Performer Details
Performer Bio Synopsis
The Bradley Jazz Ensemble is the premier flagship ensemble of the Bradley Jazz dynasty. It is exclusively comprised of the top-tier young musicians of the Bradley Middle School Band program. Under the direction of Karlos Elizondo, students delve into a diverse repertoire of jazz big band music and its many styles, from classic Big Band era music to Swing, Funk, Rock, Salsa, etc. The curriculum allows students to refine their ensemble playing and improvisational skills in a safe, supportive environment, while nurturing their professional skills through real world application. The Bradley Band program is a musical incubator for the most accomplished young musicians in the area.
The Bradley Jazz Ensemble regularly competes and takes top honors in several south and central Texas jazz festivals and presents multiple performances throughout the year, including community concerts, Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring concerts. In March of 2024, the Bradley Jazz program completed their first ever “Bradley Jazz Texas Tour” which featured our 107 musicians in 5 Jazz bands over 23 shows spanning the entire school year. The Bradley Jazz Ensemble has shared the stage with such notables as; Doug Lawrence (Count Basie Orchestra), Curtis Calderon (The Four Freshman), OPERA San Antonio, Ron Wilkins, Micheal Dease and many others. Notable venues and events that the Bradley Jazz Ensemble has played include: South Texas Jazz Project (KRTU - Jazz 91.7), Parker Jazz Club (Austin, TX); Jazz, TX (SATX Pearl), The Blue Star Arts Complex (SATX), The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, and the 2019 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Convention as selected participants.
Bradley Middle School
Conductor's Bio
Karlos Elizondo, with two decades of teaching experience, has been a dedicated educator at Bradley Middle School in North East ISD since 2018. Mr. Elizondo directs the Honor Band, Jazz Ensemble and beginner brass classes, while co-teaching the Symphonic Band. His bands consistently excel, earning UIL Sweepstakes ratings, unanimous first division ratings, Best In Class, and Overall Outstanding Band honors at festivals throughout the state.
In 2019, the Bradley Jazz Band 1 received the honor of performing at both the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic and the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention. Under Mr. Elizondo’s direction, the Bradley Jazz program has flourished, boasting a membership of over 100 students featured in five ensembles: three full jazz big bands, a jazz combo, and a beginner jazz band (6th grade). Under Mr. Elizondo's guidance, his jazz bands have consistently secured first place recognition at various prestigious festivals, including those at Texas State University, St. Mary’s University, and Palo Alto College.
Beyond his teaching role, Mr. Elizondo actively contributes to the field as a clinician and adjudicator, holding memberships in the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and the Texas Jazz Educators Association. While still producing top honor bands as an educator, what sets Mr. Elizondo apart, is his dual role as an active and sought-after musician in and around the state of Texas. As a distinguished "first call" Lead Trumpet player, Mr. Elizondo has toured with and/or shared the stage with such artists/ensembles as: The GAP Band, The San Antonio Symphony, The Austin Symphony Big Band, The Temptations, Mannheim Steamroller, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, The Latin Breed, and The United States Air Force Band of the West, among others. Frequent performances with the Doc Watkins Big Band at JAZZ, TX in the San Antonio Pearl further showcases his musical prowess. While at home, Mr. Elizondo cherishes moments with his beautiful wife Madeline and their two lovely children, Amelie and Karlos.
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