Hunter De Leon is an instrumentalist, arranger, bandleader, and jazz educator based in Seattle, Washington. He has worked with some of the leading voices in jazz including John Clayton, Akiko Tsuruga, Jake Bergevin, Roxy Coss, Dan Greenblatt, Tatum Greenblatt, and many more. Some of Hunter's various mentors have included Keith Karns, John Harbaugh, Jared Hall, T. Andre Feagin, John Clayton, and Barb Hudak.
Hunter is the current Director of the Central Washington University Jazz Band IV, as well as serving as the bandleader of the Hunter De Leon Jazz Quartet and De Leon Jazz Orchestra. Hunter is also the former bandleader of, The Four by Three Quartet, and the CWU New Orleans Brass Band. The Hunter De Leon Jazz Quartet has been the featured group at the Mill Creek Festival for the past 3 years, as well as the Ales For The Arts Fundraiser in Edmonds, Washington. Hunter has won awards from various organizations including The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, Central Washington University, and the Washington Music Educators Association to name a few.
When not performing, Hunter has the privilege of traveling around the greater Seattle area as a music educator and clinician. Hunter has partnered with many schools and organizations in the area to work with young musicians and further their musical understanding. Working as a clinician and guest artist, Hunter has shared his strong musical influence with countless students at all levels, from elementary school all the way through college.
During his time at Central Washington Universtiy, Hunter has served as the chapter president of the Jazz Education Network president. As president, Hunter has had the opportunity to attend the annual Jazz Education Network Conference in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Hunter has also overseen various jazz events at CWU including the annual Women In Jazz Day, as well as the JEN Jam's and Sight Reading Band.