Born in Dallas on August 22, 1986, Jonathan Randal Jones is the youngest solo artist to ever be featured with the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra. Jonathan was appointed as Principal Clarinet of the Las Colinas Symphony in 2007 before his graduation from Southern Methodist University in May 2008 with a degree in Music Education. Jonathan started the clarinet with Ricky Reeves at the age of 10 in Duncanville where Jonathan grew up and later studied with Paul Garner at Southern Methodist University.
Known as “A passionate and virtuosic musician responsible for All-out playing,” (The Dallas Morning News, Cantrell) the Spotlight is nothing new for Mr. Jones. Most recently, Jonathan has performed in Duo with master drummer Jamal Mohamed at the Percussive Arts Socitey International Convention (PASIC) in Indianapolis.
International solo performances include the European Premiere of Ricky Ian Gordon’s Orpheus and Euridice, a 70-minute work involving playing from memory, acting, and dancing. This production was also featured on season at the Santa Fe and Ft. Worth Opera (including DVD production) and Dallas’ own Voices of Change.
Also in Italy (Summer 2009) Jonathan’s international Jazz Group “MaTRIOsca” opened for Gramy Award Winning Latin Jazz Pianist, Michele Camilo. Other Italian performances include a solo recital at the l’Accademia Santoro in 2007, and European Premieres of the music of Kevin Hanlon at the Matese Friend Festival, and World Music Project in 2007. During the same year, Jonathan won the Gold Medal from the President of the Republic of Italy along side the Grand Prize at the International Music Competition “Citta di Valentino,” Castellaneta, Italy. In Colorado, Jon was the first clarinetist ever in 52 years to win the Grand Prize of the Ft. Collins Symphony International Artist Competition.
Other solo appearances include with the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra and the Conroe Symphony (Texas). Jonathan has been solo artist with the SMU Meadows Symphony, the SMU Wind Ensemble at his 2008 SMU graduation, the SMU Spring Show Dance Production, The SMU Percussion Ensemble and The SMU World Music Ensemble.
Currently, Jonathan spends his time teaching and freelancing with his home base in the DFW area. Jonathan performs exclusively with Jamal Mohamed in an electro/acoustic world/improv duo (Drum n’ Wind). You can find Jon playing most every Tuesday night at Zubar on lower Greenville with Dallas’ one and only Improv. Hip-Hop band (CoLab). Jonathan was also recently added to the Production team at Valley of the Kings Studio where he produces everything from Hip-Hop to Dubstep. When not immersed in music Jon can also be found at Sunstone Yoga or at the gym as the holder of the title “Mr. SMU” Bodybuilding Competition 2008. Jonathan is also an Eagle Boy Scout.