José Luis Rodríguez Vélez

Who is José Luis Rodríguez Vélez?

José Luis Rodríguez Vélez was a Panamanian composer, musical director, saxophonist, clarinetist and guitarist. Author of docens of cumbias, boleros, pasillos, waltzes, dances and marches. Was music teacher at the Escuela Normal Juan Demóstenes Arosemena, the Instituto Justo Arosemena, the Instituto Urracá, among other. He organized music festivals with bands and choirs, and music competitions. As professional musician, he created and directed the Orquesta "El Patio", as well as choirs, other orchestas and musical groups in Panamá.

For a life dedicated to education, the Panamanian Government conferred him the Order of Manuel José Hurtado in 1975, the most important condecoration in the Republic of Panamá for an educator or an education institution.