Chicago-based Latin percussionist, Rubén Alvarez, visits Milton Academy from November 6 to November 13, as part of the Melissa Dilworth Gold ’61 Visiting Artist series. Alvarez, a drum set artist, composer and producer, is a faculty member of Northwestern and Roosevelt Universities. He develops educational music presentations, for Urban Gateways, the Center for Arts in Education, the Ravinia festivals "JazzMentors" program, Bands of America, the International Association of Jazz Educators artist outreach and Teacher Training Institute programs and the Chicago Symphony's Armonîa Community outreach program.

Alvarez is on the educational advisory board for Latin Percussion and is a member of the International Association of Jazz Educators educational resource team. He is the musical director of the Raices Latin percussion ensemble and El Trio Tropical Latin music ensemble.

His performance credits include movie soundtracks, jingles, and live appearances with a variety of artists and groups, including legendary Latin artist Eddie Palmieri, Chucho Valdez, Dave Valentín, Anita Baker, The Commodores, Junior Wells, John Mayall, Dave Mason and Dennis DeYoung (STYX), Patricia Barber, Laurel Massé, Marc Antoine, the Chicago Sinfonetta and the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra.

Alvarez’s trip to Milton is part of the Melissa Dilworth Gold ’61 Visiting Artist series, which commemorates Melissa's life and interests by bringing internationally recognized artists to campus. As part of the series, each visiting artist also spends time with public school students.

Schedule for the week

November 6
Alvarez speaks in Chapel at 6 p.m.

November 7
Alvarez visits classes during the day; in the evening, he gives a two-hour presentation titled "Afro Cuban Rhythms 101" for Milton and Boston Arts Academy students (and all who are interested).

November 7 – November 11
Alvarez teaches Milton Academy Upper, Middle and Lower School classes and classes at the Boston Arts Academy and the New Boston Pilot Middle School

November 10
Alvarez performs at RYLES Jazz Club with the Boston Pilot School conga group, the Boston Arts Academy band, Milton Academy jazz students and Bob Sinicrope's jazz ensemble, The World Leaders.

November 11
Alvarez performs at the Milton Academy Lower School assembly