About the authors

 About the Authors

Jose Rosa

Born and raised in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Jose has been performing on percussion instruments since he was five years old. At age 11, he started formal music lessons with Professor Jose “Tito” Rivera at the Escuela Libre De Música de Humacao. At 12 years of age, Jose started performing with the Humacao Symphonic Band under the direction of Professor German Peña Plaza. With the Humacao Symphonic Band, Jose traveled to Venezuela, New York, Costa Rica, Virgin Islands and Dominican Republic.

At age 14, Jose received formal percussion lessons from Professor Jose "Pepe" Torres at the Escuela Libre de Música de Caguas. Under Torres direction, Jose performed with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, Puerto Rico State Band and also with a variety of local bands. By the age of 17, Jose was accepted into the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music where he studied percussion with Professor Jose Alicea. Under Alicea's direction, Jose played for the America youth symphony orchestra based in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 1994, Jose moved to Miami, where he attended the University of Miami and Florida International University.

Through the course of his life, Jose has had the opportunity to perform with renown artists such as Arturo Sandoval, Tito Puente, Marcos Barrientos, Gerson Kelly, Danilo Montero, Mike Orta, Bobby Cruz, Jose "Papo" Rivera, “Steel Pan virtuoso” Liam Teague, Gregg Bissonnette, etc...

He had also performed at the Disney’s Animal Kingdom “Tarzan Rocks” and “The Village Beatniks” shows, at the Universal Studios Florida “The I Love Lucy tribute show!”.

He also leads his own percussion group called “Los Rumberos de El Nuevo Dia”, his latin jazz band "Jose Rosa and Friends" and also co-leads with Hector "Pocho" Neciosup a fusion Latin-American Jazz band named: "Tinya". In addition, he can also be heard and seen in many radio ads and TV programs like syndicated PBS program “Jazz Then and Now” and also on the Travel channel in the program "The making of Disney's Animal Kingdom".

He has also co-written several instructional books with his long time friend Professor Hector ”Pocho” Neciosup some of the titles are: Award winning:"The Book of Contemporary Conga Techniques", "Beyond The Secret Hand / Mas alla de la Mano Secreta", “New World Music Resource Guide” and “The Art of Latin Drumming” published by Hal Leonard Corporation, Coming soon: "The Contemporary Latin Drummer minus one" Among many others...

Jose is the director of the University of Central Florida's: "Contemporary Drums and Percussion Camp" for more information visit: http://www.contemporarypercussion.com

Jose proudly endorses Pearl Drums and Percussion, Remo Drumheads, Paiste Cymbals, Pro-Mark Drumsticks, Pintech Electronic Percussion, PhatFoot Accessories, Offworld Percussion Practice Pads, Triplet Drum Gloves, Cympad Accessories, Cymbag Cymbal Protectors and Beato Bags. 

Hector "Pocho" Neciosup

Born and raised in Lima, Peru. Hector comes from a well known family of musicians his grandfather Fernando Neciosup, his dad Moises Neciosup Acuña both distinguished music teachers in Peru. But the person that inspired him the most was his uncle, Alejandro Neciosup Acuña (Alex Acuña) world renowned percussionist. Hector was introduced to percussion instruments from a very early age and by age seven he had mastered the basic beats for those instruments. At age fifteen, Hector was accepted at the Conservatory of music in Lima Peru. At age eighteen, he moved to the United States and participated in a drum contest directed by the legendary Louis Bellson, in which he won the first place. Consequently, Hector was granted a full scholarship to study at the University of Miami with Professor Steve Bagby and Professor Steve Rucker. During that period he was part of the faculty as Latin Percussion Instructor for Miami Institute of Percussion, which was founded by Russ Miller.

Through the course of his life, Hector has had the opportunity to perform and tour with major recording artists such as “Trumpet Virtuoso” Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D’Rivera, Alex Acuna and The Unknowns, Justo Almario, Eva Ayllon, Michael Brecker, Mongo Santamaria, Bob James, Eddie Daniels, Tania Maria, Nestor Torres, Mike Orta,Willy Chirino and recorded at Carlos Averhoff's latest album entitled: “Jazz ‘ta Bueno” (Universal Music). He has also performed with several Christian recording artists such as Richie Ray, Grupo Nueva Vida, Bobby Cruz, Tom Brooks, Don Moen, Ingrid Rosario, Ricardo Rodriguez and Danilo Montero.

As musical director, Hector has a great reputation, not only among major artists but also in churches. For the past 6 years, Hector has been the musical director at "Weston Baptist Church" and a music teacher for the "Weston Christian Academy". Prior to Weston Baptist, Hector was the musical director for several churches and bands around the Miami area. In addition, Hector was on faculty at Florida International University for 14 years. Presently, Hector is one of the most sought after music teacher, music director and performer in Miami, FL. Hector proudly endorses Pearl Drums and Percussion, Remo Drumheads, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion Drumsticks.