Ismael Vergara

Ismael Vergara born September 12, 1977 in Lima Peru, into a musical family. By the time he was only 2 years old, he was already recording jingles singing for T.V. and radio commercials in his native Lima. In 1989 along with his family, Ismael moved to the United States. Shortly after, he began his musical studies choosing the clarinet as his instrument. In 1993 he was accepted in the New World School of the Arts high school in Miami, where he studied clarinet under the tutelage of the finest teachers available in south Florida and served as principal clarinet in both the orchestra and wind ensemble. He also studied in the Florida International University where he earned a full scholarship. At the age of 17, he finally began what will probably be his lifelong journey with the saxophone. Shortly after, he was already performing with countless local bands in the Miami area, developing as a professional saxophonist. He studied clarinet and saxophone privately with Richard Hancock, Roby George, Mike Vilas and Tom McCormick respectively and also filled the lead alto sax chair in the FIU jazz big band under the direction of Sam Lussier. Ismael’s extraordinary versatility with musical styles and his ability to switch effortlessly between all saxophones, clarinets and flute make him a one-of-a-kind musician. In addition he is a skilled arranger. In the Latin pop genre, Ismael has recorded, toured and/or performed with a long list of artists that include, Willy Chirino, Huey Dunbar, David Bizbal, Ricardo Montaner, Johnny Ventura, Wilfrido Vargas, Yolanda Rayo, Amaury Gutierrez, Raphael, Cheo Feliciano, Son by Four, Nicola Di Bari and Grammy award winner Bacilos among many others. He has also done countless work for T.V. and musicals. Ismael’s large talent has definitely made him a favorite among band leaders and producers.