Paul Waara earned his Bachelor’s degree in music education from SUNY Fredonia, with a voice/choral music concentration. He has performed on stage and as a tenor soloist with the Buffalo Choral Arts Society, Off-Monroe Players (Rochester), Amherst Chamber Ensembles, the Niagara Lutheran Chorale, Arts in Education Institute of Western New York, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Fredonia Chamber Singers. Paul has performed leading roles in 8 of the 13 famed “Savoy Operas” by Gilbert and Sullivan, including HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, and The Mikado. Other favorite stage credits include leading roles in The Student Prince and Hello, Dolly! From 2010-2015, Paul served as the music director for Opera-Lytes, where he music directed all stage productions and choral concerts. He played an integral role in collaborating and developing “An Evening of Gilbert and Sullivan” and “Opera on Broadway,” two theme-centered concerts that were highly successful for the group. He also music directed the group’s first CD recording, “A Celebration of Gilbert and Sullivan.” Paul continues to work with members of the Opera-Lytes Education Committee to further develop the group’s education program which brings opera and theatre to students in the classroom.
What drew you to music?
Camaraderie and the sense of joy it brings to me and others.
What classes do you teach?
Individualized Voice Lessons and the Community Chorus
What do you love about living in buffalo?
I like the architecture, the amazing restaurants, and the cultural scene
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of Community Music School?
Seeing friends, exercising, and relaxing on the couch.