Directed by respected saxophonist Oscar Pangilinan, our High School All Stars (HSAS) program is designed to help students achieve mastery of improvisation techniques while advancing their knowledge of music theory, arranging, composition, performance and jazz history. The group rehearses weekly and performs in professional venues all over the region.
In the recent past, HSAS has performed at the San Jose Jazz Summer and Winter Fests, Monterey Jazz Festival, Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival, Joint Venture Silicon Valley “State of the Valley” and the “Season of Hope” Series at St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Recent graduates have gone on to attend music programs at New York University, University of Southern California, Eastman School of Music, Oberlin College, Florida State University, California State University Northridge and San Jose State University.
Valley Christian High School
Leland High School
Prospect High School
Archbishop Mitty High School
Lynbrook High School
Mountain View High School
Saratoga High School
Overfelt High School
Notre Dame High School
Piedmont Hills High School
Wilcox High School
Leigh High School
Harker School
Gunn High School
Born and raised in San Jose’s Alum Rock neighborhood, saxophonist Oscar Pangilinan began playing in jazz ensembles in middle school, and his passion for music continued as he pursued a degree in jazz studies at San Jose State. In fact, passion is a key concept for Pangilinan as an inspiration and driving force behind his own creativity as well as something he hopes to instill in his students. Along with being co-leader of the jazz, funk, and R&B group the Bad Ones and performing alongside Bay Area musicians whenever the opportunity strikes, he works as a woodwind instructor with the Alum Rock Jazz Band and an educator for SJZ Summer Jazz Camps. He also performs with his trio as part of the SJZ Jazz Jam.
“I count myself fortunate to be surrounded by so many different people from all around the world — and living in Silicon Valley means we get to enjoy the very best that each culture has to offer. Choosing to make a career in a creative field means the desire and push to remain passionate about what you do is very, very real. I’m inspired by people who possess great passion for what they do.”
“Teachers inspire me and [that] is probably a huge reason why I became one myself. And teachers aren’t just those in the classroom; they’re everyday people you meet, people in your family, and even your friends. Great teachers…take something you thought was complicated and overwhelming and make those feelings go away by making it relatable and understandable. Working with young students as much as I do, one of the biggest criticisms I have is that we’re loading our kids’ schedules with too much and demanding a level of productivity from them that’s on par with some CEOs. My greatest fear with all of this is that we’re teaching an entire generation of students to only get ankle deep in many subjects, rather than picking one or two that they truly are passionate about.”
“We have an amazing cache of creative artists here in San Jose and Silicon Valley. I hope to show others around me a path they could follow, and I want to encourage them to be passionate and take chances.”
–Nathan Zanon, for Content Magazine, Issue 12.3 Perform
– NEA Jazz Master Dee Dee Bridgewater, after HSAS opened for her concert
The U19s is a student led ensemble that features the HSAS rhythm section in a small group setting. This ensemble performs regularly throughout the season and for special engagements separate and apart from the main HSAS big band ensemble.
The SJZ U19s present students with an opportunity to work in small groups, rehearse repertoire that is chosen by its members and get specialized instruction and coaching for performance within this format.
Rhythm section players are automatically enrolled in this ensemble for the season, with up to two horn players selected by the band director, subject to audition results.
Program contact:Scott Fultonscottf@sanjosejazz.org408 288.7557, x2335
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Bio coming soon