Julius Tolentino
The sounds of yesterday, today, and tomorrow are generated from the mind and soul of Julius Tolentino. With sophisticated technique and skilled interpretation, Julius creates a sound that is unique while also based on tradition. Composer and performer, Julius builds a rapport with his audience and strives to produce an authentic portrayal of jazz music.
Born in Bloomfield, NJ, Julius started studying piano at the age of 7. He continued his musical endeavors, which included clarinet when he was 10. By 13 Julius made the transition to alto saxophone. It was with this instrument that Julius began to explore his love for jazz.
While in high school, Julius performed in regional and all-state bands and won over a dozen soloist awards. To further his musical career Julius applied to the Hartt School of Music with the desire to study with jazz legend Jackie McLean. Julius was pleased to learn of his acceptance and scholarship to the program.
Upon graduation Julius moved to New York and has continued his career performing with Philip Harper, Antonio Hart, Vanessa Rubin, Cecil Bridgewater, Charlie Persip, Dion Parsons, Eric Reed, Marcus Printup, Craig Handy, Billy Drummond, Wes Anderson, Wycliffe Gordon, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, Kevin Mahogany, Christian McBride, Natalie Cole, Cecil Brooks III, Kioshi Kitagawa, Marleena Shaw, and Cyrus Chestnut. In 1999 Julius joined the highly acclaimed Illinois Jacquet Big Band performing, touring, and recording with the jazz legend for 5 years. Julius was chosen to be apart of a recording (Sharp Nine, “On The Loose”) showcasing the young lions on the New York scene released in 2001. Since then he has toured all over the US, Europe, South America, and the Middle East.
"I've had the pleasure of working with so many talented musicians in my work with Newark Academy, Jazz House Kids, Jazz at Lincoln Center and many other schools across the nation. My go to instrument as a professional saxophonist and as an educator is the Virtuoso Saxophone. It offers the highs and lows, the focus, the colors and the technical dependability that I've been looking for. RS Berkeley's instruments are a great fit for my students that are just learning to play or are serious about their musical studies. Not only are the instruments of high quality in terms of sound, intonation and precision, but the team at RS Berkeley are continuing to improve their products and innovate with new products. Their continued effort to making all of the RS Berkeley instruments the best there is on the market is quite commendable."