Instrumental
Carlos Bislip Jr.
Work Experience:
Director, Arubaanse Muziekschool
Oranjestad, Aruba | June 2024 – Present
Teacher, Arubaanse Muziekschool
Oranjestad, Aruba | Sept. 1985 – May 2024
- Drum set, Latin Percussion, Music Theory, Percussion Ensemble, Aruban Folkloric Music, Caribbean Music, Jazz Ensemble
Organizer & Presenter of Artistic, Cultural, and Educational Projects
May 1990 – Present
Artistic & Musical Director:
- SETAR N.V. 70 Years Tribute to Carnival Music Big Band Concert | January 2024
- 70th Anniversary of the Arubaanse Muziekschool | September 2023
Education:
Master’s in Arts Administration
Boston University | June 1997 – Sept. 1999
Bachelor’s in Performance (Drum Set)
Berklee College of Music | Sept. 1995 – Dec. 1996
Diploma in Performance (Drum Set)
Berklee College of Music | Sept. 1980 – May 1984
Directed Studies in Jazz
Indiana University | Sept. 1988 – March 1990
Born on: 17 juli 1961
Contact
📱+297 592-6449 / +297 585-6812
📧carlosbislipjr@gmail.com
ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/carlos.bislip
Anderson Bahamon
Anderson Bahamon, born February 18, 1988, in Colombia, is a skilled Electric Bass guitar player currently living in Aruba. He studied music at the Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga but moved to Aruba before finishing his degree. Anderson has been teaching music for six years at the Fundacion Centro Famia Piedra Plat and volunteers in Gospel music with the Destiny Church Foundation.
He grew up in a musical family—his father, Javier Bahamon, was a trumpet player for Grupo Niche for over 27 years. Anderson began playing the trumpet at age 12 but later transitioned to his passion, the Electric Bass Guitar.
Since moving to Aruba in 2015, Anderson has been involved in producing events and concerts and gained experience in multimedia production. He currently performs at popular venues like Barcelo, Renaissance Marketplace, Hyatt, and Riu Palace, with six years of experience playing at these locations.
Genre: Pop, Pop Latino, Urban, Tropical, Dancehall, Reggaeton, R&B, Hip hop, Rock, Ska, Reggae, Salsa, Electronic dance music, Afro Carribean, Jazz, Instrumental guitar, Funk, Gospel.
Born on: 2/18/1988
Contact
📱+297 5610821
📧 [email protected]
ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/mrandersonb?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Nicola Grigoriu
Nicola Grigoriu was born in Bucharest, Romania, and from an early age showed exceptional talent for music. Between 1970 and 1972, he studied at the prestigious Liceo de Música Nr. 1, and later, from 1962 to 1974, he continued his education at the Conservatory of Music, where he graduated with summa cum laude honors.
Genre: Violin player
Born on: 8/14/1953
Contact
📱+297 5924798
📧 [email protected]
https://www.violinaruba.com/
Maybelline Arends-Croes
Aura Maybelline Arends-Croes, known as Miss “Maybe,” was born on March 27, 1945, in Aruba. She holds an H.B.S-A diploma from Colegio Arubano (1963) and a teaching diploma in General Musical Education (A.M.V.) from Hilversum Conservatory in the Netherlands (1968). She has participated in international music education conferences in the Netherlands, USA, Finland, Suriname, and Trinidad.
Aura taught music for 40 years at Colegio Arubano (1968–2008) and the Aruba Pedagogical Institute (I.P.A.). She also taught beginners in singing, piano, cuatro, and guitar privately from 1973 to 2014. Since 1968, she has guided numerous soloists, groups, and choirs for performances and recordings. Currently, she remains active with her youth choir, “Tutti Frutti,” and her adult vocal group, “MELANGE.”
She is a member of “Brindis Musical,” a group of women over 70 who volunteer by performing for care home residents. Aura has also served in various organizations, including the 1976 commission for Aruba’s national anthem. She has been a jury member for festivals across Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, and Puerto Rico, and has directed musical theater productions for TeleAruba and Cas di Cultura.
Since 1968, I have formed and directed various soloists, groups, and choirs, preparing them to participate in a variety of events, shows, and singing festivals. I have also guided them in recording studios, both for their own productions and for other projects. Currently, I remain active with my youth choir “Tutti Frutti” and my adult vocal group “MELANGE.”
She is currently working on producing a songbook with musical notation.
Genre: Choir Director
Born on: 3/27/1945
Contact
📱+297 597 1144
📧 [email protected]
ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/aura.arendscroes
Michel “Pollo” Geerman
I started this project/band in the 80’s Metal (Heavy Rock) genre about two years ago. It took a lot of rehearsal time, as well as finding the musicians. We’re still missing a bassist, but we are ready to officially launch with a concert on September 28, 2024.
Genre: Rock, Metal
Born on: 11/18/1967
Contact
📱+297 5687175
📧 [email protected]
ⓕ facebook.com/pollogeerman
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 @mhgmortem
Patrick Richards
I have been part of, among others; Campanitas Navideñas, Gaiteros del Norte, New Dimension, Ozone, Solo Banda Show, Orquesta Fiebre NL, Pegasaya NL, Sound and More, Maruba.
Genre: Pop Latino, Crioyo, Soca, Ritmo Kombina, Rock, Reggae, Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Zouk, Compa
Born on: 12/27/1973
Contact
📱+297 5628100
📧 [email protected]
ⓕ facebook.com/patrickrichards
Franklin Giel
I am a trombonist with a lot of experience.
Genre: Tropical, Crioyo, Soca, Ritmo Kombina, Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Brassband
Born on: 10/10/1965
Contact
📱+297 5937710
📧 [email protected]
Lenn hernandez
Music is life
Genre: Rock, Reggae
Born on: 7/25/1986
Contact
📱+297 7426003
📧 [email protected]
Godelinde
Godelinde her voice will certainly move you. She accompanies herself with the Tambura and its overtones, teaching the Yoga of Sound which leads to transformative and healing experiences. She is initiated by her teacher from the Himalaya mountains. At the Chakra Institute she graduated as Spiritual teacher and gained her Mantra chanting certificate with special recognition of excellence. As a pedagogue she works therapeutically with music. She spent years studying music (tambura, harp and classical singing) in the Netherlands and recorded her album Island Bliss under the professional guidance of Ivan Quandus.
She performs meditation concerts and sound healings on Aruba and abroad. People share how their unique and mystic experiences with the sounds touch them.
Genre: Singer. Classical, Mantra (Sanskrit), sound healing, Mariah Carey, Jazz, pop. Instrumental Tambura, Harp.
Contact
📱+297 5685718
📧 [email protected]
ⓕ facebook.com/godelindelaufer
Jeremy A Lampe
I started at the age of 9 in Tanki Leendert Little Stars with Simon Danies in 1977 at Basiruti Hotel. In 1980, I took trumpet lessons at the neighborhood music school at Colegio Ora Ubou (Mr. Coutinho). In the steel band, I represented Aruba in the USA, the Dominican Republic’s Carnival, and in Venezuela on several occasions (Carnival in Valencia, San Luis, Punto Fijo, and Maracaibo), as well as in the Netherlands and Peru. I played in Aruba’s Carnival on multiple occasions and even won the Steelband Contest Championship with Tanki Leendert Little Stars in 1978/79. In 1990, I founded and was part of the Quiver Quips Steel Orch. group, with which we also traveled to Venezuela twice.
In 2016, I received a special invitation from the manager of Kool & The Gang to perform on the main stage of the Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival with them here in Aruba, delivering a tremendous performance. I have produced 1 cassette and 5 CDs of steelpan music, where I play the lead pan. I have performed in all the hotels and beaches in Aruba, including weddings. I am currently performing every day at the Aruba Airport, entertaining our tourists. I have personally entertained various international artists with my music here at the airport, including Ala Jaza, Fernando Villalona, Alex Bueno, Gilberto Santa Rosa, and more.
I participated in the Soca Monarch 2023 with the steelpan, where the soca song (Casper – Feeling Good Feeling Nice) won the title. I have a career spanning more than 45 years in the world of steelpan music.
Genre: Instrumental Steelpan
Born on: 9/29/1968
Contact
📱+297 5651222
📧 [email protected]
ⓕ facebook.com/jeremy.lampe.12
Andrea Grosso
I have been playing the saxophone for over 30 years. As a teenager, I started playing with an orchestra alongside many musicians in various Latin rhythms (salsa, merengue, cumbia, porro, etc.). Later, I began taking saxophone lessons for many years with a well-known musician in Colombia, Pollo Burbano, and from there, I started playing jazz, blues, bossa nova, and some classical music and waltz. In Aruba, I’ve been playing for 15 years now at hotels, events, weddings, and parties. God has given me this talent and love for the saxophone and music, and I feel very blessed to be able to work with it, bringing an atmosphere of love, joy, tranquility, and elegance through music.
Genre: Instrumental Saxophone
Born on: 5/14/1977
Contact
📱+297 5944137
📧 [email protected]
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@andreagrossosaxophonelady91
Heidi Middendorp
I am a musician who enjoys listening to and playing all sorts of genres. I play guitar and bass. I started when I was 8 years old, and the rest is history 😁. I also enjoy freelancing to help those who need an extra musician for any event. Music is more of a hobby for me, and playing is a way to express myself; it is also therapy for the heart, mind, and soul 🙌🏽
Genre: Pop, Pop Latino, Tropical, Crioyo, Soca, Ritmo Kombina, Rock, Ska, Reggae, Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Vallenato, Afro Caribbean, Jazz, Instrumental guitar, Tipico, Zouk, Compa
Born on: 6/1/1990
Contact
📱+297 5610318
📧 [email protected]
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 @heidimiddendorp
Eduardo Proveyer
studied in Cuba and have traveled, performing in projects, to Japan, France, Guyana, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, Panama, Venezuela, New Orleans, New York, Miami, the Netherlands, and Spain.
Genre: Pop, Pop Latino, Tropical, Salsa, Afro Caribbean, Jazz, Sax Instrumental Music, Brasilia Music Cuba Music Smooth Jazz
Born on: 6/12/1959
Contact
📱+297 5679346
📧 [email protected]
Reno Steba
Local and international musician with 35 years of musical experience, playing with renowned international artists.
Genre: Crioyo, Afro Carribean, Jazz
Born on: 6/15/1960
Contact
📱+297 5668663
📧 [email protected]
▶️ www.youtube.com/orubamusic
Jean Paul Laclé
I was born in Colombia and raised in Aruba since I was 1 year old. I started my musical career at the age of 15, playing basic guitar, and later switched to playing bass in a jazz band called Live Xpressions. I’ve played with different top musicians from the island of Aruba as well as international artists. I made my debut as a singer, and now I perform around the island at hotels, restaurants, and corporate events.
Genre: Pop, R&B, Rock, Reggae, Jazz
Born on: 6/20/1992
Contact
📱+297 6991101
📧 [email protected] https://linktr.ee/jeanpaulbass
Diego Henriquez
Bassist, pianist, guitarist, producer and recording engineer. I have my own recording studio where I do recordings, musical arrangements, voice-overs for various singers, bands, folk music and solo artist.
Genre: Pop, Pop Latino, Tropical, Crioyo, Soca, Ritmo Kombina, Rock, Reggae, Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Vallenato, Zouk, Compa
Born on: 2/9/1982
Contact
📱+297 7318400
📧 [email protected]
ⓕ facebook.com/dhmusicfactory
Since 1986 in the entertainment industry supporting our local artists:
- Announcer
- Composer
- Voice for various brands and products
- Musicologist [a person who closely follows music, appreciates and promotes music as well as art in general, with experience covering a wide spectrum of different musical themes.]
- Participant in the Tumba and Roadmarch/Soca Festival
- Specialized in ‘Music Production and Audio Engineering.
Genre: Pop, Pop Latino, Urban, Tropical, Crioyo, Dancehall, Reggaeton, R&B, Rap, Hip hop, Soca, Ritmo Kombina, Rock, Ska, Reggae, Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Vallenato, Electronic dance music, Afro Carribean, Dj, Mariachi, Jazz, Instrumental Violin, Instrumental Steelpan, Instrumental Piano, Instrumental guitar, Tipico, Zouk, Compa
Born on: 8/29/1969
Contact
📱+297 7392828
📧 [email protected]
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 @showblock_aruba
Dez Pierre-Louis
A 33-year-old trumpeter from Aruba.
Genre: Pop, Soca, Ritmo Kombina, Reggae, Merengue, Salsa, Jazz, Zouk, Compa Guitar, Tipico, Zouk, Compa
Born on: 9/20/1990
Contact
📱+297 5658384
📧 [email protected]
Gos Oduber
From a very young age, I started taking cuatro lessons and later switched to acoustic guitar. I continued with a basic course to master major and minor chords. After that, I expanded my knowledge with two years of lessons under teacher Chucho Hoek at the Rufo Wever School of Music. At the age of 19, I was approached to play bass for a pop music group. Here, I had to transfer my guitar knowledge to bass. Within two weeks, I had my first performance. That’s how I started with the electric bass. Along the way, I took some courses to learn the Bass Clef. I have been part of the bands Eagle Float, Cryptus Confession, Grupo Nos Mes, Grupo Amical, Raddix, Crystal Breeze, Dushi Band, Grupo di Betico, and the choir Voznan Alegre.
Genre: Pop, Tropical, Crioyo, Soca, Tipico guitar, Tipico, Zouk, Compa
Born on: 5/25/1956
Contact
📱+297 5693434
📧 [email protected]
ⓕ facebook.com/gosoduber
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 @gosoduber
Mark Maduro (Markkeys)
I am an all-around musician with more than 20 years in the music world, playing various instruments. I have been part of several typical Aruban groups as well as musical bands. Currently, I am focusing more on front-of-house live band mixing.
Genre: Tropical, Crioyo, Reggaeton, Soca, Ritmo Kombina, Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Vallenato, Afro Carribean, Tipico, Zouk, Compa
Born on: 8/22/1986
Contact
📱+297 5693434
📧 [email protected]
ⓕ facebook.com/Markkeysmusic
Kyle Winklaar
Kyle Winklaar: A Journey of Musical Excellence
Hailing from the vibrant island of Aruba, Kyle Winklaar emerged as a prodigious talent in the realm of jazz, captivating audiences with his innovative compositions and mesmerizing performances. Born on December 8, 1993, in Oranjestad, Aruba, Kyle’s musical odyssey began at a tender age, sparked by the rhythmic allure of Caribbean folkloric music at the Bonbini Aruba Festival.
Inspired by the melodies that filled the air, Kyle embarked on a lifelong pursuit of musical expression. At the age of seven, he discovered his passion for the piano, initially experimenting with theme songs before delving into formal lessons. Under the guidance of his grandfather and later esteemed instructors like Rob Rijnbout, Kyle’s talent flourished, encompassing classical, Afro-Latin, reggae, hip-hop, and R&B influences, ultimately culminating in his deep-seated love for jazz.
Throughout his formative years, Kyle honed his craft, participating in ensembles and performances that showcased his improvisational prowess and eclectic musical sensibilities. By the age of seventeen, he was already gracing stages across Aruba, including prestigious events like the Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival.
Kyle’s musical journey expanded beyond the shores of Aruba when he pursued higher education at the FONTYS Conservatory of Music in Tilburg, Netherlands. There, he immersed himself in diverse musical experiences, collaborating with renowned artists and refining his technique under the tutelage of esteemed mentors like Michiel Westerhuis.
Upon completing his master’s degree in jazz piano performance, Kyle returned to his roots, infusing his compositions with a unique blend of Caribbean and European jazz influences. His distinctive approach to music garnered widespread acclaim, earning him opportunities to perform at international festivals and prestigious venues, including the Unisa International Jazz Piano Competition in 2020 at South Africa.
A staunch advocate for musical education and cultural preservation, Kyle remains committed to inspiring future generations of musicians. Through his projects like the Advanced Music Workshop and Musica di Antes, he empowers young talents and fosters a deeper appreciation for Aruba’s rich musical heritage.
In April 2023, Kyle embarked on a transformative collaboration with jazz luminary Randal Corsen, culminating in the “Balor” project—an homage to Aruba’s cultural diversity and artistic expression. Scheduled for recording in October 2024, the Balor album promises to redefine the cultural landscape of Aruba and beyond.
As Kyle continues to push the boundaries of jazz innovation and cultural exploration, his legacy as a virtuoso pianist and cultural ambassador remains unparalleled. Through his music, he bridges continents, transcending boundaries, and celebrating the universal language of harmony and rhythm.
Kyle Winklaar’s musical odyssey epitomizes the transformative power of artistry, uniting hearts and minds in a symphony of cultural celebration and creative expression.
Genre: Pop, Urban, Tropical, Crioyo, R&B, Hip hop, Ritmo Kombina, Ska, Reggae, Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Afro Carribean, Jazz, Instrumental Piano, Tipico, Zouk, Compa
Born on: 8/12/1993
Contact
📱+297 5693304
📧 [email protected]
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 @kylewinklaarmusic
Alain Rockney
Singer, guitar player, bass player, and one-man band. Main genre: classic American rock music from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s, including Euro hits and pop music. Performs live with guitar and drum pedals, showcasing the art of multitasking in live music on the spot!
Genre: Pop, Rock, Ska, Reggae, Electronic dance music, Classic Rock
Born on: 8/22/1986 in Sri Lanka
Contact
📱+297 5691899
📧 [email protected]
ⓕ facebook.com/Alainrockney_aruba
Ashok Hirdaramani
Performing as guitarist for over 50 years.
Genre: Pop / Latin Rock / Jazz / Country/Western / Bachata / Cumbia.
Ashok (Ash) Hirdaramani ( Indian ) born 12 September 1951 in SriLanka moved to India 1960 and now living in Aruba ( Dutch Citizen ) for the last 45 years.
Ash Rock Band won the Best Band in India ( 1970 ) with 51 Top Bands participating. Ash completed his Music Study with Honors from the Trinity College of Music London in 1977. Ash also performed in Dubai UAE in 2014 and the First Aruba Santana Tribute Band (2015) with a 14 Pc Band and also at the Sea Jazz Festival Aruba ( 2017 ) with a 7 Pc Band. Ash is currently performing at Aruba’s Major Hotels / Restaurants & Events. Special in Wedding Destination Aruba as the only Authentic Indian performing Indian / Latin / Caribbean & all Western Music. Ash as a Solo Guitarist / 2 Pc Band / 4 Pc Tribute Band performed with some of the Great Aruban Musicians like Claudius Philips/ Robert Jeandor / Ivan Quandus / Carlos Bislip / Angelo Kock / Shurby Maria / Vio Wester / Chicho Kock and many more.
Ash is also an Author / Writer of 3 Amazing Books in English, printed in Holland and a Motivational Speaker besides his Love & Passion for Music. Starting at age 13 with his first Guitar, Ash today after 60 years of Performing Music in all Genere is a Unique Guitarist with an Exclusive Style.
Born on: 9/12/1951
Contact
📱00 297 563 3879
📧 [email protected]
Robert Dumfries
Plays guitar, bass, and trombone.
Genre: Pop, Pop Latino, Tropical, Crioyo, R&B, Soca, Reggae, Merengue, Salsa, Afro Carribean, Jazz, Instrumental guitar
Born on: 2/17/1960
Contact
📱+297 7474455
📧 jrdumfries@live.com
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 @roberttrombone2023
Robert Reeberg
Composer of gospel and children’s songs. Retired special education teacher.
Genre: Kids and gospel sings composer
Born on: 10/31/1953
Contact
📱+297 5939522
📧 [email protected]
Jaderick Croes
Music educator, classical guitarist, multi instrumentalist; mandolin, bass guitar, cuarta.
Education: Royal Conservatoire Den haag: Master in music education
Wayne State College, Nebraska; Master of Science in Education (Msc)
Genre: Pop, Jazz, Instrumental guitar, Tipico, Classical, baroque, Renaissance, modern classical
Born on: 10/17/1988
Contact
📱+297 5643015
📧 [email protected]
ⓕ facebook.com/Alainrockney_aruba
Rob Rijnbout
Born in Maastricht,the Netherlands
Studied classical piano and graduated at the Conservatory, Maastricht
Piano instructor at the Scol di Musica Rufo Wever since 1991
Many performances in Aruba with jazz trio at various establishments
Genre: Jazz, Instrumental Piano
Born on: 10/17/1988
Contact
📱+297 5675671
📧 [email protected]
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@robrijnbout
Randy Dirksen
It started in 1994 in a Dande group and continued lessons at AMS.
Genre: Crioyo, Soca, Ritmo Kombina, Merengue, Tipico
Born on: 10/22/1977
Contact
📱+297 5676313
📧 [email protected]
Leoncio Croes
Former musician on guitar with Franco de Vita, CCS-Ven 1976-‘78 / Local band on guitar Cryptus Confession 1978 -‘83 / Performed with Latin 4 & Co at the Manchebo Beach hotel 1985-‘86 / Spectrum group at the Golden Tulip Aruba Caribbean hotel 1987-‘88 / Grupo di Betico 1994-2016 / Nowadays solo entertainer.
Genre: Pop, Crioyo, Rock, Tipico
Born on: 7/28/1954
Contact
📱+297 5921090
📧 [email protected]
Ruben Geerman
Born in Aruba, school teacher, studied classical guitar and piano in Colombia, modern music at Berklee College of Music, Boston, Master’s in Music Education in CT, National Board Certification. Taught music in Aruba, CT, FL, and CA. Retired, writing a memoir about 42 years of experience as a music teacher.
Genre: R&B, Ritmo Kombina, Rock, Salsa, Afro Carribean, Jazz, Instrumental Steelpan, Instrumental Piano, Instrumental guitar, Tipico
Born on: 6/16/1951
Contact
📱510-338-6626
📧 [email protected]
Rehandroh Maria
My name is Rehandroh Maria, and I am a musician specializing in drums and timbales. In addition to playing with Groove Masters, I freelance with various other bands in Aruba, performing a wide range of music. I’m always eager to learn more about the art of music.
Genre: Pop, Urban, Soca, Ritmo Kombina, Reggae, Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Vallenato, Zouk, Compa
Born on: 7/6/1996
Contact
📱+297 5692442
ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006112487292&mibextid=ZbWKwL
Ivan Quandus
Ivan Quandus was born in Aruba in 1964 and began playing electric guitar at age 15 and switched to electric bass at 22. He began performing in a steel band and he quickly moved from playing Caribbean and latin music to more pop and jazz music. His eclectic tastes caused him to explore various types of music as a bass player.
In 1986 started playing profesionally and also doing show band gigs.
In 1990 formed part of the jazz group called The Aruba Art Ensemble together with Carlos Bislip and Delbert Bernabela.
He did concerts at varios Jazz festivals like Aruba Jazz & latin music Festival 1987,1988,1999,
Bonaire Jazz Festival, Caracas Jazz Festival, Coe College (Iowa), Olivet Nazarene in Illinois and Netherlands.
Also performed with various local bands and was director for different concerts in Aruba.
To name a few, Dhaddy Broke and Tony Shurman and Tica Giel, Edjean Semeleer, Aruba Sparkling tour.
Also was part of Jazz apreciation month “JAM” Concerts for more than 18 years produced by Carlos Bislip.
Currently Ivan is teaching Bass lessons privately and is owner of IQ Musiclab Recording doing arrangements, productions, recording and mixing.
Genre: Jazz, Pop, Latin, Carribean
Born on: 8/29/1964
Contact
📱+297-593 9599
📧 [email protected] linktr.ee/ivanquandus
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