Meet Our Staff, Faculty,and Interns!

Executive Director/Founder

Director of Orlando Youth Jazz Orchestra One

Jesus.lopez@oyce.org

Jesus Lopez began his woodwind studies in 2006 on the Clarinet and Saxophone and soon after Oboe, Flute, and Bassoon. In his younger scholastic years, Jesus participated in numerous Solo and Ensemble festivals, All-County, All-State ensembles. He has also participated in the Music for All concert festival in 2011, Tri-State Festival in 2013, and The International Clarinet Association “ClarinetFest” appearing with the “Licorice Sticks Clarinet Orchestra”. Jesus has extensive experience playing in musical productions, appearing in shows including Les Miserable, Guys and Dolls, Miss Saigon, and Chicago - which he premiered with on the China Tour. Jesus studied Clarinet Performance at Valencia College and now studies at Rollins College, becoming very proficient in multiple genres of music. Lopez has studied under Eric Cole, Vanessa Vache, and Tom Dietz for woodwind studies and conducting with Dr. John Sinclair. He now regularly performs in various ensembles, ranging from orchestras to contemporary flamenco. Jesus also actively works with a multitude of youth, middle, and high school music programs in the Central Florida area, whether it be working with the ensembles or adjudicating. 

Chief Operating Office

Alyssa.walker@oyce.org

Alyssa Walker serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Orlando Youth Chamber Ensemble. She has been a pillar in building up the organization since 2018. Alyssa is dedicated to our faculty and interns, as well as our community members, to ensure that O.Y.C.E. creates positive and impactful music opportunities for our students. She is a senior music performance major at Rollins College in the flute studio of Dr. Katie Mess, and holds an Associate of Arts degree from Valencia College where she studied with flutist Michelle Territo. In addition to her academic and performance studies, Alyssa currently serves as Sergeant at Arms for the Lambda Iota chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and skill set and has taught in a variety of settings, including as a private lesson instructor, a woodwind marching band technician, and clinician for Orange County Public Schools band programs. Through these experiences, she has developed a passion for studying and performing works by women and composers of color. Alyssa plans to continue pursuing her passion for music with a career as a professional flutist and middle school band director. 

Chief Financial Officer 

Director of Orlando Youth Trumpet Choir

Chris.king@oyce.org

Chris King is a professional trumpet player in Central Florida. He is a musician for Epcot with Disney's Candlelight Processional, and Guardians of the Galaxy:  Awesome Mix Live!; and Universal Studios with the Studio Brass Band, and has played with artists such as Hank Williams Jr, Alan Parsons Project, Béla Fleck, Rocktopia (Trans-Siberian Orchestra), and Little River Band on stage and national/international television performances on ABC, NBC, ESPN, PBS, TBN, CW, Telemundo & Univision. Chris' students have been accepted for state and national honor bands and competitions such as Florida All State Bands/Orchestras, The Macy's Great American Marching Band, The US Army All-American Marching Band, National Association of Music Educators (NAfME) Orchestra, The National Trumpet Competition, and so on. In the past, Chris has done composing and arranging for groups ranging from soloists to full orchestras with choir; having some of his writing featured on the Today Show.  He is formerly principal trumpet of the Imperial Symphony Orchestra in Lakeland, FL.  He has recorded with numerous popular musical acts for jazz, reggae, and death metal albums. Chris is also the owner and head repair technician for CK Brassworks, a musical instrument repair business located in Winter Garden, FL. Chris attended Rollins College for his B.A in music

Vice President 

Director of Educational Outreach

Antonio.figueroa@oyce.org

 Antonio Figueroa is the current Vice President of Orlando Youth Chamber Ensembles and the Director of Bands at Edgewater High School - the "Pride of College Park". Figueroa received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Bethune-Cookman University, completing his internship at Oak Ridge High School in Orlando, FL under the direction of Dr. Jack Eaddy. Prior to arriving at Edgewater High School, Figueroa spent 5 years at Meadow Woods Middle School, growing a thriving performing arts program, along with receiving numerous awards and Superiors at the District Level. Antonio is also a member of various professional organizations, including the Florida Music Education Association, the National Association for Music Educators, and Edgewater’s Faculty Advisory Committee.