Filarmonica Artista Amadora de San Leandro (FAASL) Music Programs
Filarmonica Artista Amadora de San Leandro Clubhouse, 844 Alvarado St., San Leandro, CA 94577
About
Filarmonica Artista Amadora de San Leandro Music Programs offers music lessons through beginner and intermediate music programs, including group music lessons. Participants rehearse with an all-volunteer band and take part in public performances such as Holy Ghost parades, music festivals, city events including the Cherry Festival parade, and caroling. The program also includes social events and dinners that feature classic Portuguese meals and American staples.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Price: free beginner and intermediate programs
The Filarmonica Artista Amadora de San Leandro, also known as FAASL, is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization whose official name translates as the Band of Amateur Artists of San Leandro. The beginner class introduces new musicians aged 8 and older to their instruments and written music starting each February, and the intermediate class is a transitional program where students rehearse and perform with the volunteer band and have a separate weekly lesson focused on excerpts and musical theory. New musicians are guided by credentialed music teachers, and younger musicians play alongside older musicians in a mixed-age volunteer band that the organization describes as a musical community. The group was founded in 1980 by amateur musicians, and its mission statement says it remains committed to impacting lives through music education and mentorship opportunities and to supporting musicians of all walks and stages of life. The organization works with contacts in neighboring communities to maintain a performance schedule around the San Francisco Bay and into the Central Valley, often in parades hosted by Portuguese organizations and in concerts with similar bands, and it hosts fundraising dinners organized by the board for the benefit of its music programs. The leadership team includes Lorenza D.L.G. Tomaz as President of the Board, Geronimo Rojas as Conductor, and João “John” Martins as Director of Stuff & Things. A testimonial from participant Aubury Freed states, “After joining FAASL, I think I've grown as a musician because I have the opportunity to play with more experienced musicians.”
Last updated August 16, 2026.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Price: free beginner and intermediate programs
The Filarmonica Artista Amadora de San Leandro, also known as FAASL, is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization whose official name translates as the Band of Amateur Artists of San Leandro. The beginner class introduces new musicians aged 8 and older to their instruments and written music starting each February, and the intermediate class is a transitional program where students rehearse and perform with the volunteer band and have a separate weekly lesson focused on excerpts and musical theory. New musicians are guided by credentialed music teachers, and younger musicians play alongside older musicians in a mixed-age volunteer band that the organization describes as a musical community. The group was founded in 1980 by amateur musicians, and its mission statement says it remains committed to impacting lives through music education and mentorship opportunities and to supporting musicians of all walks and stages of life. The organization works with contacts in neighboring communities to maintain a performance schedule around the San Francisco Bay and into the Central Valley, often in parades hosted by Portuguese organizations and in concerts with similar bands, and it hosts fundraising dinners organized by the board for the benefit of its music programs. The leadership team includes Lorenza D.L.G. Tomaz as President of the Board, Geronimo Rojas as Conductor, and João “John” Martins as Director of Stuff & Things. A testimonial from participant Aubury Freed states, “After joining FAASL, I think I've grown as a musician because I have the opportunity to play with more experienced musicians.”
Last updated August 16, 2026.
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