Long before trombonist Marcel Penzes was wowing audiences with his soulful sound, he was a freshman at Winston Churchill High School, eager to join the jazz ensemble. Most students waited until sophomore year to audition — but Penzes couldn’t wait.
“I was so enthusiastic about being in the band, I went for it as soon as they would let me,” he told MCM.
That early passion has carried Penzes far. This May, the Potomac native will perform three times at The Mansion at Strathmore as part of the venue’s prestigious Artist in Residence (AIR) program. Blending the festive spirit of New Orleans with rhythms from across the Americas, Penzes’s performances promise to highlight both his technical skill and deep emotional connection to jazz traditions.
Penzes credits much of his musical foundation to his time at Churchill, where he played in multiple bands under the direction of Mr. Ari Allal. “He really takes jazz music seriously and guided us to play with authenticity,” Penzes said. A band trip to New Orleans during high school proved transformative, shaping the way he approaches the trombone even today.
Outside of school, Penzes immersed himself in Montgomery County’s vibrant youth jazz scene, performing with groups like the Jazz Academy Orchestra and the Capital Focus Jazz Band. Those experiences paved the way for his growth into one of the DMV’s emerging jazz talents.
Audiences got a preview of his dynamic style at the AIR Class of 2025 Preview Concert in November 2024, where Penzes impressed with his innovative techniques and ability to evoke deep emotion through his music.
Now, Strathmore audiences will have three opportunities to hear him live:
- “Mardi Gras in May” Concert – Tuesday, May 14, 7:30 p.m.: A celebration of New Orleans’s iconic sound, full of high-energy performances. Purchase tickets here.
- “New Orleans: A Forgotten Island of the Caribbean” Workshop – Tuesday, May 21, 7:30 p.m.: A deeper look at the cultural roots of New Orleans and its lasting influence on modern music. Register to attend free workshop.
- “Jazz From the Americas” Concert – Tuesday, May 28, 7:30 p.m.: A rhythmic journey across the Americas, performed with a lineup of all-star local musicians. Purchase tickets here.
Tickets are available online or by calling Strathmore’s Ticket Office at 301-581-5100.
Strathmore’s AIR program is now celebrating its 20th anniversary. It continues to support the next generation of artists, offering mentorship and performance opportunities to six rising stars each year.
For more information about Marcel Penzes and his upcoming performances, visit Strathmore’s website.
