Paul Lucckesi

Paul Lucckesi currently holds the Director of Jazz Studies position at Fresno City College, where he oversees various musical endeavors. Paul leads the Fresno City College large and small jazz ensembles within the college, coordinates the City Jazz Festival, teaches applied saxophone, and actively contributes as a music faculty member.

Paul's educational background includes a degree in music education from CSU, Fresno, and a Master of Music Education from Central Washington University. His professional journey led him to the role of Director of Jazz Studies at the Buchanan Educational Center in Clovis, California, where the Buchanan Jazz Band 'A' achieved national accolades at the Downbeat Student Music Awards and performed at multiple editions of the Monterey Jazz Festival under his direction.

Beyond his teaching responsibilities, Paul played a significant role in the Monterey Jazz Festival Education Program staff, directing the County All-Star Middle School and High Schools Jazz Ensembles and teaching at the program's summer camp. He also served as a La Sierra Music Camp staff member for 19 years.

As an active jazz adjudicator and clinician across the Western United States, Paul has presented clinics at the California All-State Music Educators Conference and various state festivals. His involvement includes directing honor groups for the Monterey Jazz Festival Education Program, Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association, Fresno Madera County Music Educators Association, and the Tulare Kings County Music Educators Association. In 2014, Paul directed the inaugural California All-State Middle School Jazz Band, and in 2021, he directed the first (and hopefully only) virtual California All-State Junior High Jazz Ensemble. Paul was awarded Jazz Educator of the Year, now called the Paul Shaghoian Jazz Educator Award, for California in 2013.