Alicia's Biography

Internationally recognized by her velvety warm tone and intuitive rhythmic style on the trumpet and flugelhorn, Alicia Rau has branded her distinct mark on the music scene. Her passion for world music and her fiery stage presence have paved a unique path to New York City and abroad.

She works extensively with bassist Marcus McLaurine of the Clark Terry Quintet and also performs regularly with Travis Sullivan's Bjorkestra, The Lovedogs, The Zinfandels, Roxane Butterfly, Diva Jazz Orchestra, Salieu Suso's Jaliya Kafo, Afrofunk Massive, Irish-rock's The Temp, Manhattan Swing Orchestra, The Kit McClure Band, and Hot Lavender Swing. She has performed and recorded with Essiet Essiet's International Bushman's Organization, Jojo Kuo and the Afrobeats, Nepo & Africa Meets World, Ma Skillet and the Funky Fritters, Joe Phillip's Jazz Orchestra Numinous, Chris Berry & Panjea, and Zilo Groove.

Alicia has been featured as a guest performer and recording artist with Everyanything, Shelley Nicole's Blakbushe, Zero Gravity, the Onliest, Jeanette Palmer, The Femm Nameless, Seân of uni aum Entertainment, Alice Smith, Tyren Allen, and the Samaha Vocal Ensemble and Orchestra. Studio recording projects have also included singer/songwriter Yarnell, saxophonist Premik Tubbs, and singer/songwriter Gino Sitson for the soundtrack of "Betrayal". Additionally, she has shared the stage with artists including Curtis Fowlkes, Azouhouni Adou, Francis Mbappe, Jennifer Vincent, Patrice Blanchard, Dominic Kanza, Noah Haidu, and T. K. Blue. While working with the Diva Jazz Orchestra, Alicia has performed with Ann Hampton Callaway, Maurice Hines, Freda Payne, Tommy Newsom, Cleo Laine, and John Dankworth.

Alicia was raised on a farm in Iowa, the youngest of six daughters. While receiving a double major in Music and Anthropology at the University of Iowa, she studied privately with John Rapson, David Greenhoe, and Clay Jenkins. In 2000, she traveled to Senegal, West Africa to study ethnomusicology, African drumming and dance, and the languages and cultures of Senegal. While in West Africa, Alicia toured throughout Senegal and the Gambia with local groups including Zale Seck's Mbalax Daagou and Groupe Ceddo, performing in nightclubs, festivals, traditional weddings, and radio shows.

Since moving to New York in 2001, Alicia has studied with Ingrid Jensen, Graham Haynes, and Jack Cassidy. In addition to teaching private lessons, she is currently on the faculty of the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, Medgar Evers College, Brooklyn's Musician's General Store, Court Street Musicians of Brooklyn, St. Bart's Players of St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, and the F.D.R. Theater Guild.