Press Release: Student Artists and Grammy Performers in Palo Alto

Palo Alto, CA—Music and art are in full swing in the Palo Alto Unified School District. A performance by Grammy Award recipients and a student focus on sustainability are on the spring calendar. The public is invited to enjoy the art.

PAUSD Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) students and staff are preparing for Chanticleer, a vocal ensemble described as an “orchestra of voices.” This two-time Grammy-winning male chorus is scheduled to further enrich students at Palo Alto High during a two-hour masterclass (students only) on March 29. The group’s music consists of jazz, gospel, and contemporary classical.

Additionally, a display of student art, involving student-written thought, opens its doors to the public on April 29 followed by the show’s grand opening event on May 3. These two activities follow the recent “JazzReach” Collaborative with both the traveling Metta Quintet and neighboring Stanford Live at Gunn High School.

Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator Kelly Martin believes The Art Show’s theme: “How Does Art Sustain You?” will allow students to show how creative realization is discovered through artistic risk taking, fortitude, and personal expression. “We are asking students, parents, and community members to think about the ways art sustains them as a participant in the creation of art and as a viewer of the art show.”

The grand opening and presentation (public invited) are scheduled for May 3, 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m., at The Palo Alto Art Center (corner of Newell Road and Embarcadero Road). The grand opening is scheduled to include the talents of both Gunn High Jazz and the Palo Alto High Choir. The Art Show will feature district-wide student designs from Grades K – 5 (one work of art per classroom) and a variety of artistic talent representing Grades 6 – 12. The student art will be available for public viewing through May 21. Contact Kelly Martin for more information.