Background
The various West Coast Classical ensemble programs have inspired a love for the musical arts and have benefited our community since 1997. Under the dedicated leadership of many accomplished contributors, the program has continued to advance to new levels of excellence and maturity. The West Coast Classical programs were assembled into a more cohesive community, non-profit platform so that our musicians could grow in numbers, in their experiences & abilities, and for our expanded platform to reach deeper into the community and beyond. West Coast Classical performs a multitude of concerts throughout their season and has had the distinct privilege to be featured at Disneyland, Carnegie Hall as well as Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Mission Statement
To inspire a passion for the musical arts and foster the advancement of musicians from all backgrounds who seek to achieve excellence on a pre-professional platform and beyond.
Value Proposition
Access to musical arts for the community and its musicians from all backgrounds and skill who seek to achieve excellence in orchestral, ensemble and classroom experiences.
Board of Directors
Patricia Graham
President
Executive Director
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Patricia Graham has been an active professional musician in Southern California for 25 years. She has conducted West Coast Classical formerly known as Palmdale Symphonic Orchestras for 17 years. She studied violin performance with Robert Lipsett at age 14 and continued with him at CSUN. She has a studio of 71 private students. Patricia has played with Antelope Valley Symphony Orchestra, Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra and Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra. She has played in pit orchestras for over 20 shows, also has her own quartet that plays for private venues. She has been music director for over 50 musical stage productions since 2001. She has worked for DOT, PRT, Cedar Street Theater and Santa Clarita Regional Theater Company.
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Jeff Kaser
Vice President
Co-Director
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Jeff Kaser is the director of the West Coast Classical Wind Ensemble, Beginning Band and West Coast Classical Flute Choir. He coaches the woodwinds and brass for the West Coast Classical Concert and Symphonic orchestras. Jeff teaches music theory and jazz improvisation through West Coast Classical. He serves as an Adjunct professor of music at Antelope Valley College. Jeff also gives private music instruction for all levels and ages. Aside from teaching, Jeff is an active musician in the Los Angeles area and specializes in saxophones, flutes, clarinets and oboe performing in studio sessions, clubs, theater orchestras, symphony orchestras, private events, and concert venues. He has over 100 musicals to his credit and has performed and recorded with such artists as Bob Newhart, Tom Scott, Tom Wopat, Fee Waybill, Jello Biafra, Stephen Lynch, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, The Lawrence Welk Orchestra, and the Robert Ward Blues Band. Jeff received his Master of Music from the University of Southern California and Bachelor of Music degree from Western Michigan University.
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Darrin Smith
Director-Saxophone Choir
Darrin studied Saxophone and Bassoon performance while attending Cal State Northridge. He is currently active playing woodwinds in various Musicals, Orchestras, Jazz Ensembles, and Saxophone Ensembles. Darrin also enjoys arranging and performing with his professional saxophone quartet: "The Hill Street Saxophone Quartet".
Amy Fischer
Secretary
Secretary
Amelia (Amy) Fischer, West Coast Classical Board Secretary, is a professional violinist in the Southern California area. She has been a regular symphonic player in many Los Angeles-based orchestras for over 35 years, as well as in pit orchestras, movie and recording studios. She was raised in Antelope Valley and is semi-retired from her private teaching studio. It is with great joy that she is joined with West Coast Classical and with her friend and colleague, Patricia Graham, as well as the other Board members. It’s been a pleasure to watch West Coast Classical and it’s musicians grow and share their passion for music.
Patricia Devine
Treasurer
Treasurer
A leader in youth organizations for more than ten years including Scouting, sports teams and home school teacher. An entrepreneur for 17 years with corporate board experience