Arts Leadership Award Program

Representing Alameda County Supervisorial District Five —

In 1994, Khalil Shaheed founded the Oaktown Jazz Workshops. For 16 years, Mr. Shaheed has inspired young musicians and encouraged them to building their artistic skills and expand their creativity. The youth who participate in this program learn alongside peers and professionals in an ensemble environment. Motivated students are able to develop professional level expertise, and often receive music scholarships to major universities upon graduation from high school. Mr. Shaheed has also been involved in Jazz in the Schools, which teams highly skilled Oaktown Jazz Workshops’ Instructors with advanced students and presents concerts and demonstrations in and around the Bay Area. Mr. Shaheed has also offered residencies at regional High Schools and has collaborated with Michael Morgan to present concerts and demonstrations at elementary and middle schools throughout Oakland. Oaktown Jazz Workshops alumni have gone on to win major awards and develop rewarding music and teaching careers.