Arts Leadership Award Program

Representing Alameda County Supervisorial District Four —

Bernice R. Bates of Oakland, is the choir director of the East Oakland Senior Center Performing Arts Choir. The choir members range in age from 55-95 years of age. They love performing at the Senior Center, City of Oakland events, local rest homes & rehabilitation facilities, the Alameda County Healthy Aging Fair, and other programs throughout the year. Mrs. Bates has performed throughout her life, singing at countless churches, schools, prisons, rest homes, hospitals and various other venues. After 28 years of service, Mrs. Bates retired from AT&T and returned to college to finish her second degree which she had started over 40 years ago. As a model example of her commitment to the arts and life-long learning, Mrs. Bates graduated in June 2015 with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance as a Mezzo-Soprano from Cal State University East Bay in Hayward.