera Guild (2008-Present). Christopher is thrilled to leverage his expertise and skills, in addition to forging partnerships and collaborations, to establish Vinjana Chorale San Francisco as a beacon of choral excellence, expression, and camaraderie. This endeavor provides an opportunity for creating enduring connections that could last a lifetime. |
Board of Directors
Dr. Tiffani Marie, Chairperson
Victoria Guarracino, Treasure
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Reverend Kaloma A. Smith, Vice-Chairperson
Vicki Cho, Secretary
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Ruth Nott, Advisory Board Member