Dr. Vincent Jones-Centeno, PhD began his music education in Manila, Philippines at six years old under Mrs. Thomas, a graduate of the University of the Philippines. Vincent moved to Chicago with his Mother, Father, and sister where he continued private piano lessons. At the age of 16, he performed his first solo piano recital performing works of Bach, Beethoven and Chopin.
Vincent auditioned and was accepted at the DePaul University School of Music in Chicago where he studied piano performance. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Music, Vincent entered in the graduate program and in 1987, Vincent was conferred the Master of Music Degree at DePaul University.
Teaching and conducting soon followed Vincent’s college years; he taught piano, music theory and music history at Montay College. He was the Music Director and Conductor of the Philippine Performing Arts of Chicago Choir, and served as the Education and Artistic Director of the People’s Music School.
While working toward his PhD in Music Theory at the University of Oregon, Vincent was appointed as the Interim UO Symphony conductor. He also as assistant conductor of the UO Symphonic Band, and music director of the UO Opera Workshop. In 2015, Vincent was conferred the PhD in Music Theory with Choral Conducting as his supporting area.
Since arriving in Astoria in 2016, Vincent has become teacher of general music at the Astoria School District’s Lewis & Clark Elementary School, teaches private piano and organ at the Astoria Conservatory, serves as the organist for the historic Grace Episcopal Church, and is the Music Director of the Cascadia Chamber Opera. In addition, much to the pleasure of all involved, after being its accompanist for five years, Vincent has now taken the position as Music Director of the North Coast Chorale.