Fox Cities News

Jean Carlo Ureña González, an assistant professor of percussion at Lawrence University, has been part of the faculty since 2023. His career spans performing, composing, and educating in various prestigious settings. He has performed with Strange Beautiful Music Detroit, Mass MoCA, the Percussive Arts Society, and multiple symphony orchestras including the National Symphony Orchestra of Santo Domingo. Notably, he played percussion on John Luther Adams’ "Sila: The Breath of the World" and "An Atlas of Deep Time," collaborating with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra.

Ureña González is a native of the Dominican Republic and co-founded the Hermanos Ureña Music Academy there. He also serves as interim president of the Percussive Arts Society’s Dominican Republic chapter. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Music from the Hartt School of Music and advanced degrees from the University of Michigan.

In his teaching philosophy, Ureña González emphasizes individual growth for students. "One of the things that I love so much about teaching is seeing students grow as individuals and musicians," he stated. He appreciates how Lawrence University fosters creativity and exploration among its students.

Reflecting on his career journey, Ureña González shared a memorable experience performing with his brothers in the National Symphony Orchestra of Santo Domingo. This performance was significant for him both personally and professionally.

Outside academia, Ureña González has interests in engineering and baking. He enjoys making traditional desserts like flans and tres leches. On campus, he finds solace in Esch Hurvis where he observes seasonal changes while teaching Ghanaian drumming.

He recommends "The Inner Game of Tennis" for mindfulness improvement, Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 for its emotional impact during live performances, and "The Pursuit of Happyness" for its perspective on life's challenges.