Wilker A., born in João Pessoa/Brazil, began his musical life playing in marching bands in the state of Paraíba. Realizing his joy for music, he went on to attend the UFPB (Federal University of Paraíba), where he completed his Bachelor of Music in French Horn Performance while also receiving the prestigious Laurel of Academic Excellence.
Wilker has attended both national and international music festivals for the French horn and for conducting, where he has studied with distinguished...
Wilker A., born in João Pessoa/Brazil, began his musical life playing in marching bands in the state of Paraíba. Realizing his joy for music, he went on to attend the UFPB (Federal University of Paraíba), where he completed his Bachelor of Music in French Horn Performance while also receiving the prestigious Laurel of Academic Excellence.
Wilker has attended both national and international music festivals for the French horn and for conducting, where he has studied with distinguished teachers including Sandoval Moreno (Brazil), Stanley F. Michalski, John Grant, and John Robert Marr. José has presented masterclasses in conducting for concert band and marching band. Since 2001, Wilker has servicer as music director for several marching bands, winning many esteemed awards, including; Best Band and Best Conductor. He has studied orchestral conducting with Luiz Carlos Durier, Lanfranco Marcelletti, Rafael Palace Luz, Emilio Caesar, Marcos Arakaki, Isaac Karabtchevsky, Maurice Perez, Cristopher Zimmerman, and Catherin Larsen-Maguire. In 2012, Wilker was the recipient of the “Young Orchestral Conductor” award at the International Music Festival Eleazar de Carvalho in Brazil. He has served as an applied instructor for french horn with many music organizations.
In 2013, Wilker came to the United States to participate in a Chamber Music Camp on Madeline Island and returned to the United States in 2016 to complete an Artist Certificate in French Horn Performance at Azusa Pacific University with the renowned Professor James Thatcher. Subsequently, he accepted a position as tour assistant with Drum Corps International World Class Champions Cadets. Wilker maintains a robust schedule teaching French horn, acting as an Assistant Band Director, and as Director of the World Music Symphony Orchestra part of the Azusa Conservatory of Music.
He finished the Master’s Degree of Music in Instrumental Conducting at Azusa Pacific University in 2020 under the tutelage of Dr. John Burdett.
Bachelor Degree of Music in French
