About-Antonio

Saxophonist, composer, educator and music songwriter/producer, Antonio Parker is a native of Philadelphia. He is well-known for his dynamic, energetic, and virtuosic performances as well as his versatility in a variety of musical styles. His artistry is deeply rooted in the jazz tradition but incorporates a wide spectrum of musical influences. He is a visionary artist who has been performing nationally and internationally for over 20 years.

Antonio began playing the saxophone at the age of 10 and later took saxophone and piano lessons at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia. At Settlement, Antonio was introduced to the sounds and rhythms of jazz music. He would also hear the music of the legendary alto saxophonist, Charlie Parker. In an instant, jazz became the focus of his musical pursuits. Antonio was part of the Settlement’s jazz sextet and performed in The Settlement Summer Music Program. Here Antonio would meet the city’s other talented young musicians. Along with renowned jazz bassist Christian McBride and pianist/organist Joey Defrancesco, Antonio played in the Philadelphia All-City Jazz Band when in high school. They also attended the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA). In high school, Antonio received numerous scholarships, including the Count Basie Scholarship and The McCoy Tyner Scholarship. He was also awarded a Selmer saxophone. After graduating, Antonio entered Howard University in Washington DC on several special-talent scholarships. He joined the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, and has written, recorded and toured with the band, and has been a fixture in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area ever since.

Antonio’s many artistic achievements include serving as a USIA (United States Information Agency) Jazz Ambassador to Africa, where he performed and conducted jazz workshops in Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Zaire, Congo, Morocco, and Tunisia. He has toured and performed in Japan, London, Scotland, Paris, Spain, Canada and Austria. He has also performed at the pyramids in Egypt with Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. Antonio has recorded and/or shared the stage with many well-known artists and entertainers, including Go-Go legend Chuck Brown, The Blackbyrds, The O’Jays, Peabo Bryson, Ruben Studdard, Betty Carter, Illinois Jaquet, Jean Carne, and Christian McBride. His 2002 debut CD, “The Exchange,” was well received and his most recent recording, the 2-disc “Steppin’ Out” Live @ HR-57 (released in 2012 on his Airegin Label), documents his constant growth as a jazz performer, composer, and bandleader.

Antonio received his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies and his Master’s in Composition and Arranging from Howard University. He acquired a second bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of the District of Columbia. Antonio has taught in the District of Columbia Public Schools as well as Prince George’s County Public School system. He is the founder and executive director of the Inner City Jazz Foundation and continues to educate young people on the importance of jazz music. His company, Mr. Parker Music Teacher, LLC creates and markets educational products and services to school-age children.

AntonioParker.Com

The Official Website of Antonio Parker

About Antonio