Freddie Miranda Jr

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Born on February 22nd, 1971 in Bayamón, P.R.. From an early age Freddie started to be interested in music, inspired and motivated by his father, the well known Puerto Rican woodwind player, Wilfredo Cruz Miranda, AKA Freddie Miranda, Sr. Received his first musical skills at the age of seven (7) years. At this time he received his first basic musical skills on saxophone, clarinet and theory skills. A year later finds his calling towards percussion being his first teacher Mr. Tony Sánchez, Jr.In 1982 he enters Escuela Libre de Música Ernesto Ramos Antonini and starts his formal studies in percussion with Professor Samuel Lifschitz until 1988 when he graduates this institution. During this time starts to gather experience in symphonic orchestras and concert bands. In 1987 is chosen by strict auditions all over Puerto Rico to form part of the prestigious "McDonald's All American High School Band" under the musical direction of Dr. William P. Foster. With this band performed at the 1987 Macy¹s Thanksgiving Day and the 1987 McDonald¹s Charity Christmas Parade for Kids in Chicago Illinois.During 1987 auditions are made in New York City to form the 1987 McDonald's All American High School Jazz Band under the musical direction of Bob Curnow (president at the time of the National Aso. of Jazz Educators) and became the first and only puertorrican to be a part of that organization. With that band had the opportunity to share stage with stars such as: Maynard Ferguson *RIP, Chuck Magione, Sammy Davis Jr *RIP and Jerry Lewis among others.In 1988 enters Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music and begins to study percussion at university level under the tutory of Professor José Alicea. During this year begins to perform with the Puerto Rico State Band under the direction of Mr. Lito Peña (RIP). In 1989 participates in the Puerto Rico premiere of Alberto Ginastera's "Cantata para una América Mágica" under the direction of Dr. Orlando Cora (RIP). Also participates in operas and zarzuelas among them: "La del Soto del Parral", Thaicovsky's "Pedro y el Lobo", Puccini's "Boheme" and Mozart's "Magic Flute". In 1989 and 1990 participates in the Youth Symphony Orchestra of America (1989 first chair of the percussion section) under the direction of Dr. Keith Brown.In 1990 enters the popular music circuit in Puerto Rico. Mickey Cora, Mario Ortiz (RIP), Luis García, Juan Manuel Lebrón and Chago Martínez gave him his first opportunities. Then works for Jerry Rivera (1992) and his orchestra during three (3) years.From 1994 to 2006 Freddie worked and performed for different bands and artists at a local and international level, among them: Luisito Ayala y su Puerto Rican Power, Glenn Monroig, The Fifth Dimensions, Bobby Valentín, Luís “Perico” Ortiz, Frankie Ruiz *RIP, Héctor Tricoche, Carlos "Cano" Estremera, José Alberto “El Canario” Tito Nieves, Elías Lopés & Orchestra, Marvin Santiago, Tony Vega, Andy Montañez, Plena Libre, Domingo Quiñónez, Luigi Texidor, Rey Ruiz, Gilberto Santarosa, Ray Barreto, Chucho Avellanet, Juan Gabriel, Lucecita Benítez, Ednita Nazario, Olga Tañón, José Feliciano, Luís Fonsi, “Humberto Ramírez Jazz Project”, Noelia, Lunna, Millie Corretjer, José Luis Rodríguez, Wisin & Yandell, Los Rayos Gamma, Pedro Guzmán, y "Franky and Friends Jazz Project", the“Bacardi World Salsa Congress All Star Band”, and the all-star collective formed by Luís “Perico” Ortiz, “The Puerto Rican Masters”.Also is involved in recordings for producers of the caliber of: Mario Ortiz *RIP(Combo Records) Ramón Sánchez , Guillermo Calderón , Máximo Torres, Gunda Merced (MP) Luis García, Humberto Ramírez, Rafael Ithier (Sony Music) Bobby Valentín (Bronco Records), Glenn Monroig (Mezzalunna Studios), Lito Peña (RIP), Cucco Peña, Luis Perico Ortiz (RMM Records & Video Corp., Fonovisa, EMI Japan, Sweet Basil, AJ Records), Humberto Ramírez (AJ Records) and Elvin Torres Jr., among others.In 1993 performs his first percussion clinic at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music about Songo rhythms and its influence in salsa music.In March of 1996 is invited by the Music Conservatory of Puerto Rico to perform a percussion clinic about the evolution of the timbales in Latin and afro Cuban music as a part of the 2nd International Festival of Percussion in Puerto Rico.In 1998 receives a second invitation from Mr. José Alicea (director of the percussion department of the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico) to perform a second one, this time the topic was "The Percussion in Salsa". Other percussionists attending this festival were: Anthony Carrillo, Efraín Toro, Giovanni Hidalgo, Chuck Silverman, Emil Richards, David Garibaldi, Gary Chafee, Jim Chapin, Modesto Cepeda, Dave Samuels, among many others.In November, 1996, participates as an "all around percussionist" in the first edition of the concert "LP Master Planet Drums" among world known percussionists such as: Orestes Vilató, Alex Acuña, Giovanni Hidalgo, "Little" Johnny Rivero, Angel "Cachete" Maldonado, Endel Dueño, Anthony Carrillo and Carlos "Patato" Valdés. Also has studied with world renowned master percussionist, José Luis Quintana, better known as "Changuito".Freddie Miranda, Jr. has performed more than 25 states around United States of America (hispanic and non- hispanic communities), Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Venezuela, Aruba, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Saint Thomas, Saint Croix, and Spain (Madrid, Valencia and Canary Islands) As a teacher has worked during a year and a half for the Discípulos de Cristo Musical Institute in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, also worked for five years as Latin and ethnic percussion teacher for the extension and preparatory school program in the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music, and eight years as a private teacher.Relocated in Warner Robins, GA, Freddie is performing for the United States Air Force Reserve Band in Warner Robins, GA. Freddie enlisted as an active duty military member in January, 2006. With this band plays percussion and drum set with the Concert Band, The Full Spectrum Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo, Reserve Generation, High Flight and also w/the Ceremonial and Marching Band. His military decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Also performs occasionally in the salsa/latin jazz scene in Atlanta, GA. Freddie Miranda Jr. endorses MEINL percussion and cymbals and Regal Tip Sticks.