Want to stay in the know? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for updates about our new and current music and arts programs. Read highlights from the August newsletter below. (Published August 13, 2025)
Back-to-school time is here, and we’re gearing up for an exciting fall, including the new season of our Community Concert Series! Please take a closer look at our new fall class schedule or pick up a copy of our fall catalog next time you’re on campus. Register early to secure your spot.
Mohr Gallery exhibit honors nature’s beauty
Our new Mohr Gallery exhibit, “Celebrations of Hope,” features the work of artist and Art4Schools teacher Saswatee Chatterjee. Open now through Sept. 7, the collection is a personal celebration of life, hope, and the quiet beauty that surrounds us. Much of Chatterjee’s inspiration comes from nature: its scenic landscapes, soft whispers, and ever-changing moods. Stop by today!
Save the date for the premiere of our Community Concert Series
Our Fall Community Concert Series kicks off Sept.19 with a special performance by pianist Sarah Cahill. She will present, “The Woods So Wild,” a program of musical portraits of nature, at 7:30 PM in Tateuchi Hall.
The series continues with engaging musical performances that include cellist and CSMA music faculty Oshagan Merjanian on Oct. 3, a centennial celebration of beloved composer Manos Hadjidakis on Oct. 17 by the Kombos Collective, and a cabaret-style conversation through music on Nov. 7 with singers and CSMA music faculty Von Bringhurst and Adesuwa O. Check out arts4all.org/events for more information and reserve your free tickets in advance!
Music notes
Audition now for the CSMA Junior Orchestra
There’s still time to audition for the CSMA Junior Orchestra for ages 8-12. Rehearsals are from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Sundays, and applicants are encouraged to have 1.5 years of musical experience. Our next season starts Aug. 18, and we are thrilled to be entering our second year! Students who join between now and Aug.18 receive a free tote bag and a waived registration fee.
Calendar highlights
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On the blog
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Program updates
It's time! Register now for fall art and music classes
Registration is now open for our fall art and music programs! Music classes kick off Aug.30, with art classes starting Sept.2. We offer engaging options for all ages — from babies to adults. New art classes this fall include Art Gone Wild!, Botanical Drawing, Painting Explorations: Animals, and Digital Painting. On the music side, check out fresh offerings like Cover Band, Guitar Orchestra, Jazz Theory: Fundamentals, and Intro to Digital Music & Production. We also have some great art workshops planned.
Community Arts Day draws hundreds to CSMA
Documentary, “Paper Lanterns,” screens at CSMA
Thank you to all who joined us for a special documentary film screening and performance on Saturday, Aug. 9. This year marks the 80th year since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan — a moment in history that continues to echo through generations. In remembrance of this anniversary, CSMA presented the screening of director Barry Frechette’s documentary, “Paper Lanterns.” This event was supported by Tateuchi Foundation, Cross Cultural Communications, and Ito En, and hosted in collaboration with the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco and the Japan Society of Northern California.
Faculty Art Spotlight
CSMA is pleased to highlight the work of our exceptional visual art faculty members in an exhibition in the Sobrato Hallway Gallery. Featured artists include faculty teaching in our on-site visual art, corporate, and Art4Schools programs, with a selection of work ranging from painting, drawing, and mixed media to digital art, jewelry, and ceramics. The faculty art exhibition will be open now through Sept. 14.
Community news
Congrats to Sopranotes on local newspaper feature
The Los Altos Town Crier recently featured the Sopranotes, an all-female barbershop quartet with ties to CSMA. Three members of the group started their musical journey at CSMA, and we’re so excited to see their continued success. If you’re interested in expanding your vocal skills, consider joining our A Cappella Vocal Ensemble. Singers explore the world of a cappella through a variety of repertoire from various genres. Our upcoming fall class begins Aug. 30.
Staff updates
Nausheen Chughtai: CSMA is pleased to welcome Nausheen Chughtai as our new Development Coordinator. Nausheen brings a strong background in nonprofit donor database management and development operations. In this role, Nausheen will support a wide range of CSMA development initiatives and operations. Welcome Nausheen!
