Wes has a long history of performance, study and instructing in Jazz and Classical styles from the middle 1950s to present. Primary Classical Guitar training was with Peter Colona at the Settlement School in Philadelphia, PA. Incidental training was with Andres Segovia and master classes with Christopher Parkening and Rey de la Torre.
Performances of a limited Classical repertoire have been held at Fisk University (Nashville, TN), Lincoln University (PA) and various churches in the Philadelphia, PA area (including, but not limited to,incidental wedding music, preludes and offertories, choral and solo accompaniment).
His primary focus however, is Jazz. His most important teacher was Dennis Sandole of Philadelphia, who encouraged both plectrum and classical techniques in Jazz. Additional early influences were Bill Harris, Johnny Smith, Dale Bruning , Kenny Burrell and anyone who plays something that he likes.
Perfomances in the Jazz idiom have been held in many restuarants and private establishments on the east coast, from Central NY State to Georgia. He has held a staff musician post at 6ABC-TV in Philadelphia, PA, as well as catering establishments in the Delaware Valley.
The jazz repertoire includes over 400+ songs from the Broadway Show genre through jazz and latin standards from the 1930's to today.
In addition to private instructions and students at the Mt. Airy Cultural Center (MACCJAZZ.Org)and formally at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz, Wes has recently embarked on holding Master Classes at the University level.
