Ernesto Guiterrez-Garcia, those words just rolls off your tongue. Ernesto, our resident percussionist that hails from our neighbouring country of Venezuela . Our very own ‘hispanic senor’ that has brought the Venezuelan spice into our soca music.

He was added to the Xtatik members list after he impressed Machel with his exemplary percussive skills. He was a teacher before he became one of “us”. His energy and love for percussion have afforded him the opportunity to travel and explore with the band.

Ernesto has an extensive educational background and an impressive list of achievements under his wing. His exquisite moves on the stage demonstrate his love of Latin dance. With a flair for salsa and anything energy-driven, Ernesto falls right into place with the atmosphere and ambience of Xtatik 5.0.

This Gemini loves teaching and playing music, Chinese and has a particular interest in sports.

Musical Studies:

§ Research Pan-Fusions, Pan-Azz Band
Trinidad and Tobago – 1999
§ Research Afro-Music
Trinidad and Tobago – 1998
§ Course: Methods Modern 2000 for Teachers
I.V.C.C Venezuela Embassy, Trinidad and Tobago – 1998
§ Work-shop of the Caribbean Music and Calypso
U.W.I, Trinidad and Tobago – 1997
§ Instrument “El Cuatro, Foundatin Biggtt
Caracas, Venezuela – 1992
§ Percussion Afro-Venezuelan “Foundation Biggott”
Caracas, Venezuela – 1990-1994
§ Latin Percussion and lecture of Latin Rhythm
Caracas, Venezuela – 1989
§ Work- Shop, Congas and Tumbadora
Parque Central, Caracas, Venezuela – 1988
§ Percussion Afro-Venezuelan and Afro-Cuban – Group Maderita
San Agustin Del Sur Caracas, Venezuela – 1984
§ Work Shop, Musical School, Afro-Cuban Percussion San Agustin del Sur, Cuban Teacher “Guapacha”
Caracas, Venezuela – 1979
§ Art School “Guitarreando” – Cuatro and Guitar
Prado del Este Caracas, Venezuela – 1976
§ Conservatory Musical School “Jose Angel Lama” – Percussion Classic and Piano
Caracas, Venezuela – 1972

Experience with International Musical Groups:

§ Machel Montano and Xtatik Circus 5.0 – Taba-Congos – 2002-present
§ Pan Azz Band – Congos, Bongos – 2000
§ Andy Narel – Percussion – 2000
§ Michael Boothman, Kysofussion Band – Percussion, Congas, Bongos, Timbales – 1997
§ Exodo, Latin Jazz – Percussion, Taba-Congas – 1990
§ Manuel Guerra Band – Bongos, Tumbadoras – 1989
§ Son y Algo Mas – Congas – 1989
§ Espirita Sant “Ochun”, Orisha Group – Shekere, Cow bell, Tumbadoras – 1988
§ “Agua” Latin Jazz Band – Congas – 1987
§ Group Maderita – Congas – 1986
§ Sextet Juvenil Latin Group – Congas, Drum – 1985
§ Cuatro Cuerdas Orchestra – Cuatro – 19984
§ Sextet Latin Band Salsa – Timbales, Congas, Drums – 1982
§ Cuadra Gaitera – Cuatro and Gaita-Drum – 1980

Work Experience Realized:

§ Insructor and Professor of Latin Percussion – Xtatik Circus 5.0 – 2003
Insrtuctor of the Lecture and Pronunciation of Spanish Language – § Latin Percussion and Cuatro with Los Alumnos de San Juan Parang Group – 2000
Professor of “Cuatro” – Venezuela Embassy Institute of Culture and § Cooperation (I.V.C.C) Brunch in San Fernando Comprehensive Secondary School – 2000
§ Teacher of Latin Percussion and Cuatro – Work-shop- Caribbean Sound Basin – 2000
§ Teacher of Cuatro, Congas, Bongos, Clave, Maracas, Guira and Cow-bell – Work-shop-Woodbrook Youth Facilities Center – 1999
Auditorium “Simon Bolivar” Concept of Venezuela Parrando and Parang § with the instrument “Cuatro” – Work-shop in Venezuelan Embassy – 1999
§ Teacher of the musical instrument “Cuatro” – Venezuelan Embassy I.V.C.C – 1999
Concept of Dominican “Merengue”, Cuban “Guaguanco”, Puerto Rican § “”Plena”, Columbian “Cumbia” and Venezuelan “Tambor” – U.W.I Exhibition, Latin Rhythms Michael Boothman and “Kysofussion” - 1998

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