Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Jesus received his bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Arizona, with minors in Conducting and Business Administration. During his time at the U of A, he studied conducting under world-renowned bandsman Greg Hanson and the director of the UA Opera Theater, Thomas Cockrell. Under their direction, Jesus was given the opportunities to conduct major masterworks such as "Appalachian Spring" by Aaron Copland, "Dance Rhythms" by Riegger, and several others with the Arizona Symphony Orchestra and Arizona Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition, Jesus served as a lead conductor for the University of Arizona Outreach Honor Band for 3 years, a group consisting of 120 of the most skilled middle school musicians in the state that would perform twice a year at the University. After his time at the university, Jesus went on to teach, having a teaching career that spanned 8 consecutive years. Two years were spent teaching 80 4th and 5th Graders in the Vail School District at Mesquite Elementary School in the subject of Band. The last 6 years were spent as Music Director and department head for the Fine Arts at Pueblo High School, where he taught Band, Choir, Orchestra, Jazz, AP Music Theory, Color Guard, Percussion Master Class, and Marching Band. His choral groups earned ratings of "Superior" at the Eastern Arizona College choral competition and his marching band qualified for state championships all 5 years under his direction; earning caption awards in Music, Visual Design, General Effect, Auxiliary, Percussion, and Outstanding Leadership. 

 

Jesus has led his groups in a great deal of service projects, including participating yearly in the Tucson Rodeo Parade and playing for grand openings at restaurants and convenience stores throughout Southern Tucson. His students have qualified for and participated in the South-Central Arizona Regional Band and Orchestra, as well as earned Superior Ratings in state Solo and Ensemble competitions. In his time at Pueblo High School, Jesus has personally mentored and coached several students into gaining admission to schools such as the University of Arizona, University of Southern California, University of Texas El Paso, Brown University, and Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. 5 of his students have also been awarded the Arizona Fine Arts Seal of Proficiency under his direction. Jesus has further served the community by serving as the Adjudicator for the Tucson Unified School District Advanced Band Festival for 4 years. In addition, Jesus has played the role of Music Director for the productions of "Heathers", "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee", and "Crybaby: The Musical", coaching vocal and instrumental ensembles and conducting a live ensemble on stage during all three productions.

 

When Jesus is not teaching or reaching out to the Tucson music community through his current work with Instrumental Music Center, he is the participant in several community bands as a performer on the Clarinet. Having studied clarinet at the University of Arizona under the direction of Jerry Kirkbride, Daniel Becker, and Jackie Glazier, he continues to hone his musical craft by playing in the Arizona Symphonic Winds under the direction of Laszlo Veres, Sonora Winds under the direction of Karin Nolan and Clif Weston, and Tucson Concert Band under the direction of Arno Dietric. He has performed as clarinet soloist and section member, as well as filling in on Bass Clarinet or in the Percussion section when necessary and has proven to be a versatile musician. His musicianship has lent him to becoming somewhat of a "utility player" in all three ensembles, often playing in the section that needs him the most and he has often switched from one part to another where he is needed most for his consistent sound and excellence in sight-reading.