(A) Suzzette Ortiz Concert

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with a Latin Jazz performance by local musician, Suzzette Ortiz and learn more about Latin American culture and music.

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Suzzette Ortiz, a passionate pianist, composer, choral conductor and educator, has been serving her communities with the gift of music form her humble beginnings in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, to her many recent successes as a Pennsauken, New Jersey native.

Suzzette has studied piano with Cuban musicians, like Cesar “Pupi” Pedroso (of the world famous Cuban group, Los Van Van) and Elio Villafranca,and the late Philadelphia jazz phenom, Jimmy Amadie. Suzzette has shared the stage with artists such as Tito Puente, Nestor Torres, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, and Compay Segundo (of the Cuban based Buena Vista Social Club).

A true advocate of education, Ms. Ortiz earned her bachelor degree in piano performance at El Conservatorio de Musica de Puerto Rico, as well as a master degree in education and composition at Temple University of Philadelphia, PA. Suzzette has continually sought out workshops and learning opportunities in her constant quest to grow as a musician and educator. These efforts have resulted in two trips to study Latin piano, rhythm and composition in Cuba, many national and international choral workshops, a workshop on vocal improvisation with master, Bobby McFerrin and his Voicestra, as well as post graduate credits in choral conducting at Philadelphia’s University of the Arts, and NYC’s Julliard School of Music.

Ortiz has also recorded with many local music groups and many of her compositions have been recorded by local and international ensembles. She recorded with Orquesta La Paz from Philadelphia. Their album, “Déjà Vu” was nominated for 4 Latin Grammys.

Suzzette’s latest CD is an all original Latin Jazz CD entitled “Renacer,” (Re-birth). Her music not only portrays Latin Jazz, but world music as well.  It is a reflection of the people she has encountered and the places that she has visited.

Along with the latest accomplishments, Suzzette Ortiz’s dedication as an educator has brought great prestige to herself as well as her students. She began her career in education with the highly acclaimed, San Juan Children’s Choir, continuing on to religious and cultural choirs in the Philadelphia area to eventually find her home as the vocal director of the Camden’s High School for the Creative Arts High School, in which she recently retired after 27 years of service. Despite many obstacles, Ms. Ortiz created history for Camden when she facilitated both national and international trips to choral competitions where the students won multiple awards  and recognition, including 3 gold cups in Italy, Silver in Prague, special recognition in Poland, Ghana, Africa as well winning gold in Nashville, New Orleans, Puerto Rico, Orlando, Virginia and New York.

Her work as a teacher has been recognized multiple times receiving various awards including Teacher of the Year on four occasions and one was the “Wal-Mart’s State Teacher of the Year”. Suzzette Ortiz has received countless awards, commendations, and medals from Camden’s City Council, Camden’s Board of Education, the New Jersey State Senate, the Martin Luther King Congressional Medal. Her greatest reward however is spreading the passion of music not only to those who listen to her music, but also her students. One of her special attributes is teaching the value of making a difference.

Ortiz is currently writing her first book of memoirs which documents her thirty-two years of teaching music from the perspective of a performer who evolved into an educator. The book is to serve as a guide for new teachers who plan to teach in urban schools. It will include personal anecdotes, teaching strategies, tips for working within the school system, how to develop relationships with parents and students, and how she traveled the world with her students.

During the pandemic, she completed her certification as a music practitioner through the MHTP program,(Music for healing and Transition Program) where she provides harp comfort music at bedsides as well as hospice.

Overcoming many social and cultural obstacles to share her message of hope and love though music, Suzzette Ortiz is truly making a difference.