Paul E West
Jazz Bassist, Conductor, Educator
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Paul West is a living legend and
still going strong with a musical career that most musicians can
only envy. He began his music experience as a violinist studying
with Albert Polarioff from age 6 until age 18. He attended the
High School of Music and Art in New York City, and later
graduated from Wagner College, Staten Island New York with a
B.A. in music. He was an excellent violinist but early on his
talents as a conductor, arranger and composer surfaced. While a
senior at the High School of Music and Art he organized and
developed an orchestra and chorus of young people (14 years and
older) from the Harlem Church and Public School Community. This
group grew to about 50 instrumentalists and vocalists performing
concerts for non-profit organizations throughout the New York
City area.
As a professional jazz musician from 1954 till the
present, Paul has performed with many great artists in the jazz
world appearing on Broadway and on television.
As executive director of Jazzmobile, Inc from 1969-1973
Paul implemented three programs: Outdoor Summer Concerts, School
Jazz Lecture Concerts and the Jazzmobile Workshop. He devised
curriculum with three levels of theory, harmony, ear training,
sight-reading, improvisation, big band and small group
experience.
After his success with the Jazzmobile, he became
director of Henry Street Settlement Music School (1973-2000) in
New York City, developing the Music School student body from 150
students to approximately 700 participants. He has organized a
series of workshops and produced an annual series of concerts
showcasing world famous artists.
His latest venture has been conducting a series of
concerts (six) as an annual tribute to Dizzy Gillespie. He
scored the music for a full orchestra and uses local
jazz artists as soloists. For more complete
information on Paul West, go to his website
www.paulwestjazz.com |