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Monica De Leon, is native to
the Washington, DC area. Monica has been most influenced by the vocalists
and instrumentalist of the 1940s and 1950s. From the swing era to bop
and cool to warm jazz-- she gravitates towards the harmonically complex
but grooving mid-tempo standards. She also has embraced the Bossa Novas
of Jobim as inspired by her late teacher Pam Bricker. She counts Stan
Getz, Chris Connor, and the undeniable Ella Fitzgerald as her biggest
influences. Monica has sung jazz in the Baltimore/Washington DC area since
1999.
Education
and Experience
Monica graduated from the Peabody Conservatory of John Hopkins University
in 2001 with triple Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition, Music Education,
Bassoon Performance, and a minor in vocal jazz. While attending Peabody
on full scholarship she performed and experienced a variety of musical
styles-- from baroque to post-modern and beyond to jazz. Jazz took center
stage in her life when she teamed up with the swing band Blue Sky 5 as
their lead vocalist (1999-2003). Performing over 250 concerts she sang
a variety of public and private events. She often sang for packed houses
or festivals with crowds from thirty to thousands. She also has performed
a number of high profile private events for US senators, film organizations,
universities, and five star hotels. She recorded a CD with Blue Sky 5
in 2001. She has also performed as a musical guest several times on the
television show "Swing Central"
(Channel 33 Arlington, VA) an award winning show produced by Tom Greco.
Monica studied jazz vocals with Pam Bricker
and while at Peabody with Eric Kennedy. She has taken workshops with Stephanie
Nakasian and Charles
Covington.
Currently
Monica performs with the Main Street Southern Jazz Band. Main Street is
a six piece New Orleans style jazz band that brings great energy to every
performance. Monica performs freelance with a variety of groups and jazz
styles as well.
Monica teaches instrumental music at Manor Woods Elementary School in
Howard County, Maryland. She also teaches private lessons for reed instruments.
Monica resides in Jessup with her husband Ariston De Leon and two beloved
pugs Dizzy and Bandit.
More Detail on Monica
Growing up in a very musical family, Monica had an early desire to perform
and create music. She began composing music using a computer program when
she was nine and then began playing the clarinet and piano shortly after.
In high school she sang with the school jazz choir and madrigals ensemble.
She focused most of her attention on playing the bassoon and won many
statewide awards such as MD Distinguished Scholar for studies in music
and principal positions in All State and All County orchestras and bands.
She also played clarinet with a church group and alto sax in the high
school jazz band. She attended a variety of camps on scholarship including
Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, The National Symphony Summer Music
Program, and The National Symphony Youth Apprentice Program.
While at the Peabody Conservatory of Music Monica began her formal studies
in composition with Nickolas Maw, Mark Weiser, and Morris Cotel. In 1998
Monica's bassoon compositions were featured at the International Double
Reed Conference in Tempé, Arizona. Monica also composed an opera
that was performed in the spring of 1999 by the Peabody Opera Department.
In spring 2001 she traveled to Europe with a symphonic band that premiered
her Concert Band compositions (with her conducting). She has won awards,
won several grants for research, and grants for performances. Her compositions
have been performed in New York, Phoenix, Washington DC, Maryland, and
England.
On bassoon, Monica performed with a variety of Symphony Orchestras, Opera
Orchestras, Wind Ensembles at Peabody, and profession orchestras. Due
to severe wrist pain, Monica scaled back her bassoon performance and singing
became her main focus. She studied classical voice for a few years and
then focused on jazz vocals with Eric Kennedy (Peabody). Although the
world of classical music and new music can seem distant relatives to the
world of jazz-- a rich understanding of music from the traditional to
obscure has enriched Monica's approach to jazz.
Monica's other interests include dance, sewing and fashion, and calligraphy.
Ariston and Monica teach Lindy Hop dance classes in the Columbia and have
taught series at the Peabody Conservatory, Catholic University, and Trenton
State University as well as won several regional and nation competitions
for lindy hop. Sewing and vintage fashion is another passion of Monica's.
She has a collection of over 100 pieces of elegant clothing from the 1930s-50s.
Her flair for fashion was recognized by the Baltimore Sun in an article
on vintage clothing where she modeled a few of her favorite dresses in
Feb 2001. Coming from a family tradition of seamstresses, she enjoyes
creating her own fashions. She also is a skilled calligrapher, teaching
this art form in class settings and private lessons.
Welcome to the world of JAZZCANARY!
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