Opening with the sound of a school bell, this collection of avant-jazz compositions performed by students from three different school orchestras in Oakland, California is an extraordinary feat of education, dedication and creative devotion. Brought together by school music teacher Randy Porter, The Saga Of Padani follows the journey of his pupils as they evolve from being novice musicians into a full-blown avant-garde ensemble that Sun Ra would have heartily approved of. A similar project to UK composer Gavin Bryars' 1970 unclassical art school orchestra Portsmouth Sinfonia, The Oakland Elementary School Arkestra begin shakily, but as the record progresses they become more confident and adventurous. They are joined on their remarkable musical adventure by such free jazz and modern composition luminaries as guitarist Fred Frith, Sun Ra Arkestra members Marshall Allen and Tyrone Hill, John Zorn collaborator Dave Slusser and minimalist composer Terry Riley whose classical Indian vocal presence and tutelage elevates the project to a more spiritual musical plane.