About Felix Ponce
Felix Ponce is a trombone player based out of Chicago who conducts, teaches music, and advocates for arts education for children and adults, focusing on the idea that everyone deserves to have access to the power of music through performing, mentoring, and learning.
As a conductor/music teacher/arts advocate, felix has been involved in directing many different types of ensembles such as; concert bands, jazz ensembles, marching bands, mariachi groups, drum lines and pep bands. He has developed a track record of building successful and fun music programs for students that promote developmentally appropriate musical growth, creativity and leadership.
Felix has held various positions in connection to his role as a music director at Harold L. Richards High School and as part of the athletic ensemble at Roosevelt University. There he currently provides music instruction, performance opportunities, and encourages the development of relationships among the students within the school's community.
Music Education & Leadership
A track record of building robust music programs and delivering elite performances across the Chicago metropolitan area.
Award winning music teacher
Developing student music programs
Performance & conducting
Selected as one of the top three quarter finalists from over 30,000 applicants for the first annual grammy music educator awards, which recognizes outstanding contributions to music education and mentoring student musicians.
Has a long history of developing new ensembles (jazz bands, concert bands, marching bands) and growing existing ones (mariachi programs, drum lines).
Works actively as both a trombone player and conductor in all areas of performance: jazz, concert/marching and educational settings throughout Chicago.
Music Philosophy
To Felix Ponce, music education is not just about developing students' skills as musicians but also about fostering self-confidence, discipline, working well in teams, and helping students find their personal abilities through creative expression.
In every rehearsal, performance and class environment there are multiple opportunities for students to develop their ability to lead others, be creative thinkers, learn how to work effectively as members of a team and establish a lifelong love of music. Felix' method for providing these opportunities involves creating an atmosphere that inspires all students to feel welcome, supported and challenged creatively and academically.
Performance & Community
As a musician/conductor/educator who performs regularly with other professional musicians in all genres of music (jazz, concert/marching), as a member of professional musical organizations (musician associations, teachers unions), and as someone who has developed strong connections with the larger community around him through performing, teaching and community service activities in Chicago. Through this combination of professional activity and community service he supports the continued cultural richness of live music for all generations of students in Chicago.
Areas of Featured Work
Jazz ensembles
Concert bands
Marching bands
Mariachi programs
Drum lines/pep bands
Music education
Conducting/leadership
Mentorship for students
Community arts programs
Live music performances