Scheila Gonzalez

Infobox Musical artist
Name = Scheila Gonzalez


Img_capt = Gonzalez performing on the Zappa Plays Zappa tour
Background = non_vocal_instrumentalist
Born = birth date and age|1971|8|5
Origin = Los Angeles, California
Instrument = Saxophone
Genre = Jazz
Rock
Experimental
Occupation = Musician
Associated_acts = DIVA Jazz Orchestra
Dweezil Zappa

Scheila Gonzalez (born August 5, 1971 in Los Angeles, California) is an American multi-instrumentalist and music educator. She is best known for playing the saxophone and other instruments with artists such as Dweezil Zappa, Alex Acuña, Ray Parker, Jr., and many others.cite web |url=http://www.divajazz.com/personnel/scheila.html |title=Scheila Gonzalez |work=The DIVA Jazz Orchestra |accessdate=2008-01-25] She currently plays tenor saxophone the all-female jazz orchestra DIVA and is a full-time member of the Zappa Plays Zappa world tour in which she plays several instruments and sings. [cite web |url=http://www.zappaplayszappa.com/players.html |title=The Players |work=Zappa Plays Zappa |accessdate=2008-01-25]

Biography

Gonzalez took piano lessons from the age of four and then transitioned to the saxophone at age twelve. She plays several woodwind instruments, keyboards, and sings. Currently, she is the Director of Jazz Combos at Santa Susana Performing Arts High School in Simi Valley, California, she gives private lessons, and does freelance work in addition to her various album, tour, and concert appearances.

Notable performances

Gonzalez has been performing on the Zappa Plays Zappa tour with Dweezil Zappa for both of its seasons. She has received praise in the media for her instrumental performance and skill during the tour. [cite news |title=Magical music of F. Zappa rocks again - Leading a crack band, son Dweezil shows songs' power |last=Fountain |first=Leigh Buckley |work=Richmond Times-Dispatch |location=Richmond, Virginia |date=2007-11-10 |page=B-4 ] [cite news |title=Zappa tribute band celebrates prog rock icon - Guitar legend's son puts together next best thing |last=Glasgow |first=Greg |work=The Daily Camera |location=Boulder, Colorado |date=2006-10-20 |page=C04 ] The show has toured the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. She has appeared on television shows such as "The Tonight Show" backing Garth Brooks and the "BET Music Awards" backing Sheila E. Gonzalez has also done film work, appearing in the Christopher Guest film "For Your Consideration".

Awards

Gonzalez won the Shelly Manne Memorial New Talent Award, a prestigious jazz music recognition awarded in the Los Angeles area.

References