Alexander Xavier Charles

Alexander Xavier Charles is a well-versed performer, composer, and educator, whose musical endeavors have spanned over 8 years and 21 different instruments, most notably the bassoon. Among his exploits, he has performed with such organizations as the Rappahannock POPS Orchestra, the Mid-Atlantic Wind Symphony, the Fredericksburg Community Concert Band, and several University of Mary Washington ensembles. He has competed and placed in competitions and auditions all over Virginia, and his compositions have been performed on multiple occasions, encompassing a wide range of musical settings and styles.

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Charles has lived in Virginia for a large part of his life. He attended Riverbend High School and played under the batons of Mrs. Laura Cole and Mr. Aaron Noe. An active member of the musical community, Charles has performed in many different venues, from the classic wind band and orchestra setting on his bassoon, to various jazz events on his trombone. He has studied with teachers such as Kim Elkins, Tia Wortham, Bruce Hammel, and Paul Rawlins, and is currently a student of Dr. Lynn Hileman. Alex Charles is currently enrolled as a freshman at West Virginia University, where he is seeking to fulfill a Bachelor's degree in Bassoon Performance. Despite his major, Charles is deeply involved with many facets of WVU music, such as performing in the Pride of West Virginia marching band on baritone horn, the WVU Pep Band on trombone, and many performing jazz and pop groups. He is a member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity, whose goal is to further advance and influence music in America. He plans to graduate in the Spring of 2017.