About
The Woodlands Jazz is an organization dedicated to the enrichment of young musicians through providing high level music training. Through The Woodlands Youth Jazz, students meet for intensive improvisation workshops, and high-level coaching from some of the finest jazz musicians in the country. The Woodlands Jazz is a program of The Woodlands Performing Arts, a 501c3 organization.
Tim lienhard
Founder, Executive Director
Tim Lienhard is a trombonist, educator, musical entrepreneur and arts advocate based in The Woodlands, TX. He is the founder and executive director of The Woodlands Performing Arts and New England Conservatory's premier summer jazz program, Jazz Lab.
As an educator, Tim has been a teaching artist and clinician at the JZ School and Club in Shanghai, China, the Panama Jazz Festival, New England Conservatory of Music and Eastern Washington University. His improvisation workshops are designed to help students unlock their creativity through free improvisation, advanced aural training, traditional jazz theory/harmony and interactive music making exercises.
As a trombonist, Tim has performed and recorded extensively, including appearances with Ruben Blades, Connie Francis, Danilo Perez, Dave Holland, George Garzone, and Dave Liebman. Tim holds B.M. and M.M. degrees in jazz performance from the New England Conservatory where he studied under Bob Brookmeyer, Frank Carlberg, John McNeil, and Douglas Yeo. He performs on Getzen trombones.
Alfredo Vélez III
Co-Founder, Musical Director
Alfredo Vélez III directs the renowned Kingwood Big Band and is Director of Bands at Lone Star College-Kingwood. The Kingwood Big Band has recently featured notable guest artists Randy Brecker, Eric Marienthal, Tom Malone, Conrad Herwig, Ken Watters, Bill Watrous and David Caceres. The KBB had the honor of being invited to perform at Havana International Jazz Festival in Havana, Cuba.
Vélez also directs the Kingwood Symphonic Band and the LSC-Kingwood Symphonic and Jazz Ensembles. In addition, he supervises all aspects of the band program and teaches courses in music education.
Vélez has held positions as Director of Bands at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Assistant Director of Wind Studies at the University of North Texas, Interim Director of Bands at Texas Christian University and Associate Director at Sam Houston State University. Mr. Vélez began his career in the Plano Independent School District including nine years as director at Clark High School.
Throughout his career, Alfredo Vélez has been recognized for his concert, jazz and marching band’s performances. Texas A&M-Kingsville Wind Symphony received exemplary reviews for their performances. He conducted the inaugural concert of the Lone Star Wind Orchestra at the Meyerson Symphony Center. His dedication to advancing the arts is only surpassed by his strong advocacy for music education in the state of Texas.
Alfredo Vélez holds Bachelor and Masters degrees from Angelo State University. He is in demand as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator. Professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association and Phi Beta Mu. He is Past President of Texas Bandmasters Association.
Tony Yarbrough
Co-Founder, Director of Educator Engagement
Tony Yarbrough is the Director of Instrumental Music at The John Cooper School in The Woodlands. Prior to his work at The John Cooper School, he spent 25 years in the Klein ISD at Hildebrandt Intermediate School. Under Mr. Yarbrough’s direction the Hildebrandt Band was a perennial TMEA area and state finalist. The band was selected as the first runner-up in the 2009 TMEA Honor Band competition. Mr. Yarbrough’s bands have earned multiple UIL Sweepstakes Awards for superior ratings in concert and sight reading, and have also earned superior and “Best in Class” ratings at various Music Festivals around the state.
Mr. Yarbrough performs regularly with the Kingwood Big Band, under the direction of Mr. Fred Velez, and as the principal trumpet and section leader in The Woodlands Concert Band under the direction of Paul Worosello. Mr. Yarbrough is an active professional trumpet player performing throughout the Houston area. He is also an original member of the Houston Texans Bull Pen Pep Band. Notable artists he has performed with include Wayne Bergeron, Jon Faddis, Randy Brecker, Eric Marienthal, Tom Malone, Roy Hargrove, Bill Watrous, and David Caceras.
Mr. Yarbrough’s professional affiliations include The Texas Music Educators Association, The Texas Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu, and The Texas Private Schools Music Educators Association.