Sebastian A. Serrano-Ayala

1989 -

Sebastian Serrano Ayala is a conductor, educator, and saxophonist. He was born in Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia, on September 18, 1989, one of two children of Ismael and Rocio Serrano Ayala.

Although the family enjoyed music, they were not performers, yet recognized his talent in that area and provided opportunities for study, beginning with piano at age six. He had voice lessons from eight to ten and developed proficiency in playing other instruments, including the recorder and guitar on his own. He started lessons on the saxophone at age ten.

Sebastian completed degrees in music education from the Adventist University of Colombia and the Adventist University of the Philippines and graduated from Andrews University with an M.Mus. in conducting in 2016, as a student of Allen Mitchell. He subsequently completed a D.M.A. in Wind-Orchestral Conducting at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory where he also served as a Doctoral Conducting Associate.

He has held several conducting positions, including Symphony Tacoma, the Royal Military Chapel, Johan Willem Friso in partnership with the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, Netherlands, and the United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" in Washington, D.C.

He is presently serving as a Conducting Fellow with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra in their 2021-22 season and is also involved with the Saratoga Orchestra as a cover and assistant conductor.

Through research, publishing, and programming, Sebastian is an active advocate for music of today, particularly that influenced by folk elements found in the music of Latin America and Colombia. He is passionate about making music a collaborative dynamic experience.

ds/2022

Sources: Biographical sketch in Andrews University Alumni Today Directory, 2018, 768; emails from Sebastian Serrano-Ayala, March 2022.

https://www.sebastianserrano.co

 https://www.millersymphony hall.org/symphony/about/conducting-fellows/

https://www.facebook.com/sebastianserranoayala/posts/5028857607229907

https://www.audienceacces.co/bio/DPO-17732