About the author
Tonatiuh is a Mexican arranger/composer and saxophonist who studied classical saxophone at the University of Veracruz, Mexico. In May 2011 Tonatiuh concluded his Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz and Afro-Caribbean Performance at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico. In May 2015, he finished his Master’s Degree in Jazz Arranging and Composition at William Paterson University, where he also held a position as a Graduate Assistant.
Among his professors are Rex Gulson, Marco Pignataro, David Sanchez, Luis Marin, Charlie Sepulveda, Jim McNeely, Pete McGuinness, Cecil Bridgewater, Armen Donelian. Edgar Dorantes, Rafael Alcala, Victor Mendoza, Richard Siwi and Oscar Stagnaro.
He also had the opportunity to take master classes with some of the most renowned jazz musicians in the world; Paquito D’Rivera, Bill Pirce, Eddie Gomez, Luis “perico” Ortiz, Giovanni Hidalgo, Danilo Pérez, Miguel Zenon, Jim Snidero, Gary Keller, Joe Lovano and Kenny Werner.
He has performed in various projects such as the Big Band de la Facultad de Música de la UV, the Jazz-UV Faculty Big Band, the “Pan-American Big Band,” CMPR Concert Jazz Band, the CMPR Afro-Caribbean Band, Charlie Sepulveda Big Band, WPU Jazz Orchestra and One Moe Once Big Band.
He has had the opportunity to play in big bands and ensembles featuring artist such as: Roberto Vizcaino, Eddie Gómez, David Sánchez, Luís “perico” Ortiz, Luís Marín, William Cepeda, Ray Vega, Luís Bonilla and New York Voices, Oscar Hernandez, Rhoda Scott and Mark Taylor. Tonatiuh also had the opportunity to play in renowned jazz clubs like the Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, in New York with the William Paterson Jazz Orchestra.
He founded and directed the first big band in the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico 2007. He was the coordinator of the first Jazz workshop by Culture Institute of Tlaxcala México, 2009 and was the hosted and producer of “Round Midnight”, a jazz radio program produced by the University of Tlaxcala México from 2008 to 2011.
From 2012 to 2013 Tonatiuh was faculty member of the jazz department of the University of Veracruz. Nin Yolkokol (This Passion) is his most recent production as soloist, composer, arranger, conductor and producer.