SDSU JAZZ BAND COACH A WINNER AT GRAMMY AWARDS

February 15, 2011 (San Diego) – Dan Reagan, a graduate student in San Diego State University’s master’s program in jazz studies and coach of the SDSU jazz band, is a member of the Spanish Harlem Orchestra which won best tropical Latin album for Viva la Tradicion at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards February 13th.

Raised in San Diego, Reagan plays trombone, flugel horn and piano in addition to writing and composing his own music. His career spans over 25 years, including multiple genres. He has served as lead for live performances by singers Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez, also working with other artists including Tito Puente, R&B artist Sheila E, disco artist Sylvester, Manny Oquendo & Libre, and others, according to his bio at the Spanish Harlem Orchestra website.
 

Best known as a trombonist, he gained interested in the instrument after hearing a neighborhood band playing Latin jazz. When first asked to join the band, he turned them down. But according to SDSU’s website, “The more I saw people dancing in the streets and the guys in the band having nothing but fun, I was hooked. Since then, it’s been all Latin jazz.”
 

This is the second Grammy award received by Spanish Harlem Orchestra, consider the elite of the salsa genre. Reagan currently tours with the band when not coaching the SDSU jazz band at the campus’ School of Creative and Performing Arts.