Felix DeLeon

Build Specs:

ML .459 Bore

#3 Mandrel gold brass lead pipe

.355 Venturi

Two-piece gold brass bell with 5" flair

Two-piece brass valve casing -yellow brass lower with nickel upper

Yellow brass reverse main slide with Asymmetrical bend

Yellow brass inner and outer slide 1,2, and 3

Amado water keys on main and 3rd valve slid

Brass valve stems

Jazz trim kit with smooth top and bottom caps

Yellow brass finger buttons with blue inlay

PHAT yellow brass rings

Hand applied satin finish and clear non-epoxy lacquer

Born and raised in Houston, Texas Felix DeLeon came from a family of Church musicians and learned at an early age how to play by ear. He started off learning piano and wasn’t introduced to the trumpet until high school.

He attended Mac Arthur High School, which is known for their excellence in Jazz and Latin Jazz studies. Through his experiences with the MacArthur Jazz program he learned the importance of studying music theory and had the privilege to work with jazz greats such as Jon Faddis, Poncho Sanchez, Danilo Perez, Ndugu Chandler, Patrice Rushen, Marvin Stamm and Bill Mays.

After high school Felix went to college in Miami, Florida where he studied with the famous trumpet soloist and band leader, Arturo Sandoval. With this opportunity Felix grew as a trumpet player and soloist. During his professional career Felix had the honor to share the stage with prolific artists such as Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Chaka Khan, Paquito D'Rivera, Maynard Ferguson, Israel Houghton, CeCe Winans, Billy Taylor, David Sanborn, Tony Succar, Ronnie Laws and Jon Faddis. Felix DeLeon has been involved in numerous recordings and concerts across the nation and has been nominated for two Grammy’s, winning one. In 2024 he performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. with the Jazz Houston Orchestra. Felix is in demand now as a trumpeter, pianist, composer, arranger and clinician who also works with different schools as a private instructor. He plays with various groups in Houston, such as the Houston Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Houston Orchestra, Houston Latin Jazz Orchestra, and has established himself as a diverse musician in all genres of music performing with pit orchestras in musicals as well the praise and worship band at Lakewood Church.

"Thank you for the opportunity and friendship."