Phil Collins on music and theatre

As a prelude to this summer’s myriad artistic festivals, Cabrillo College is offering a new class intended to prepare students for the unique events offered in town. Composer and Santa Cruzan Phil Collins is at the helm of the class, which started on July 17. During a four-week session, students get a taste of what makes Cabrillo Stage, Shakespeare Santa Cruz and the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music tick. Ultimately, the class is about arts appreciation. In addition to getting a leg up on other festival attendees, students attending the class get an extra perk: Discount admission prices.

Collins has built a local musical empire in Santa Cruz. After moving here in 1976, he went on to conduct at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music. He composed and conducted for Shakespeare Santa Cruz but is also known for co-founding New Music Works, a music awareness organization that presents an annual concert. He has acted as their artistic director and conductor for more than 20 years.

The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, one of the most renowned contemporary music festivals in America, and a true high point in the arts scene locally each year, premiered in 1963 at Cabrillo College Theatre. It is now held annually at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium.

Shakespeare Santa Cruz started in 1981 and is held annually at UC Santa Cruz. The festival often includes three or four plays, two of which are often modern renditions of Shakespeare’s works.

Cabrillo Stage is an annually anticipated musical showcase hosted each summer at Cabrillo College. Cabrillo Stage debuted in 1981 under founding producer and artistic director Lile Cruse. Past musicals include “Chicago,” “West Side Story” and “My Fair Lady.”

Collins has been teaching music appreciation and composition classes at Cabrillo since 2000. He wants students to appreciate a wide range of talent with a newfound understanding.

“For many people this is first time exposure,” Collins says about students taking the course.

Cabrillo College is offering MUS85Z on Tuesday evenings.  The class will run for four weeks, and will be tried again next year if successful.  For more information about Phil Collins and his class visit cabrillo.edu/~pcollins/course1.html.

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