Oakland East Bay Symphony was founded in July 1988, when musicians from the former Oakland Symphony joined community leaders to form a new orchestra. Michael Morgan was appointed Music Director in 1990 and began guiding the Symphony in the musical and philosophical direction it pursues today. OEBS has achieved distinction nationally as a leading regional orchestra, noted for its unique convergence of artistic excellence and community service. The Symphony's mission is to make classical music accessible, particularly to those individuals in the community who might otherwise never hear live symphonic music.