Scheila Gonzalez, alto saxophone

Introduced to music: at age 5 by her mother

Awards and honours: recipient of the Shelly Manne Memorial New Talent Award. Ms. Gonzalez was also selected to participate in the first ever Thelonius Monk Jazz Institute Workshop in Aspen, Colorado.

Has performed or studied with: jazz greats Joe Williams, Diane Schuur, James Moody, Nancy Wilson, Diane Reeves, Clora Bryant, and others

Worldwide performances: with groups such as Maiden Voyage, HMA Salsa Jazz, and DIVA

Currently: Ms. Gonzalez co-leads the jazz ensemble DekaJaz in addition to performing with her saxophone quartet Four on the Floor. She also teaches jazz and improvisation classes at Santa Susana Performing Arts High School.

Web site: www.beautyinmusic.com/artist_pages/scheila_gonzalez.htm