ALEXANDER JIMÉNEZ, Assistant Professor of Orchestral Studies and Interim Director of Orchestral Activities, is the Music Director and Conductor of the University Philharmonia. He received the Bachelor's degree in percussion performance from Baylor University, Master's degrees in Performance and Arts Administration, and the DM degree in Percussion/Orchestral Conducting from the Florida State University.

He has served as music director of the Palm Beach Atlantic Symphony, and the San Francisco State University Symphony and Symphonic Winds. He has made numerous guest conducting appearances with university ensembles nationwide and honor orchestras, including the San Francisco High School Honor Orchestra, the Kentucky All-State Orchestra, the Baylor University Symphony, and the California State University-Hayward Wind Ensemble, as well as with the Tallahassee Symphony and with the new music ensemble, Ekko!, in New York City. As a conductor, he has worked with such artists as John Harbinger, Denyce Graves, the Canadian Brass, and the Alexander String Quartet.

Active in the community, Dr. Jimènez has been appointed to the boards of the Florida Cultural Action and Education Alliances, the Florida Arts for a Complete Education Sub-Committee, the Florida Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society, and the Palm Beach Chamber Music Festival. He has also served as a state cultural arts grant panelist. He is an active adjudicator throughout the United States.

Formerly principal timpanist of the Palm Beach Opera Orchestra, Jiménez has performed in major orchestras in the Southeast. He has given masterclasses at the National Conservatory of Music of the Dominican Republic, where he continues to serve as principal timpanist of the Music Festival of Santo Domingo under the direction of Phillipe Entremont. As a solo and chamber music performer, he has premiered numerous percussion works. Dr. Jimènez also currently serves as music director of the Tallahassee Symphony Youth Orchestras and principal timpanist of the Tallahassee Symphony.