Drums

Orlando learned to play hand drums when he was just five years old.  Since that time he has developed a successful career as a marimbist and percussionist. Orlando is on the faculty at the University of Delaware, Newark and head of percussion studies at Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland.

As a solo marimbist, Orlando combines his training in classical music with his Latin American background to create mesmerizing rhythms and melodies.    

Orlando has performed at numerous international festivals including:  Percussive Arts Society International Convention and conducted workshops and master classes in colleges and universities throughout the United States.  He has been invited to perform as guest artist in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Central America, and South America.  

Orlando is hailed as a virtuoso on the conga drums, Latin Beat magazine calls him "solid conga drummer…a percussive pillar."  The San Juan Star says Orlando is "an artist of musical sensitivity and accomplished technique."

As a performing artist Orlando has collaborated with music legends of his generation, such as Andy Gonzalez, Giovanni Hidalgo, and Edwin ColUn Zayas.  

Orlando graduated cum laude from the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico with a bachelors degree in Percussion Performance. He was the first marimbist to receive the Artist Diploma from Peabody Conservatory of Music, and in that same year he appeared with Peabody Symphony Orchestra as the Winner of the Yale Gordon Concerto Competition.  

Orlando has been honored by the mayor of Cayey, Puerto Rico as a distinguished resident.  

Orlando is an exclusive performing artist endorsed by Yamaha, ProMark, and Latin Percussion.