Over the past few years, Jon Palacio Jr. has emerged as one of newest writer/arrangers in the Bay area. His writing style is best defined as the melding of strong rhythmic concepts with lush melodic content. Mr. Palacio is most readily recognized as one of the bay area’s authentic Latin big band writers. He incorporates powerful melodic and harmonic texture with the true spice of Latin rhythms to his charts. Whether it is the complexity of the music or its rich harmonic structure, Palacio’s compositions possess the passion and intensity that musicians enjoy playing. College and university jazz bands frequently perform his charts across the country; however, a growing number of professional groups have started recording and performing his songs as well. Not only is his published works known in the United States, Palacio’s music is spreading to countries like Peru, Argentina, Philippines, Chile, Brazil, and Italy to name a few.

Although he specializes in Latin charts for big bands, Palacio also composes for orchestra, symphonic bands, chamber ensembles and choral groups. He has written for commercials, musicals and other recording projects. He is in demand for writing commissioned works for high schools, colleges and private organizations and continually adds new works to his repertoire.

Mr. Palacio attended California State University--Hayward where he received a B.A. in composition under the tutelage of composer/trombonist Dave Eshelman and M.A. in composition under Dr. Jeffrey Miller. While at CSUH, Palacio matured into a talented jazz pianist and prolific writer, earning national awards for composition and performance. Jon Palacio has returned to Chabot College as the Director of Jazz Studies.