Good news! Our distinguished judges have made their selection for 2019 A-JAM student honoree. Fernando Muñoz, Jr, a student of the late Morgan King and Brian Christensen, studies music at San Antonio College. Please join us in congratulating Fernando for receiving this honor and wishing him well as he begins work on his A-JAM mentorship. Special thanks to our judges, Professor Gregory Gonzales of St. Philip's College and saxophonist Richard Oppenheim. Thanks also to Alamo Colleges instructors percussionist Joe Caploe (Palo Alto, Northwest Vista, and San Antonio Colleges; St. Mary's University) and pianist Dr. Aaron Prado (Northwest Vista College) for assisting with the audition process. All student applicants played well and we encourage them to stay with it and apply again next November!
“I auditioned for the A-JAM honors program in hopes of
having the opportunity to meet and collaborate with musicians of various styles
and backgrounds. I believe that being a member of A-JAM will help me improve as
a saxophonist and as a soloist. As a musician, I hope to use the opportunities
provided by the A-JAM program to aid me in my search for my own sound. I am
excited to work with and learn from my A-JAM mentors and to lead the A-JAM
combo. I am proud to have been selected to represent San Antonio and the Alamo
Community Colleges. I feel honored
and blessed to be given this opportunity.” -
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| Fernando Muñoz, Jr. |
Fernando Muñoz's Background
Born and raised in the downtown area of San Antonio
Texas, Fernando Muñoz, Jr. was immersed in the cultural music of the city at
an early age. He would attend live music shows with his family, listening to
all types of local music from San Antonio’s west side sound to Texas style
blues and he has incorporated the sounds of this culture in his playing.
Fernando started playing alto saxophone in the 6th grade as part of the Connell
Middle School band program under the direction of Dr. George Hinojosa, who he
credits with instilling in him the love of jazz improvisation. Fernando began
to listen to and study the different styles of jazz music, gaining inspiration
from Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Michael Brecker, and Dexter Gordon.
Fernando excelled in the jazz program at Thomas Jefferson High School under the
direction of Mr. Jonathon Mireles earning numerous awards.
At the age of 15, Fernando switched to Tenor Saxophone and
became a founding member of the St. Phillips College Academy of Fine Arts Jazz
Ensemble under the direction of Mr. Albert Aguilar. It was during this time
that Fernando began to attend jam sessions with his younger brother Isaac, an
accomplished trombonist. These jam sessions were a major part of the learning
process for Fernando. It wasn’t always easy to get into these jam sessions at
such a young age; sometimes his parents had to escort him into the venues
through the back door. While at the jam sessions, Fernando drew inspiration
from established musicians, paying close attention to their styles and
techniques and listening to the stories they would tell. These jam sessions
provided a hands-on education and valuable experience. Soon Fernando began to
be recognized for his musicianship and was asked to play with different bands
at numerous venues.
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| Fernando Muñoz, Jr. |
While in college, Fernando excelled under the tutelage of the
late Mr. Morgan King, where he was introduced to the bebop style of
improvisation and the technical studies used to become proficient in the genre.
Currently, Fernando continues to work towards his degree in music education and
is very proud of the opportunities music has afforded him, including performing
at San Antonio’s Tobin Center and at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Fernando
credits his parents for motivating him to continue to improve and instilling in
him the love of music, the love of his faith, and the love of his family.
