Meet the Band
Unlike any other brass quintet you have experienced, our ensemble features a
typical brass quintet, 2 trumpets, a trombone, a tuba, and a french horn, but
with a twist: a drum set. This addition gives the ensemble the sound of a 13
piece swing band with only 6 performers. The effect is even apparent with our
traditional pieces. The suspended cymbals, wind chimes, and other auxiliary
percussion items, add depth to traditional music.
Sterling Ablack • Trumpet
sterling@phoenixrhythmandhorns.com
Born in San Fernando, Trinidad, Sterling J. Ablack realized at a young age that
music is his passion. Possessing the GOD given gift of absolute pitch or
commonly known as "perfect pitch," Sterling's abilities on the trumpet is
evident is his sense of musical expression, technical affinity and robust
ethereal sound. At the age of 16, Sterling won a position in the Houston Youth
Symphony Orchestra where he performed until 21. At 18, a senior at Langham
Creek High School, Sterling was the recipient of the William D. Revelli
National Scholarship as well as a member of the Bands of America Festival
Orchestra. Attending the University of Houston, Sterling earned a Bachelor's
Degree in Music Education with a minor in Psychology. During this time, he had
the privilege to study trumpet under Mr. James Austin, Mr. Jim Vassallo, and
Mr. Dick Shaffer. In 1998, Sterling attended the brass seminar program "Domaine
Forget" in Quebec, Canada, where he had the opportunity to study with Mr.
Vincent Cichowicz. Currently, Sterling is principal trumpet of the Ft. Bend
Symphony Orchestra and the Symphony North. Though professionally trained as a
classical trumpet player, Sterling is an active free-lance trumpeter in the
many of the Houston's Salsa bands, most notable "Salsa Classica" under the
direction of Raymond Dias. Apart from being an active musician, Sterling is
employed as an Accounting Supervisor at Dynegy, a Houston-based energy company.
It is notable to mention that Sterling also holds a Master's in Business
Administration - concentration Finance from the University of St. Thomas as
well as a Certificate in Accountancy from the Bauer School of Business -
University of Houston and is currently a CPA candidate.
Andy Lingenfelter • Trumpet
andy@phoenixrhythmandhorns.com
Andy Lingenfelter has been playing trumpet professionally in the Houston area
since the age of 17. Specializing in big band and jazz, Andy performed with
numerous big bands across southern Texas before making the decision to lead his
own big band at 25. He enjoys playing a wide variety of styles in various
groups in and around Houston. Andy resides in Sugar Land with his wife, Carmen,
and their son, Jonathan.
Michele Rodriguez • French
Horn michele@phoenixrhythmandhorns.com
Michele Rodriguez has been playing French Horn since the age of 14. Many thanks given to her first private lesson teacher Mr. Roger Novak whom is now French Hornist in the United States Air Force Band, whom has given Michele direction, many lessons and words of wisdom - Michele is known for her “BIG BEAUTIFUL SOUND” on French Horn. During Michele’s high school years achieved High School All-State Symphonic Band and All-District Honor Band for four years, American Southwest Honor Band for two years as well as Outstanding Soloist for Brass through Desayuno Kiwanis for three years. During Michele’s senior year achieved the “John Philip Sousa Award”. Michele performed in many ensembles while in high school – Wood Wind Quintet, Brass Quintet, Pep Band and Rodeo Band. Attended Hummingbird Hornswoggle and West Texas State Band Camp she had the privilege to study French Horn under Mr. Jeff Kirschen, Mr. Corbin Wagner and Mr. Eric Ruske. Michele attended West Texas State A&M, majored in Music Therapy and minored in Music Performance – member of Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Pep Band and active with Music Therapy. During this time, she had the privilege to study French Horn under Mr. Ron Lemon. Michele has been part of the Houston Symphonic Band and is currently fourth horn of the Ft. Bend Symphony Orchestra. During this time Michele had the privilege to study French Horn under Mr. Thomas Bacon. Michele enjoys playing a wide variety of styles in music and in various groups in and around Houston. Michele also enjoys teaching privately and has also taught through Victoria Memorial ISD. Michele can now say she’s been part of a rock band she had the privilege to play with “KANSAS” while they were on tour in Texas. Apart from being an active musician, Michele is currently attending University of Houston majoring in Biology her interest are Forensic Science and Nursing. Michele is employed as Intake Coordinator for Texas Home Health Skilled Nursing. Michele resides in Boling, Texas with her husband Mike and her three children, Destiny, Dominique and Vincent.
Jason Peguero • Trombone
jason@phoenixrhythmandhorns.com
Jason Peguero a native Houstonian since the late 70's is a Product of the
Instrumental Music Programs of Katy Independent School District and Houston
Baptist University. From grade school through the university level, Jason has
played both the piano and trombone in multiple facets. Jason double majored in
education and music, with trombone as his primary instrument, piano as his
secondary instrument and music composition as his emphasis of study.
Professionally, Jason teaches at both the Awty International School as Director
of Instrumental Music and the Houston Community College Audio/Video Recording
Dept. as an adjunct professor. To fill the gaps between classes Jason Performs
regularly as a Jazz/Classical Trombone player and Pianist. Currently he holds
strong affiliation with the following ensembles: Phoenix Rhythm and Horns on
trombone, Fake Believe on electric bass, Eclectic Band on piano and the Circle
Squared Jazz Trio on Piano. Some say he is the modern day Renaissance Man when
it comes to music. "Composing, Performing, Recording, Jazz, Classical, Brass
and Rhythm…he does it all…well."
Coleman Locke • Tuba
coleman@phoenixrhythmandhorns.com
Coleman Locke is Principal Tuba for the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra and has
played with that organization since 2002. He plays with the Colorado River
Band, a community band in Wharton, Texas, and also the Texana Community Band in
Edna. He currently serves as President of that organization. He has played with
Phoenix since its beginning. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in
Marketing from Abilene Christian University. His family's business,
J.D. Hudgins, Inc. has raised and marketed registered Brahman cattle worldwide
since 1915. He is currently President of that organization, and he and son John
Coleman manage the Locke Division of J.D. Hudgins, a family partnership. Locke
is a past President of the American Brahman Breeders Association and currently
serves as a Director of Port City Stockyards and Texas Agribusiness companies
of Sealy, Texas. He has served as a Director of the Texas and Southwestern
Cattle Raisers Association since 1999 and is a Director of the Livestock
Exporters' Association. In April of 2004 he was appointed to the Texas Animal
Health Commission by Governor Rick Perry. He represents the Beef Cattle sector
of the Texas livestock industry on that Commission. Locke and his wife Regina
have four children: daughters Elizabeth Hoskins and husband Lee Roy of
Beeville; Laura Field and husband Tom of Wellington, Colorado; Gayle DeBerry
and husband Drew of Austin; son John Coleman and wife Salina of Hungerford, and
three grandchildren, Austin, Parker, and Jessica DeBerry of Austin.
Brian Bell • Drums
brian@phoenixrhythmandhorns.com
Brian Bell is a native Houstonian who has been playing drum set since the age of 13. However, even from an earlier age he has performed as both a singer and a piano player. His mother and father were both members of the Houston Symphony Chorus, so Brian has been fortunate enough to be exposed to great music from an early age. Brian continued his own growth of music listening throughout his early years and hasn’t stopped since. It is because of Brian’s listening skills and exposure to many styles of music that he is able to approach the drums in his own very musical way. Brian began studying the drum set seriously in college where he attended Texas Christian University. There he studied privately under Joey Carter on the music staff. It was here that Brian got his first taste of playing Jazz drums. This inspired Brian to continue his musical growth on the drum set, and he eventually found his way to California where he studied at the LA Music Academy in Pasadena. Under such drumming notables as Joe Porcaro and Ralph Humphrey, Brian obtained the tools necessary in becoming the professional drummer and musician he is today. Currently Brian is involved with several music projects here in Houston and is passing along his knowledge teaching at the Percussion Center here in town. Brian is grateful to have the opportunity to play with Phoenix Rhythm and Horns, and looks forward to making great music for any setting!