About UsWest Valley Jazz is the home of the performing arts groups of the Jazz Studies Department, West Valley College, Saratoga, California. We feature concerts and other events. The Director of the Music Department since 2002 is composer/musician Gus Kambeitz.
The Jazz Studies Department provides comprehensive musical education for community college students pursuing degree programs as well as continuing education and enjoyment for the local community. Many WVC music students have gone on to fame and fortune in music, including recent guest artists Mike Davis (New York City studio musican, trombonist of the Rolling Stones) and Russell Ferrante (prominent LA musician and keyboard player for the Yellowjackets).
Current performing ensembles are:
- The West Valley Jazz Orchestra (WVJO)
WVJO is a 19-piece big band composed of local professional musicians, with a history as one of the premiere local jazz groups of over 25 years. Members include full-time performing musicians, local high school and middle school band directors, and musicians with "day jobs" in Silicon Valley high tech companies who play professionally.
- West Valley College Student Jazz Band
- West Valley College Jazz Choir
For additional information contact director Gus Kambeitz at (408) 741-2460 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Gus Kambeitz, Director
Gus became director of Jazz Studies at West Valley College in 2002. In addition to leading all the jazz bands, he is an active adjudicator/clinician for festivals, composer, arranger, and musician (principally bass).
Prior to his current appointment, Gus was a full time faculty member at Washington State University teaching bass, rock history, music education, electronic music and vocal jazz ensemble. While on the faculty at Washington State, he performed throughout the northwest with Crosscurrent and Jazz Northwest. Gus earned his BA in Jazz performance from San Jose State University in 1989 and his MA in jazz composition from Washington State University in 2001.
As a bassist Gus has performed with Beach Blanket Babylon, Princess Cruises, Jazz Northwest, Theaterworks, Kings Entertainment, Sylvia Cuenca, The Mod Squad and many others. Walrus Music Inc. publishes his original compositions.
