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Biography

Alphonso Gonzalez is a composer, educator, and percussionist from Vineland, NJ.  Alphonso is a recent graduate from Rowan University with a bachelor's degree in music composition and is currently a master's degree candidate studying under Dr. Fabio Oliveira, Rowan University Head of Percussion).  During his undergraduate career, he was highly involved with many of Rowan's core ensembles such as Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Contemporary Music Ensemble, Brass Band, and the Atlantic Brass Band.  As a composer, Alphonso has had several of his own compositions performed by the Rowan Percussion Ensemble, Contemporary Ensemble, and the Cumberland Regional High School Concert Band.  He is also the percussion writer for Cumberland Regional's Indoor Wind's program.  Primarily a classical musician, Alphonso is also heavily inspired by world music styles such as Brazilian Samba, Latin American music, Arabic music, and Eastern European music to name a few which can be noticed in his composition style and playing.  He has spent his time during his undergraduate studies learning various ethnic instruments such as darbuka, riq, and pandeiro and hopes to incorporate these instruments and styles into his own compositions and performances.

Alphonso has worked in various musical positions at several locations and organizations including Pitman High School, Play On, Philly!, Cumberland Regional High School, and Rowan University.  He also has played both percussion and piano books in various musicals for Vineland High School, Cumberland Regional, Rowan College of South Jersey, and Triple Threat Performing Arts. Alphonso is currently the percussion director for the Pep band and Indoor Winds program at Cumberland Regional High School.