Carlos H. Ayento is the Director of Music and Bands at Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy. He has directed and led his students and ensembles to superior ratings at the Annual Elementary School Music Festival as well as the Annual Citywide Solo and Ensemble Competition hosted by CPS. Mr. Ayento is a freelance composer and arranger; his compositions and arrangements have been played by various ensembles, including the former Gallery 37 Latin Big Band, CPS's All-City Performing Groups, the Noteworthy Big Band and the Jazz Link Youth Ensemble. He has been a panelist at CPS's annual Arts on the Agenda: A Day for Teachers PD workshop, as well as a panelist at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. He has also served as a clinician for the Chicago Jazz Institute's PD series "Jazzin' Up Chicago Public Schools."