Sangha Singers

Sangha Singers is an informal group that sings at special services. All are encouraged to join this group. Practices are usually held on Sundays after services.

Temple Outreach

Temple outreach activities are varied and include volunteering at the Alameda County Food Bank, contributing to food drives, bingo sessions for seniors, as well as activities to welcome local college students.

Gagaku

Gagaku is one of the oldest orchestral forms of music still being performed. Dating from the 4th Century AD and evolving from the Silk Road traditions in Central and East Asia, gagaku flourished in Japan’s Imperial Court  during Japan’s Heian period (8th C. AD).

The Northern California Gagaku Group (NCGG) has its roots in the gagaku classes taught at the Institute of Buddhist Studies in Berkeley in the early 1980’s by the Master Imperial Court musician, Suenobu Togi under the leadership of Rev. Haruyoshi Kusada. The group was re-formed in 2009 under the guidance of Rev. Dr. David Matsumoto to practice and keep alive the over 1000 year old musical traditions of gagaku. The groups members include Buddhist ministers, Bay Area musicians, and former members of the Los Angeles based Kinnara Gagaku group.

In 2015, NCGG received a grant from the Alliance for California Traditional Arts (ACTA), in partnership with the Walter and Elise Haas Fund, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the Surdna Foundation.

Currently, the NCGG meets twice a month on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Players of all levels are welcome to join and learn. Please check the temple calendar for the latest practice dates.