Willie Olenick

William Olenick is the founder and director of Latin Caravan NYC.  (2011-2016)

He recieved his Bachelor of Applied Music, Cum Laude 1976-1979 from Berklee College of Music-Boston Massachusetts, and his Masters in Jazz Performance, 2003-2004 from Queens College of New York-New York City.  

While in Boston he studied with World Renowned Brass Instructor John Coffey, who was Principal trombonist of the Boston Symphony. He also studied with Dr. Donald S. Reinhardt, author of “The Encyclopedia of the Pivot System” and Principal trombonist from the Philadelphia Orchestra. While in NYC he studied with Ed Trodel, Chairman of the Brass Department at the Julliard School of Music.

In 1980 he moved to New York City and started a 35-year career in teaching and performance.  He has performed and recorded with Ray Barretto, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe, Jose Alberto, Tito Nieves, La India, Marc Anthony, Stanly Turrentine, Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck, Henny Youngman, Milton Berle, Al Martino, and many others. 

William taught for the NYC Board of Education and the Yonkers Board of Education and recently retired after 35 years of service. He was awarded the 2012 Teacher of the Year Award from the Yonkers Board of Education.

Currently he is living in Columbia, South Carolina and is director of Latin Caravan South (2017-2021), the hottest, premier Latin Band in South Carolina. They perform Latin Jazz, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia and even a little R&B. He is also adjunct professor at Benedict College in Columbia SC.

Latin Caravan features Johanna Perez on Vocals, Juan Lanzot on vocals/percussion, Joe Garcia on vocals/percussion, Delaney Dunn on Bass, and Iliana Rose on Piano. This stellar team of consummate professionals, is what gives Latin Caravan its heart and its soul! The team loves to share their love of Latin music with the good people of Columbia and beyond!