Gunn Instrumental Music: Developing life-long participants and lovers of music
Directors: Todd Summers, Sandra Lewis, Tiffany Ou-Ponticelli, Greg Miller, Shawn McGinn
Highlights from Gunn HS Symphony Orchestra’s “Circle of Life” Concert presented to the student body during PRIME on May 20.
We had fun going on a musical journey through life! 🦁
04/15/2026
PAUSD 48th Annual Jazz Guest Artist Concert
Join us for an unforgettable evening of jazz as we welcome guest artist Carl Schultz alongside the Gunn Jazz Bands and Paly Jazz Band!
Friday, April 17
7:30 PM
Concert is FREE and open to the public
Spangenberg Theater, Gunn High School
Carl Schultz brings an incredible depth of experience to the stage. A former touring member of the The Glenn Miller Orchestra, with nearly 1,000 performances worldwide, he is also featured on Live in Tokyo. His career spans performances with leading modern jazz ensembles including Brad Goode’s Polytonal Big Band, The Lars Halle Orchestra, Norman David and the Eleventet, and Slowbern.
Dr. Schultz earned his Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Colorado, where he began key collaborations with artists like Art Lande and Brad Goode. Now based in Santa Clara, he serves as Director of Jazz Studies at Santa Clara University.
He is currently celebrating his newest release, The Road to Trantor, an imaginative, science fiction, inspired suite influenced by the works of Isaac Asimov, featuring a stellar lineup of collaborators and innovative use of electronic effects.
Don’t miss this exciting collaboration between professional artist and student musicians - an evening of big band energy, creativity, and world-class jazz!
Our Gunn High Swing Dance brings students, families, dancers, and neighbors together for a night of live jazz in support of the music program at Gunn High.
We’d love to see you there.
$25 (adults) $30 at the door
$10 students and seniors 65+
🎟️ Tickets at gunnmusic.org
Have you purchased your ticket yet for the Gunn Jazz Swing Dance? March 13th in Bow Gym (Gunn HS) - purchase tickets at gunnmusic.org!
01/30/2026
The course selection window for the next school year is open! 🎵 Gunn Instrumental Music courses are designed to grow with you each year in high school.
Questions about enrolling in a music class next year? Send a message! 🎶
01/27/2026
Gunn Swing Dance is back - March 13th at Bow Gym (Gunn HS)!
Enjoy non-stop live jazz music, swing dancing, and a lively night of community fun featuring Gunn High School’s award-winning jazz bands. All ages and experience levels are welcome.
Every ticket includes a beginner swing dance lesson - no partner required - and one raffle entry for prizes. Proceeds support the Gunn High School music program. Purchase tickets at gunnmusic.org!
12/02/2025
Gunn Winter Band Concert — Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7:30pm!
Join us at the Palo Alto High School Performing Arts Center for an evening of outstanding music featuring the Freshman Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble.
🎵 Concert Highlights:
• Naoya Wada – Joyful Variants
An energetic, uplifting piece inspired by Beethoven’s iconic “Ode to Joy” from Symphony No. 9, reimagined with vibrant colors and rhythmic drive.
• Benjamin Yeo – Takeda Lullaby
A warm and expressive setting of the beloved Japanese folk song, bringing gentle lyricism and rich ensemble writing.
• Viet Cuong – Deciduous
A deeply personal work reflecting the composer’s journey through grief and renewal. Cuong describes it as a musical cycle of loss, healing, and regrowth, reminding us that “every leafless winter is followed by a spring.”
Come support our incredible student musicians as they share this powerful winter program!
🎟️ Tickets available at: gunnmusic.org
We can’t wait to see you there! 🌟
12/02/2025
GIVING TUESDAY: 🎶 This spring, our students will represent our entire community at an international music festival. Every dollar you give sends a message: we believe in them. It is an investment in creativity, teamwork, confidence, and lasting friendships. Please help us by donating or sharing!
Donate here: https://givebutter.com/gunnmusic-hawaiitour
12/01/2025
JOIN US DECEMBER 10th: Gunn Symphony Orchestra & Jazz Big Band Side-by-Side Concert!
This special side-by-side concert will feature movements of Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suites performed by Symphony Orchestra, and Duke Ellington’s versions of the same music performed by Jazz Big Band.
Classical meets cool. 🔥 Grieg’s Peer Gynt collides with the genius of Ellington in a night of folk tales, bold colors, and irresistible swing. 🎻🎺
FREE for all students, staff, seniors 65+, and boosters families with pass. $10 tickets for all others can be purchased at gunnmusic.org
10/30/2025
Congratulations to these four amazing students who represented Gunn Bands at the San José State University Honors Band on October 25! 🌟
They spent two weekends working with the SJSU band directors and performed a fantastic concert — plus enjoyed an inspiring performance by the SJSU Wind Ensemble.
10/15/2025
Music takes us places — literally and figuratively! Help our talented students get to Hawaii so they can share their music, represent our school on a world-class stage, and make lasting memories in the process.
We need to raise $90,000 so that every student can participate, and we’re already 1/3 of the way there! Please help us reach our goal by donating today or sharing our campaign: givebutter.com/gunnmusic-hawaiitour 🌺 🎶