Alonzo Ellison

Alonzo Ellison grew up in the small town of Cameron, Texas, where he was a constant top 3 finisher at region auditions beginning in 7th grade. In high school, Alonzo was awarded a scholarship from TMEA for achieving the milestone of being an all-state band member in both jazz and classical for three years in a row. Alonzo was able to make 1st and 2nd chair as an all-state student, along with being the first musician on his High School’s Wall of Honor.

Alonzo attended Temple College and received an Associate of Arts degree in Music while being a member of the Temple College Symphonic Band and lead trumpet in the Temple Jazz Ensemble. After leaving Temple, Alonzo spent a brief period at Texas State University before embarking on a professional career where he played with numerous bands in the Austin area covering several genres, including Funk, Hip Hop, Rock, Blues, Latin Jazz/Funk, and R&B. Alonzo attributes his versatility to growing up listening to a variety of music.

While working at the prestigious Austin School of Music in Austin, Texas, Alonzo wanted to help his students on a larger scale by improving himself as an instructor. As a result, Alonzo enrolled at Texas A&M University-Central Texas, where he completed a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with Music and Fine Arts concentrations. Alonzo then spent one year at the University of Texas at Austin as a graduate jazz student, where he played lead trumpet in the University of Texas Jazz Orchestra. While at UT, Alonzo wanted to improve as an instructor once again and decided to pursue a Master of Music Education degree at Tarleton State University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Alonzo has worked in music education for 16 years and currently serves as the Trumpet instructor for Georgetown ISD, covering multiple campuses in both clusters, along with Temple High School. In addition to teaching at the 6-12 grade level, Alonzo also serves as Adjunct Professor for both Temple College and Texas A&M University-Central Texas, where he teaches Applied Trumpet. Alonzo also serves as an adjudicator for Region 26 and Region 8.

Alonzo is a strong believer in Bloom’s Taxonomy and uses Spiral Curriculum to promote a positive learning environment where students are comfortable and able to successfully reach their goals. Alonzo has studied with Keith Fiala, Lee “Sparky” Thomason, Tom Fairlie, Keith Winking, Mike Sailors, Vicky Johnson, and Gary Westbrook.

Alonzo’s hobbies include systematically trading the stock market, barbecuing, watching anime, and traveling. When things get tough, always remember to bloom where you are planted!