Juan D. Pastor Jazz and Percussion Performer. I started studying percussion under Eusebio Sirio “Pititi”, master of Afro-Peruvian drumming. Five years of classical music studies were completed at the Concervatorio Nacional de Lima. I discovered my passion for jazz and moved to Chicago to pursue a degree at Northern Illinois University. I was part of the best jazz ensemble under Ronald Carter’s direction. Greg Beyer, Rich Holly, and Robert Chappell were also my teachers. DePaul University gave me my Masters of Music in 2013. I studied under Dana Hall. I was a TA for the jazz department, under the guidance of Bob Lark, during my time there. I have performed at jazz festivals around the globe, including in Europe at The North Sea Jazz Festival, IAJE New York, The Chicago Jazz Fest, The Lima Jazz Fest, Nicaraguan Jazz Fest, and many others. I’ve had the privilege of playing with many recording artists, including Jimmy Heath, Fareed Haique, Patricia Barber and Ryan Cohan. I currently teach percussion in the After-School Partnership Program at DePaul University. Elmhurst College commissioned me to compose a piece for their percussion ensemble in 2011. “Tiene Picante” combines traditional Peruvian rhythms with traditional percussion. Chinchano is my group – a blend of jazz and Peruvian rhythms. fromhttp://www.juanpastormusic.com
