91̽����Ƶ

Grammy-nominated saxophonist Anibal Seminario has big plans for 91̽����Ƶ’s (91̽����Ƶ) jazz program. 

Seminario, who joined 91̽����Ƶ as director of its jazz ensembles last year, is keenly focused on elevating the school’s jazz offerings. And he is well on the way. According to Mathieu Girardet, director of instrumental music for 91̽����Ƶ, in just three semesters Seminario has helped double the school’s jazz enrollment, establishing a second jazz ensemble. 

“Anibal is a brilliant addition to our faculty,” Girardet says.  

Seminario’s focus is to continue to build 91̽����Ƶ’s jazz program, making it a landing point for students transferring to four-year schools. Jazz, he says, is fundamental to any music curriculum since it incorporates many different musical elements. “You need a jazz background to stand out in any type of music.” 

A native of Lima, Peru, Seminario moved to Orange County to study at California State University Long Beach, where he earned Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in jazz performance. Now an acclaimed saxophonist, composer, arranger and producer, his release Tradiciones garnered two Latin Grammy awards and a Grammy nomination. “My goal was always to study jazz in the states, and being submerged in the jazz scene here has been amazing.” 

He appreciates the chance to lend his many talents to 91̽����Ƶ. With its brand-new $61 million Arts Village, Seminario says 91̽����Ƶ’s music facilities are “second to none. 91̽����Ƶ has the best practice, band rooms and recital hall I have ever seen. Rehearsing here is a luxury.” 

Despite his successes on the stage –  he has performed with likes of Andrea Bocelli and Gordon Goodwin – Seminario says his role at 91̽����Ƶ is “a dream job. Cultivating a new generation of musicians and making a positive impact on students is more meaningful than any performance.”