Paul Manz is a native of Phoenix, moving to Prescott in 1965. Paul received his Bachelor of Music Education and Masters in Orchestral Conducting from Northern Arizona University. He taught instrumental music in the Prescott schools for 30 years. He has also taught music at Yavapai College and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Paul has served as principal horn in the Flagstaff Symphony and as assistant principal horn in the Flagstaff Festival of the Arts Orchestra. He has performed in the pit of numerous Prescott Fine Arts productions, as well as conducting “Mame” and “The Man of La Mancha”. He has also performed in the pit of a number of professional operas and musicals. Paul has shared the stage with Toni Tennille, David Cripps, James D’Leon, Mike Vax, Gary Grafman, Jerry Goldsmith, Roberta Peters, William Warfield, Isola Jones, Eric Ruske, Anastasia Kitruk, Harold Weller and others. Additionally, he has served as the Arizona All State French Horn adjudicator.
Paul is a member of the Conductors’ Guild, Music Educators’ National Conference and Arizona Music Educators Association. As an alumnus of Northern Arizona University, he has received the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Jeff Ferris Volunteer Award.
Paul Manz is the founding conductor of the Prescott POPS Symphony. Along with the tireless board and talented musicians, he feels the POPS is the jewel of the Prescott area and a very special source of pride for our community.