Portuguese Band
of
San Leandro

New musicians are guided every step of the way
by credentialed music teachers

A community has to make a priority of providing for its future generations. We do this with our free beginner and intermediate programs. All lessons are taught in a group setting, with all the same amenities of our volunteer band. The beginner class introduces new musicians, aged 8+, to their instruments and written music starting each February. The intermediate class is a transitional program whereby students rehearse and perform with our volunteer band, but also have a separate weekly lesson to focus on excerpts and musical theory.

In our programs, students learn:

• How to play and maintain their instruments
• How to read music and keep time
• Common scales, musical keys, and notations
• Musical etiquette and how to practice at home

Novice musicians growing
together with experienced musicians

A community must nourish its core. For us, this is our volunteer band. This mixed-age group of new and experienced musicians are dedicated to improving one another as much as improving themselves. Younger musicians play along side older musicians, learning in a manor that simply can't be replicated in a peer-aged group. Experienced musicians take pride in helping a future generation of musicians while expanding on their own skills with a challenging and changing repertoire.

After joining FAASL, I think I've grown as a musician because I have the opportunity to play with more experienced musicians.

More stories

Public performances
and social events

A community thrives when it shares its talents with others. We work with our contacts in neighbouring communities to maintain a robust performance schedule that takes us around the SF bay and into the central valley every year. These performances give our musicians both a sense of accomplishment and a drive to improve. We host many dinners during the year, organized by the board for the benefit of our music programs. These fundraisers bring classic Portuguese meals to our tables, as well as some American staples. Breaking bread together reaffirms our commitment to our community.

Holy Ghost parades

Many parades are hosted by Portuguese organizations each year

Music festivals

Similar bands host us for concerts just as we host our own

City events

Cherry Festival parade and others

Caroling

Bringing cheer to the holiday season