Music

It’s time to play again! Piano… Guitar…. Harp…. or any wind or percussion instrument you choose, there is a program for you at Palo Alto Adult School. Or simply join those that just can’t get enough of our Jazz Appreciation series. Palo Alto Adult School is also the home of the Peninsula Symphonic Band with concerts scheduled each quarter. Check out our various offerings and enjoy the music!

PHIL WOODS: Jazz Saxophone Icon—Part I

SPRING QUARTER ONLY
7 wks · Mar 23–May 11
Tuesday · 7–9:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm P1 · $115

Instructor: Dr. Herb Wong Register Now »

Celebrated NEA Jazz Master and living legend alto saxophonist Phil Woods is a fantastic soloist and influential altoist of the post-bop era. We will explore his contributions and exciting collaborations in varied ensembles through the decades with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Al Cohn, Benny Carter, Hank Jones, Zoot Sims, Thelonious Monk, Kenny Clark, Gene Quill, Michel LeGrand, Donal Byrd, Conte Candoli, et al. expressed via a prolific output of recordings. The learnerfriendly course caters to both neophytes and seasoned jazz fans. No class April 13.

ACOUSTIC (FINGER-STYLE) GUITAR: Beginning

10 wks · Mar 23–Jun 1
Tuesday · 7–8:15 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 303 · $85

Instructor: Paul J. Prochaska, paul@prochaska.com Register Now »

It’s time to play again! This course teaches the guitar student the basics of good playing, an introduction to written music, and how to play by ear. The instructor/creator of this course is a classically-trained musician (CSM & UC Berkeley), but grew up in a "traditional folk-music" family. Materials fee (Carcassi Classical Guitar Method Book) is about $15. Class limited to 12 students. No class April 13.

ACOUSTIC (FINGER-STYLE) GUITAR: Intermediate

10 wks · Mar 23– Jun 1
Tuesday · 8:15-9:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 303 · $85

Instructor: Paul J. Prochaska, paul@prochaska.com Register Now »

Enhance playing skills by focusing on Folk-styles, Blues, Sing-along playing and harmonic theory and chord structure/combinations. Learn to play by sight and hearing, right-hand plucking and strumming techniques, as well as continue to work through the Carcassi Guitar Method. Materials fee (Carcassi Classical Guitar Method Book) is about $15. Class limited to 12 students. No class April 13.

EAR-TRAINING AND SIGHT-SINGING FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TO SING

9 wks · Mar 25–Jun 3
Thursday · 7–8:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 301 · $81

Instructor: Paul J. Prochaska, paul@prochaska.com Register Now »

Learn to read a musical score and develop your "ear-muscles"! Learn to recognize, read and perform intervals and rhythms! Start the transition from "just a singer" to "Vocal Musician"! Seasoned vocal/choral instructor. Materials usually cost less than $25 online. Class limited to 12 students. No class April 1 and April 15.

PIANO: Beginning/Intermediate

SECTION A: Beginning
(NO previous lessons)
8 wks · Mar 24–May 19
Wednesday · 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 407 · $80

SECTION B: Intermediate/Beginning
8 wks · Mar 24–May 19
Wednesday · 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 407 · $80

SECTION C: Intermediate
8 wks · Mar 24–May 19
Wednesday · 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Palo Alto HS Rm 407 · $80

Instructor: Kathy Woveris, woveris@yahoo.com Register Now »

Learn to read popular and classical piano music, sight-read, chord structure, chord progressions, create intros/endings and theory. Each student will have their own electronic keyboard in class. Students should have a keyboard/piano for practice. If the level you register for is not appropriate, the instructor will place you in the appropriate level. No class April 14.

SYMPHONIC BAND

10 wks · Mar 29–Jun 14
Monday · 7:30-10 p.m.
Gunn HS Rm M-1 · $65
($15 discount for registration by 3/29/10)

Instructor: Norbert Molder, nmolder@comcast.net, www.psbpaloalto.com Register Now »

Experience the thrill of performance in this fully instrumental band for experienced players of wind and mallet-rhythm percussion who enjoy playing traditional, popular and classical music. Percussionists are especially needed. A concert is given at the end of each quarter (Sunday, June 20, Spring quarter and Sunday, August 22, Summer quarter). Applicants must call the band instructor at (650) 873-0671 before attending the first band practice. No class April 12 and May 31..