Frank Sumares
Office: MUS 159 • Phone: 408 924-4660
Email: fsumares@email.sjsu.edu

B.A., San Jose State University
M.M., California State University, Hayward

Jazz Studies

Frank Sumares is the former Director of Jazz Studies and Instrumental Music at Chabot College in Hayward where he has worked for over 25 years. Frank was the director of the award-winning jazz band at Chabot College for over 18 years. He is also aiding the coordinator of Jazz Studies at San Jose State University.

He is a professional musician, having played clarinet and saxophone, in addition to piano, working at all the major hotels in the Bay Area.

He has taught at the Jamie Aebersold Jazz Camps in the U.S. and Australia, has served as CMEA Bay Section Jazz Representative, and has adjudicated at all major festivals in California. He is also one of the original teachers at the Stanford Jazz Camp.

He has written three books on jazz improvisation, which he has edited into one book to cover beginners through advanced players.

In addition to arranging and composing for a variety of bands, he has worked with Bill Watrous, Ben Webster, Mel Torme, Patti Page, Toni Tennille, Sarah Vaughn, Della Reese, Shirley Jones, and Steve Allen, to name a few.

He is a graduate of San Jose State University and has a Master's Degree in Music from California State University, Hayward.

Page updated 09/07/2006.