Cristian performs on Show 469.

Cristian Vasquez (bass trombone and tuba), 18, is an accomplished low brass musician specializing in tuba and bass trombone. His hometown is Jacksonville, Florida, and he is currently a senior at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. A five-time All-State musician, Cristian has performed in the Florida All-State Middle School Jazz Band, High School Concert Band, and High School Symphonic Orchestra. Additional honors include membership in the Nine-Star Honor Band in 9th grade, four-time District Honor Band selection, and recognition as a semifinalist in the 2021 International Trombone Festival (ITF) Youth Competition on bass trombone.

As a member of the nationally recognized Douglas Anderson Jazz Ensemble 1 and Wind Symphony, Cristian has performed at prestigious events such as the Midwest Clinic, College Band Directors National Association Conference, Western International Band Clinic, and the Florida Music Education Association Conference. In addition, he had the honor of performing at Carnegie Hall with the Douglas Anderson Wind Symphony in March of 2023. Cristian is honored to have worked under esteemed educators, including Don Zentz, Ted Shistle, Benjamin Gerrard, and Dr. Kenneth Williams, and performed alongside guest artists such as Mike Tomaro, Ernie Watts, Scotty Barnhart, and Ulysses Owens Jr.

Active in his school community, Cristian has contributed to school productions as the trombonist in Hadestown and the tubist in Chicago. He has also served as a student mentor for three years in the Douglas Anderson Discovery Youth Band, sharing his knowledge and passion for music with younger students. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, learning about the ocean, and indulging in a good plate of buffalo wings.

Receiving the Award will enable Cristian to purchase a new tuba that will serve him well through his college years and into the professional field.