Clarinetist Rodolfo "Rudy" Mireles-Manzano, a South Texas native, is an active performer and educator in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. He holds a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of North Texas and a master’s in clarinet performance from Boston University. His principal teachers include Dr. Phillip Paglialonga, Greg Raden, Rob Patterson, and Calvin Falwell.
Described as “an exciting musician with great musical involvement and vulnerability,” Rudy actively performs across the United States. As an orchestral musician, he joins the Sarasota Opera as principal clarinet for the 2026 season, having previously served as the second clarinetist for the McKinney Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boston Civic Symphony. Additionally, he has performed with the New World Symphony, National Repertory Orchestra, Texarkana Symphony, Allen Philharmonic, Boston Opera Collaborative, Cape Ann Symphony, Boston Chamber Symphony, and New Bedford Symphony. He also has been featured as a jazz soloist, appearing alongside Carl Topilow with the National Repertory Orchestra on its 2025 pops concerts and has performed under acclaimed conductors such as Michael Stern, Giancarlo Guerrero, Joann Falleta, Jeffery Kahane, Matthias Pintscher, and Karina Canellakis.
Beyond his performance career, Rudy is a dedicated and charismatic teacher sought after for private clarinet instruction and band clinics. With certification to teach K–12 music in Texas, he has been honored with the TMEA Collegiate Music Educator Award, with experience teaching beginners to college level students. Rudy's commitment to education extends to his role as a host for Cliburn in the Classroom, enriching the musical experiences of elementary students in and beyond DFW.