About Felix Ponce

Who Is Felix Ponce

Felix ponce is a chicago area trombonist/conductor/music educator/community activist who seeks to provide students with meaningful musical opportunities through education/mentorship/public education.

As a chicago based professional musician (trombonist) who has worked extensively with students in classrooms, rehearsal rooms, and performance venues throughout the city; felix has established himself as an effective leader, catalyst for student engagement and a passionate supporter of arts education. He has directed numerous concert bands, jazz ensembles, marching bands, mariachi groups, drumlines, and pep bands and has helped students find confidence, discipline, creativity, and collaboration through music.

Felix has also held various positions in areas related to the field of music education such as director of concert bands/jazz ensembles/marching band at Harold L. Richards High School and Roosevelt University's athletic ensembles. As such, he continues to assist younger musicians through performances, mentorship, and the development of ensembles.

The importance of music education

To felix, music education is about much more than just reading music/note values/rhythms. It is about forming a sense of community by providing students with opportunities to express themselves creatively through music and help them find their "voice" within the arts.

His philosophical stance as an educator emphasizes the creation of a positive and inclusive learning environment that encourages growth in all aspects of a student's life – musically and personally. In this manner, felix advocates that music can have a profoundly positive effect upon individuals' lives and the lives of those around them through the practice of mentorship/teamwork/discipline/creativity.

He has been involved in developing programs and establishing opportunities for students to participate in music education in order to increase accessibility to these programs.

Community Advocacy & Leadership

In 2024 felix ponce ran for office as a candidate for the chicago board of education district 8 during the first-ever directly-elected school board election. The primary focus of his campaign was to improve public education and provide resources to support neighborhood schools that provide quality arts education and other educational resources to all chicago students regardless of zip code.

As a former cps music teacher, felix frequently spoke out regarding the necessity of equitably funded schools, equal educational opportunity for all students, supportive services for students, and equal access to arts education in all chicago communities.

His decision to run for office exemplifies his continued Commitment to serving his community through education, advocacy, and volunteerism.

Performing Artist/Biography

Additionally to his work as an educator and advocate; felix continues to be an actively performing artist/trombonist. His musical experience encompasses jazz/concert/marching/educational performance settings throughout the chicago metropolitan area.

Felix’ experience as a performing artist continues to influence his teaching style as it brings real world musicianship/artistic expression/live performance experiences into each rehearsal/classroom setting.

Philosophy of music

Regardless if he is conducting an ensemble, mentoring students or performing on stage; felix ponce’ purpose remains the same – to create meaningful opportunities that enable students to grow as artists and strengthen their respective communities through music and the arts.

Future plans

Using education/performance/mentorship/community outreach/fundraising; felix ponce will continue to establish new musical experiences that encourage students/audiences/future generations of musicians in chicago.

Recognition

Felix Ponce has received recognition for his contributions to music education/student leadership/community service, including being named a quarter finalist for the grammy music educator award.

His work will continue to demonstrate his Commitment to academic excellence/artistic leadership/community centered music programs across chicago.