Summary: Dr. Javier Valerio is widely recognized as one of the pioneers and leading classical saxophonists in Latin America. He was invited as a jury member of the 2014 Adolphe Sax International Competition. He is member of the International Saxophone Committee (ISC), Founding President of the ALASAX (Latin American Saxophone Alliance), Founding Director of the Sax Fest Costa Rica International, the Costa Rica International Saxophone Competition and founder of the renowned saxophone and percussion quintet, SONSAX.<br> <br> After studying with the world known saxophonist, Eugene Rousseau, at Indiana University School of Music, Valerio returned to his home country, Costa Rica, and established the Saxophone Studio where he has been teaching as a Distinguished Professor of the School of Music at the University of Costa Rica and worked as the Director of the Instrumental Department. He obtained his Masters degree in Jazz Studies at Florida International University and obtained DMA degree from the University of Kansas, having the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall, New York with the KU Wind Ensemble in 2013.<br> <br> He has been invited to perform as a soloist with many Orchestras and Wind Ensembles throughout Latin American countries, performing also on numerous occasions in the World Saxophone Congresses and North American Saxophone Alliance Conferences. He has travelled offering recitals, clinics, master classes and concerts throughout the world and is a Selmer Paris, Rico Reeds and Rousseau Mouthpieces Artist.<br> <br> In this interview you will hear about parties and dancing a lot, not being able to play music just sitting down, his early teacher who was very, very good. Learning from recordings, being very serious about going to the United States to study with Eugene Rousseau, not always realising how you got there, but you get there, one of the most important elements for any saxophonist - the sound concept. Practicing saxophone with just the mouthpiece.<br> <br> Costa Rica is influenced by music from all over the world. I have to play salsa, I have to play merengue, I have to play classical, I have to play jazz, I have to play rock, I have to play all these different styles. I cannot just practise one way, because it depends on what I need to do.<br> <br> Getting distracted when practising? Just turn off the phone, SONSAX - Valerio's group that has been playing together for over 20 years. Teaching is creating the school that you have in your mind. Founding the Latin American Saxophone Alliance.<br> <br> The importance of sharing life with someone who understands and enjoys what I do. I didn't have much time to practice because I was at the beach. Developing a close relationship with composers. Using improvisation in teaching. Playing really fast arpeggios just for the hell of it. There are too many people that I admire. If you don't enjoy what you're going to do, you're wasting your time. Don’t ever be too uptight, be patient and think twice. The first and last thing that you do in life is breathing. Breathe.
