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