Mr. Alan Corral, a musician, educator, and conductor, was born and raised in San Jose, California. His passion for music was inspired by his parents, both gigging musicians. From his mother, Delia, he learned to sing practically as soon as he could speak, and at age 5, his father, Jess, taught him to play piano. As a recording artist, Delia came out with several albums in which Alan was featured in voice and flute in recent years. Alan’s musical journey continued as he joined a mariachi youth group, mastering guitar, trumpet, violin, and excelling in singing traditional songs like rancheras and huapangos. He further honed his skills in Vivace Youth Choir for many years under Peggy Spool, and toured Colorado for their Sing a Mile High Festival. Alan’s musical interests expanded rapidly in 7th grade, where he began to teach himself various woodwind and brass instruments, including flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone and bought them himself with the money he earned teaching beginning piano lessons. During high school, Alan’s dedication earned him a place in the San Jose Youth Symphony Philharmonic Orchestra, a role he maintained throughout his four years. His musical journey took him on tours across Portugal and Spain, performing at iconic venues such as Plaza de Pasiegas in Granada and Palau de la Musica Hall in Valencia, and Segovia’s Jardin de los Zuloaga to name a few. Alan pursued his music education at San Jose State University with an emphasis on flute and graduated Magna Cum Laude and as a President’s Scholar. During his time there, he studied under Catherine Payne and Dr. Rayo Furuta, he expanded his skills in flute, violin under Dr. Catalina Barraza, and trombone under Professor Tom Hornig. Alan was Principal flutist in the wind ensemble and symphony orchestra. He was also a violinist in the orchestra, and played a significant role in various ensembles including playing and improvising on flute in the Afro-Latin jazz ensemble and award winning Mariachi Oroazul, where he was the co-director and section leader of the violins. Alan was recently accepted into the Saarburg Chamber Music Festival in Luxembourg and accepted into Quinteto Latino’s Seminario Cohort as a flutist. Excited to continue his education, Alan will pursue a Master’s in Instrumental Conducting, studying under Dr. Vickerman and Dr. Cohen at San Jose State University. He was selected for an internship with Mission College’s Symphony under Joseph Ordaz. He continues to direct and coach at several elementary school bands in the mornings. Beyond performing and conducting, Alan finds great fulfillment in teaching and sharing the joy of music with others. Some of his students have been accepted into the San Jose Youth Symphony’s wind ensemble, concert orchestra, and chamber orchestra. Currently, he teaches flute, piano, violin, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and recorder.
