collective chamber orchestra

Alex Ocón is a graduate of the University of South Florida, where he obtained a master’s degree in Jazz Studies with a specialization in Drum Set Performance under the mentoring of Prof. Jack Wilkins and Dave Rudolph. His journey in music performance began in the United States at The University of Southern Mississippi, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in Classical and World Percussion under the mentorship of the renowned rudiments master, Dr. John Wooton. With a profound connection to the world of music from a young age, Alex’s true passion for rhythm and percussion emerged at the age of 12 when he joined the National Conservatory of Music FRDZ in Honduras. Alex’s artistic philosophy is the fusion of world-sound elements. Alex has recorded various series of albums and co- founded the fusion band Sandujazz. In addition, he has performed and given workshops in Colombia, Brazil, Honduras, Guatemala, Schwob School of Music (US), Jazz Columbus Society, New Orleans, and other parts of the US South and Southeast region. Throughout his career, Alex Ocón has had the privilege of sharing the stage with renowned figures in the music industry, including Tom “Bones” Malone, Sir James Galway, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, Mark Ford, Jovino Santos Neto, Bill Summers, Andy Narell, Victor Provost, and Vasti Jackson. Alex performs and teaches in the Southwest Florida area performing around Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando, and surrounding cities.

A native of Puerto Rico, Ana V. Mattos holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Florida, where she studied with Mitchell Estrin, and a Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance from Florida Atlantic University, where she studied with Stojo Miserlioski. During her graduate studies at the University of Florida, Ana was an active member of the Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, New Music Ensemble, and Clarinet Ensemble, which she also conducted on several occasions. She currently serves as Clarinet Instructor at Florida Atlantic University while pursuing a second master’s degree in Wind Band Conducting under the direction of Dr. Kyle Prescott. Ana is a winner of the Florida Atlantic University Concerto and Aria Competition and received second place in the instrumental category of the 2018 Palm Beach Post Pathfinder Scholarship. She also participated in the recording of Moldovan composer Natalia Rojcovscaia-Tumaha’s debut album, Philosophy of Miracle, produced by Donemus Records. In addition, she is a member of the MusiCaribe Project Chamber Orchestra, a professional ensemble based in South Florida. In 2024, Ana toured with the Collective Chamber Orchestra in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, where she performed in concerts and presented masterclasses. Ana currently resides in South Florida, where she maintains an active career as a clarinet instructor and freelance clarinetist.

A native of Costa Rica, Andrey Pérez Blanco began his violin studies in 2001 in San Carlos with Ann Honsaker. He later continued his training at the National University under Patricia González and at the University of Costa Rica with Erasmo Solerti. He participated in four editions of FEMUSC (Brazil) and attended the MasterWorks Festival (United States) on two occasions. He is the founder and director of Camerata San Carlos, an ensemble with 22 years of artistic trajectory. In addition to his performing career, he founded the programs “Mi Sol” (music initiation) and “Música para Sanar” (music therapy), and currently directs the Andrey Pérez Violin Studio. He has appeared in concert in Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, the United States, Mexico, and Costa Rica. In 2024, he performed with the Nazareth University Symphony Orchestra (New York) alongside the renowned violinist Maxim Vengerov. That same year, he was a member of the Collective Chamber Orchestra, with which he completed a concert tour in 2024.

A native of the Dominican Republic, Ángel Samuel Valenzuela is a percussionist and educator specializing in classical music, jazz, and Latin music. He serves as a Jazz Drum Set Teaching Assistant at the University of South Florida, where he is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree with a concentration in Percussion Performance. A versatile performer, he has appeared with orchestras, jazz ensembles, and Latin music bands throughout the Americas. He is a winner of the USF Concerto Competition and a finalist in the Schwob Concerto Competition. Ángel Samuel is a percussionist with the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra and is also active as a performer and clinician in the Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater areas.

Anne Roos Hoijtink is a Dutch violinist with an active performance career in Europe and the United States. She began her musical training in the Young Talent Departments of the Conservatory of Amsterdam and the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. She went on to complete both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the HKU Conservatory of Utrecht, where she studied with Elisabeth Perry. Currently, Anne Roos serves as a Graduate Assistant at the University of South Florida, where she is pursuing an additional Master’s degree under the guidance of Dr. Carolyn Stuart. As part of her scholarship, she is an active member of the Rebecca Penneys Chamber Music Collective, performing chamber music throughout the academic year. In 2024, Anne Roos won the University of South Florida Concerto Competition, and in 2021 she was a prize winner of the Emir Steyerberg Prize. She has participated in masterclasses with distinguished artists including Ilya Grubert, Maria Milstein, Sarah Kapustin, Asi Matathias, and Benjamin Beilman. Anne Roos has performed across the Netherlands, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and the United States, appearing both as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral player.

Updated by musician Dr. Carli Castillon serves as the Adjunct Professor of Low Brass at the College of Central Florida in Ocala, teaching a studio of collegiate trombones, euphoniums, and tubas. Carli is an active classical and commercial player in Florida. She is a substitute trombone with the Ocala Symphony and the Gainesville Orchestra, and has performed with the South Florida Orchestra in Miami. She also performs in a jazz trio at Universal Studios’ Epic Universe theme park. She has given performances at the International Trombone Festival, American Trombone Workshop, and the Florida Music Educators Association Conference. Her research lies in the gender biases of low brass teaching. She has presented her work at the International Women’s Brass Conference, International Trombone Festival, SHE: Festival of Women in Music, and the South Central Regional Tuba Euphonium Conference. Dr. Castillon is a literature reviewer for the International Trombone Association and has several published composition reviews on their online database. She earned a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree (2025) from the University of Florida studying with Dr. Jemmie Robertson where she became the first woman to get a DMA on a brass instrument at UF. Here she also earned a graduate certificate in Women’s Studies. She holds a Master of Music degree (2022) from Colorado State University, studying with Dr. Drew Leslie and a Bachelor of Music degree (2020) from the University of Florida. In the marching arts world, Carli works with the world class Colts Drum & Bugle corps as a low brass technician. She is also a brass consultant for Ethereal Winds Independent, an indoor winds group in El Paso, TX. She has worked as a visual technician for the Buchholz High School Marching Band and a brass/visual technician for the University of Florida Fighting Gator Marching Band as well as the Colorado State University Marching Band. Versed in both trombone and euphonium playing, she offers private lessons for all low brass students in North Central Florida. She is currently a clinician at Spruce Creek High School, New Smyrna Beach Middle School, and Lawton Chiles Middle School where she teaches weekly brass sectionals and lessons. Before teaching in Florida, Carli taught brass sectionals in Fort Collins, CO.

Corey A. Burton is a trombonist and educator based in north-central Florida. He is currently completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Florida, where he serves as a Teaching Assistant in multiple areas across the music curriculum. He holds a Master of Music in Trombone Performance from Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor of Science in Music Performance from East Central University. In addition to his musical training, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Certification in Banking and Finance. An active performer in both jazz and classical settings, Corey has appeared throughout Oklahoma and Florida as a soloist, chamber musician, and ensemble performer. He has performed with the Gainesville Orchestra and the SRQ Ensemble in Sarasota, and has appeared twice at the Wombash Music Festival presented by 90.1 FM WMBT. As a member of the Oklahoma State University Trombone Octet and Jazz Trombone Ensemble, he was part of the ensemble that won the 2022 Kai Winding Jazz Trombone Ensemble Competition of the International Trombone Association. His individual honors include first place in the 2022 Robert Heckman Instrumental Solo Competition of the Hyechka Club of Tulsa and two concerto competition victories at East Central University in 2017 and 2018. As an educator, Corey maintains an active private studio, working with students of diverse backgrounds and experience levels. His teaching emphasizes stylistic versatility, technical mastery, and artistic independence. While trombone is his primary instrument, he also teaches piano, and music theory, reflecting his broad musical interests and interdisciplinary approach to instruction.

Dr. Leslie Bell is a hornist and educator from Decatur, Alabama. She has performed with the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, the Gainesville Symphony Orchestra, the Albany Symphony Orchestra (Georgia), the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, the Tallahassee Community Chorus Orchestra, the Tallahassee Ballet Orchestra, and the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Bell has appeared internationally and has participated in the International Horn Symposium. She currently serves as Adjunct Professor of Horn at the University of North Florida and at the College of Central Florida. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Alabama, her Master of Music degree from the University of Florida, and her Doctor of Music degree from Florida State University.

Dr. Terry Andrews (he/him) is a musical innovator from the small town of Swainsboro, Georgia, where his journey in music began under the mentorship of band directors Dr. Gene Hundley and Barry Golden. Driven by an unwavering passion for music, he began his formal studies at Albany State University, an HBCU in South Georgia, where he refined his craft under the guidance of the late Jesse Walker and Dr. Michael Decuir, earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. He continued his academic journey at Valdosta State University as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, studying with Dr. Elizabeth Goode and Dr. Daniel Alexander and earning a Master of Music in Performance. He pursued further advanced training at the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University, where Dr. Andrée Martin awarded him the Artist Diploma. Most recently, Dr. Andrews completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory, studying under Michael Gordon, Ebonee Thomas, and Director of Bands Steve Davis. During his time at UMKC, he was a scholarship flutist with the Plaza Winds Quintet, studied piccolo for one year with Jan Gippo, and studied composition and arranging with the distinguished Dr. Chen Yi. Beyond academia, Dr. Andrews has established a dynamic performing career. A versatile musician, he has appeared with chamber ensembles, orchestras, wind bands, jazz ensembles, and in theatrical pit orchestras. He has served as principal flutist of Pinnacle Winds, a professional wind band in Kansas City, and has performed with the Midwest Chamber Ensemble, the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, and Orchestra Noir, Atlanta’s acclaimed African American orchestra. His artistry has been recognized with numerous honors, including a Bronze Medal at the 2024 American Classical Music Awards, First Prize in the 2022 National Scholarship Competition of the National Association of Negro Musicians, and the Grand Prize in the March 2022 International Youth Music Competition Classical Hobbyist Division. He has performed at prominent events such as the National Flute Association Convention, the Gateways Music Festival, and the Puerto Rico Flute Symposium and Music Festival. He has also been recognized as a Diversity Fellow and as a semifinalist for the prestigious United States Air Force Premier Concert Band in Washington, D.C. Committed to mentorship, Dr. Andrews honors his teachers by sharing his knowledge with emerging musicians through recitals, masterclasses, and community engagement. He has had the honor of performing for distinguished artists including Valerie Coleman, Jennifer Gunn, Jim Walker, Demarre McGill, and Amy Porter, and remains dedicated to inspiring the next generation of flutists.

Ethel Chavarría is a Honduran double bassist with extensive experience in performance, teaching, and orchestral practice. She holds a Master of Music degree from Louisiana State University (LSU) and a Bachelor of Music degree from the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg in Germany. She has performed with distinguished ensembles including the Junges Philharmonisches Orchester Niedersachsen, the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie, and the Central American Youth Orchestra. In 2021, she was awarded First Prize in both the Orchestral and Solo divisions of the Louisiana Bass Fest. She has had the opportunity to perform under the direction of renowned conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle, Alan Gilbert, Kent Nagano, and Jörg Widmann. She also served as a section double bassist with the Firdaus Orchestra in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Her teaching experience spans Honduras, Germany, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. In addition to her performing and teaching career, she served as Project Manager for the First Honduras Double Bass Festival (2024), leading and organizing the event from conception to completion. She currently performs with the Orquesta de la Victoria, where she serves as Assistant Principal Double Bass.

Evan Thornton is a violinist from Jacksonville, Florida, currently studying at the University of Florida. He began playing the violin at the age of six and is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Performance with a secondary concentration in Event Management. In addition, Evan is completing a Master of Science in Management, combining his passion for music and business. He plans to continue his studies with a Master of Music degree and aspires to work in arts administration, where he can integrate musical performance with artistic management. Recently, Evan was awarded the Dorothy Reaves String Scholarship by his university and is currently completing his Certificate in Music Performance. Beyond his academic pursuits, he enjoys hiking, running, and exploring a wide variety of musical genres.

Harold Villa began his musical studies in 2006 at the National Conservatory of Music of Honduras, where he initiated his training in trumpet performance. In 2012, he was appointed Second Trumpet of the Honduras Philharmonic Orchestra, and in 2013, he won the position of Principal Trumpet. He has performed with ensembles including the UNAH Symphony Orchestra (Honduras), the UCR Brass Ensemble (Costa Rica), the Youth Orchestra of the Americas (YOA), and the Central American and Caribbean Youth Orchestra (OJCA 2015). He has participated in major trumpet symposia and festivals such as the Festival Musical de Antioquia (Colombia), Trombalandia Pro (Italy), the National Trumpet Competition (USA), the International Trumpet Guild Conference (USA), Atril Virtual (Honduras), and the Encuentro Virtual de Trompetistas (Honduras). He earned his Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance under the guidance of Dr. Robert Murray at the Schwob School of Music in Columbus, Georgia. During his time there, he performed with the Springer Opera House (Cinderella, 2019), the Columbus Ballet (The Nutcracker), the Auburn Knights Jazz Orchestra (Alabama), and SanduJazz (Mississippi). He completed his Master of Music degree at the University of Florida under the mentorship of Dr. Randolph Lee and Professor Mark Wood. He is currently pursuing doctoral studies at the University of Florida under Dr. Christopher Scanlon and serves as a Teaching Assistant, performing with the UF Faculty Brass Quintet and the UF Symphony Orchestra. Harold Villa is the winner of the 2023 Solo Competition at the University of Florida School of Music. He also serves as Trumpet with the Gainesville Orchestra and performs with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. Harold Villa is Professor of Trumpet at the College of Central Florida, where he teaches and performs regularly. He is the founder and director of the CCO (Collective Chamber Orchestra), with which he has led international tours.

Biography

Jeremy Jefferson began playing the viola at the age of 12 and achieved early success as a member of the Georgia All-State Orchestra and the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra. During the 2016–2017 season, he served as Principal Viola of the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra. He attended Columbus State University, where he studied with Dr. Katrin Meidell and performed with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Jeremy is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree at the Lynn Conservatory in the studio of Sheila Browne. In 2024, he won the Lynn Lyrical Chamber Music Competition with the Resolute Quartet. An active composer, he premiered his work Fantasy for Viola and Piano at the 2022 International Viola Society Festival in Columbus, Georgia, performed by Sheila Browne. He has participated in masterclasses with distinguished artists including Shmuel Ashkenasi, Sergio Schwartz, Melina Pájaro-van de Stadt, and Susan Dubois, and was a semifinalist in the Jacqueline Avent Concerto Competition at the Sewanee Summer Music Festival. Since 2024, Jeremy has been a member of the Collective Chamber Orchestra, with which he participated in the 2024 Honduras Tour. During the tour, he traveled to Tegucigalpa to present masterclasses at the National School of Music, where he taught students about the viola and the pedagogical legacy of Karen Tuttle. While in Honduras, he performed in six concerts as part of the orchestra’s community engagement efforts and participated in a Christmas production that was broadcast on national television on Christmas Eve. Outside of music, he enjoys reading and spending time with his cat, Mira.

Juan Florez is a violinist and conductor from Miami, Florida. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Florida and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Arts Administration at the Hough Graduate School of Business. Concurrently, he is completing a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Florida under the direction of Dr. Tiffany Lu, Music Director of the Pierre Monteux School. Juan serves as a violinist with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and has performed with distinguished ensembles including the New World Symphony, the Jacksonville Symphony, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, where he was inspired by Gustavo Dudamel to pursue conducting. He is building a dynamic career as a conductor, having recently led the Tegucigalpa Symphony Orchestra, the capital ensemble of Honduras. He has toured internationally with the Collective Chamber Orchestra, appearing as conductor, violinist, and violist. Juan recently made his conducting debut with the University of Florida Symphony Orchestra and currently serves as its Assistant Conductor.

Katherine Ambrester is a performing artist and educator based in Pine Mountain, Georgia, who fosters collaboration between music and movement at all levels. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the Schwob School of Music, with additional coursework in Vocal Pedagogy, Meisner Technique, and Artistic Direction, as well as training in the Alexander Technique at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Prior to her studies at Schwob, she was a Company Apprentice with the Columbus Ballet Conservatory and completed one year of dance studies at Muhlenberg College. As a performer, Katherine has originated roles in new works—including the Blue Fairy in My Son Pinocchio, Jr. for Disney iTheatrics—and has appeared in standard repertoire, such as Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof. As a collaborative artist, she has premiered multiple works at the Nief-Norf Music Festival, frequently integrating movement, electronics, and improvisation. Her classical chamber music experience includes performances of works by Alessandro Scarlatti, Maurice Ravel, and George Crumb. Katherine is a member of the Collective Chamber Orchestra, with which she traveled to Honduras in 2023 to present masterclasses and concerts in several cities throughout the country.

A native of Maracaibo, Luis Mora is a young Venezuelan trumpeter currently based in the United States. He began his musical training at the “José Luis Paz” Conservatory under the guidance of David Naranjo and Manuel Esis. At the age of 13, he emigrated to Orlando, Florida, where he continued his studies as a member of the Florida Youth Orchestra for three years, while also receiving private instruction from John Almeida. In 2024, Luis earned his Bachelor of Music in Trumpet from Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music, where he studied with Dr. Robert Murray and Dr. Aaron Jensen. He also obtained a certificate in Musicology from the same institution. Luis will pursue his Master of Music in Trumpet at Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School of the Arts, where he will have the opportunity to study with members of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, including Stuart Stephenson and Kevin Finamore. He has participated in numerous festivals throughout the United States, working with distinguished conductors such as Gustavo Dudamel, Roderick Cox, David Chan, Michael Morgan, and Jeffrey Grogan, among others. He is currently engaged for the 2024–2025 season with several professional orchestras in Central Florida and Georgia, including the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra, the Albany Symphony Orchestra, and the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his performing career, Luis serves as a music instructor with the “YOU” El Sistema Orlando program in Florida.

Mia Yadhira Padilla Ramírez is a classical guitarist from Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. She began her musical training at the age of nine, studying privately with Prof. Carlos Ramos and performing in guitar ensembles under the direction of Prof. Alberto Báez at the Ernesto Ramos Antonini Specialized School of Music in Mayagüez. Mia earned her Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance from the Schwob School of Music in Columbus, Georgia, where she studied under Dr. Andrew Zohn. In addition to her degree, she completed a minor in Psychology and a Certificate in Musicology, and was a member of the Honors College at Columbus State University. She has received recognition in numerous prestigious competitions, including awards at the APAOSS Competition and the 19th Annual CSU Guitar Symposium, and was a finalist in the 30th Ocala Young Artist Competition. She has also earned prizes at the Appalachian State GuitarFest and the University of Louisville Guitar Festival and Competition. Mia is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Guitar Performance at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where she studies with the renowned guitarist Prof. Jiji Kim, continuing to refine her technique and expand her musical artistry.

Rósborg Halldórsdóttir is a trumpeter from Iceland who began playing at the age of eight and later relocated to the United States at nineteen. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Wyoming and a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University in Georgia. Rósborg has performed with orchestras and chamber ensembles in both the United States and Iceland. Rósborg has a degree in Business Administration from Gainesville, Florida and continues to build her career in music business and orchestra management, while continuing her work as a performer.

Biography