Josif Collazo, Trombonist

As I was one of the lucky ones I knew how cool an instrument could be so my parents signed me up for more lessons at Settlement with tuba professor Brian Brown. He has since become an important mentor in my life and has helped facilitate my growth in music and as a person. He also recommended me to his colleagues Robert Gale and Matt Vaughn which I now study with. Around this time (summer 2019) I was accepted into PMAY and the Primavera Fund who help cover the expensive cost of lessons and summer camps.
Because of their sponsorship I started getting serious with music and started auditioning for all kinds of ensembles and competitions. Recently in 2020 I participated in District 11’s Band and Orchestra festival and won an audition to Regionals. I also won 2nd chair in Pennsylvania’s All State Jazz festival. I was accepted into Interlochen’s Summer Program and I’ve also joined PYO and Bravo Brass, all of which helped move my musical abilities forward.
My proudest musical moment so far was performing at the Marion Anderson Gala and meeting Kool n the Gang. This was a life changing experience for me and has cemented the idea that music can take you anywhere. With the support of groups like PMAY and The Primavera Fund I’m very excited for the music that’s to come.

My name is Josif Collazo. As of now I’m 16 years old and going into my junior year in Bensalem High School, but I started playing the trombone long before that.
I got my start in 4th grade when my school’s music teacher let us try out some instruments. I picked up the trombone and I was amazed when I discovered the slide moved. Immediately I signed up for free in school lessons.
After a lot of practicing I received a scholarship at the end of the year that gave me 4 lessons at the Settlement School of Music. These lessons are what transformed a disfigured lead pipe into a medium of expression. Without these lessons I don’t think I would have the same love or passion for music. Sadly they’ve discontinued the program at my elementary school due to a lack of funding.