Rising Stars: Meet Alex Iles of Glendale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Iles.

Hi Alex, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Southern California native. I grew up in Arcadia, California where they have a very strong music program starting in elementary school and going through high school. I started playing the trombone when I was in fourth grade I decided to go to UCLA to get a liberal arts education. I graduated with a degree in economics but I continued to play music extensively in and outside school. I worked in other odd jobs while I practiced music and started developing a freelance career. That led me to tour with Maynard Ferguson and Woody Herman in the mid to late ’80s. I came back to Los Angeles and settled back in Southern California freelancing at theme parks, leading bands for events like weddings and private parties. I played in many local big bands and in jazz clubs. And I eventually started playing orchestral music again. That all eventually led me to being part of the freelance and studio recording community in Southern California. I have performed all over the world, both as a ensemble performer and as a soloist. I have been involved in music education where I teach privately and also give workshops, clinics and master classes to school groups all over the country. I’ve also served as a faculty instructor at several universities and music programs here in Southern California. I currently serve on the board of directors for a non-profit called Global Arts whose mission is to provide music education and materials to elementary and Middle School students in the Pico Union area. I also proudly serve as a trustee on the board of directors for the American Federation of Musicians Local 47.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Pursuing a career as a professional musician is full of challenges. There were numerous economic and personal struggles. I have been fortunate not to be drawn into many of the pitfalls facing musicians with addiction or major bouts with depression. But I cannot deny that my being a musician contributed to the end of my first marriage. And I also had to cope with losing my second wife to cancer 2 and 1/2 years ago. I’ve also had to learn to adapt to many changes in the business over the years. The trombone is a very Noble and exciting Musical instrument, but it doesn’t always fit into the scheme of every given current music situation. I’m very fortunate that I’ve been attracted to many different kinds of music, but that has meant that I’ve never been able to pursue any particular musical genre to the extent that I might have liked.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I perform, record and teach music. Due to the nature of the local freelance scene here, I’m primarily known as a stylistically diverse player. I enjoy exploring traditional and unusual situations to engage in. Since I take on a very broad variety of musical challenges, it can be a little scary accepting a particular type of musical situation I not have played in for a while

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Travel a path in life of constantly becoming the best musician you can be. Ear training, listen to a wide spectrum of music, get out and hear concerts, learn to participate in numerous genres, composition/arranging, pedagogy. Devolop competence on numerous related instruments. Never lose track of the reason you took up music in the first place. Those who do lose track often become bitter, angry, jealous and jaded.

Contact Info:

• Website: alex.iles.trombone.com