Libretto program provides free jazz training for Paso Robles High School students
– Paso Robles Joint Unified School District is highlighting a partnership that provides conservatory-level jazz training to local students through the Libretto Conservatory Program, a free initiative hosted at Libretto in downtown Paso Robles.
Libretto, owned by Paso Robles High School alumni Corey and Kate Jordan, was named one of the world’s best jazz venues in 2025 and 2026 by DownBeat Magazine. The venue hosts the conservatory program and funds it through memberships and community donors, allowing high school and college students to participate at no cost.
Los Angeles-based jazz educator Michael Ragonese directs the program, which focuses on improvisation, transposition, composition, and small-group performance.
The inaugural cohort includes Paso Robles High School students Emery Teale on piano, Max Toohey-Bergvall on drums, Ayden Moreno on bass, and Christian Serna on trombone, along with Class of 2025 graduate Kyle Dart on guitar. All participate in or recently participated in the high school jazz program.
Students began with a weeklong summer intensive, followed by a five-week fall session and a two-week January intensive. Each session concluded with a live performance at Libretto.
Participants have worked with jazz artists Alex Hahn, Sullivan Fortner, Joel Ross, and Taylor Eigsti through clinics and master classes.
“This opportunity has had a profound impact on our students,” said Paso Robles High School band director Humberto Cera. “They return to our jazz band with increased confidence, stronger improvisational skills, and the ability to perform independently in small ensembles. Experiences like this not only strengthen individual musicianship but enrich our entire program.”
District officials said the partnership expands student opportunities beyond the classroom by connecting local musicians with professional performance experiences in Paso Robles.
