"Yesterday and especially last night was one of those 'WOW!' - factor occasions! Everything that took place yesterday exceeded expectations."
Mark Seay, Band Director, The American School, Doha, Qatar

 

Guest-conducting the Youth Jazz Ensemble of DuPage (IL).

photo credit:
YJED

Antonio García has served as the guest conductor or director of professional, university, college, high school, and junior high instrumental and vocal jazz ensembles around the world, including the Albert Einstein Gymnasium Big Band (Böblingen, Germany); Jazz West Big Band, Western Australia Youth Jazz Orchestra, & Western Australian Conservatorium of Music Combo I (Perth, Western Australia); Toronto Collegiate Jazz Choir (Canada); Collège Béliveau Jazz Band (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada);

"The IMEA Jazz Choir students appreciated his concise jazz concepts and found them to be within their grasp. They received a superior exposé into the art of vocal jazz."
Jim Yarbrough, then-Organization Chair,
IMEA Honors Jazz Choir;
Choral Director, Naperville North High School

The Coast Big Band of the Stedelijk Conservatorium (Oostende, Belgium); Herricks High School Swing Choir (Hyde Park, NY); The American School Choir and Jazz Band (Doha, Qatar); and All-State, District, and County Jazz Bands, Choirs, and Combos across the U.S. (including 17 in Illinois). He has also served as guest conductor of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra (IL), with additional conducting of high school wind ensembles and orchestras across the U.S. as a clinician.

Conducting a chamber wind and percussion ensemble.

 

Conducting Eddie Daniels and
The Coast Big Band of the Stedelijk Conservatorium (Oostende, Belgium).

 

photo credit: Mary García

"Thank you so very much for the tremendous efforts you have put forth to make this clinic a success. You have shared so much and in such inventive ways, and I know the kids and my collegues have learned so much. Quote from one of the directors: 'Better than any course I took in college.'"
Stephen Lytle, Coordinator, East Carolina Honors Jazz Bands

 

Conducting a trombone ensemble at the International Trombone Festival 2007.

 

photo credit: Chris Fower. Copyright International Trombone Festival, Inc.

Additional financial support for García's guest conducting engagements may be available via Conn-Selmer Inc. Kjos Music, or Virginia Commonwealth University, and other independent sources. He will be happy to assist you in pursuing such grants: often the entire application is no more than a page long.

In past years, grants had also been available from The Commission Project and from the IAJE/BET Artist Outreach Network, both of which had provided García with extensive support over the years.

Conducting the American School Choir (Doha Qatar).

Conducting the Elmhurst (IL) Symphony Orchestra.

photo credit:
Julie Douglas

 

"Wow, so much fun to have you here! Kim just stopped me in the hall because she wanted to share with me the written comments you gave her vocal jazz group. She was so grateful for your comments, both to the group and the tips for her over dinner. I had envisioned this being a one-time event in lieu of going to the Greeley Jazz Festival this year. However, I have received so many positive comments from people perhaps we will make this an annual event. The only problem is I truly don't know how I could find a better clinician. Especially one that can do so well with both instrumental and vocal! You are one of the rare clinicians on my regular rotation where my goal is to make sure every four years or so I bring you back so ALL of my students get the chance to work with you at least once!"
Dr. Pete Madsen, Coordinator of Jazz Studies, Associate Professor of Trombone, University of Nebraska at Omaha

"I had the opportunity of working with Mr. García in his capacity as guest conductor for the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, for which I was the Concertmaster. He conducted an excellent program which included the premiere of his newly composed suite for orchestra and solo trumpet, 'Crescent City Scenes,' which showed his skill as composer, orchestrator, and entertainer. Since this program was a pops concert encompassing many different styles of music, it was particularly difficult both for the players and conductor. But his methods, during the five or six rehearsals, brought the various components together with precision and a refreshing sense of fun, proving his overall musical skill, adaptability, ability to communicate ideas, and skill of working with people both individually and in a group setting."
Laurel Thurman, former Concertmaster,
Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra

 
Conducting the Hanover (VA) All-County Symphony Orchestra in dress rehearsal.
"It was an outstanding concert. I truly like the variety of the repertoire. My students felt privileged to play under your baton and enjoyed the experience. Thanks!"
Amy Birdsong, Director of Bands, Hanover High School (VA)

"You recently conducted our All-County Orchestra. I just want to thank you for your time conducting us. It was a lot of fun; and we played some pretty awesome music, your piece included!"
Kristen Grasberger, Student Cellist,
Hanover All-County Symphony Orchestra

 

Hanging wth the
2010 Loudoun County
All-District High School
Jazz Band, Virginia.

 

Conducting The Coast Big Band of the Stedelijk Conservatorium at the Kursaal Casino in Oostende, Belgium.

 

photo credit: Mary García
"I am so happy with what you did for our students and our school and faculty. They all deeply respect you not only for your great musicianship but also for your great pedagogical approach."
Guido Six, Director,
Stedelijk Conservatorium
"We want to thank you in particular because of the enormously positive atmosphere you brought into the group. They really enjoyed you conducting them; they learned a lot."
Jef Six, Director, Coast Big Band
Stedelijk Conservatorium
"Thanks for all help, assistance, coaching,
and last but not least your wonderful playing!"
Bas Bulteel, Jazz Piano & Combo Faculty
Stedelijk Conservatorium

 

Directing the 2010 International Trombone Festival Participant Jazz Choir.

photo credit:
Mary García

 

"You sir, are one of the finest clinicians I have witnessed to date. It was clear you had reached my students and connected with immediate result.
It was free and easy to get to know you even by watching from a distance. Your talent is heightened by your personality and zip for life!
Thank you for sharing all three! Missouri is a better place because of you!"
Carlos Aguero, Band Director, Raytown South High School (MO)

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