Sahana Gero
Musical Director and co-founder of The 51st State Band, Sahana has performed in concerts in over 50 countries, specialising in playing the Bengali music of Sri Chimnoy. She has also had the opportunity to visit schools and teach in countries such as China, Bangledesh, Russia. She was an examiner with Trinity Guildhall for several years and currently works as Head of Woodwind for the Wandsworth Music Service. She is also in the process of achieving her long-standing dream of opening The World Heart Beat Music Academy to bring World Music to young people. Sahana also directs the Wandsworth Youth Orchestra.
Sheila Johnson
Co-founder and Musical Director of The 51st State Band, Sheila has worked in music education for many years. In addition to teaching and lecturing, she writes songs and musicals for children. These have been performed in schools from London to Canada and as large-scale events and concerts including the Schools Prom at the Royal Albert Hall.
Patrick Clahar
One of the finest Tenor Saxophone players in the world, Patrick has played with some of the greatest aristis of his generation including Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, James Brown, Bobby Womack and Dina Carroll. He has been a featured soloist on numerous best-selling albums, and is a regular on the London jazz scene. Patrick appeared as a guest soloist with The 51st State Band at the Royal Festival Hall in March 2010 and is an inspiration to many children through the Band's regular Jazz workshops.
Gary Lewars
We are delighted to have Gary Lewars as one of our specialist instrument teachers. Gary has taught many children to play the saxophone over the years and has motivated them with his great love of music and performing. He has played in many venues over London with his band and is a very well-known figure on the Jazz scene.
