TBJ115: Hiram Diaz, euphonium player in "The President's Own" Marine Band, on the High Bridge Brass Quintet, audition prep and being a terrible shot

TBJ115: Hiram Diaz, euphonium player in "The President's Own" Marine Band, on the High Bridge Brass Quintet, audition prep and being a terrible shot.

From his Marine Band bio page:

Euphonium player Staff Sergeant Hiram Diaz joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in January 2012. Staff Sgt. Diaz began his musical instruction at age 12. He graduated in 2003 from the New World School of the Arts in Miami and continued his education at the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music (CCM) where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music performance in 2007. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree from the University of North Texas in Denton, where he studies with euphonium professor Brian Bowman. His instructors also included Timothy Northcut of CCM and Jay Bertolet, former principal tuba with the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra.

Prior to joining “The President’s Own,” Staff Sgt. Diaz was a member of the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence Band (283d Army Band) in Ft. Benning, Ga.

In 2016, he performed Tom Davoren’s Ascension with trumpet/cornet player Gunnery Sgt. Amy McCabe as featured soloists on the national concert tour.

Watch Staff Sgt. Diaz's interview in Spanish about the 2013 Inauguration.

Watch Master Sgt. Mark Jenkins and Staff Sergeant Hiram Diaz's Masterclass: March Performance Practice with Euphoniums of "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band

In this fun and lively discussion, we cover:

Hiram's trombone playing Christmas and Easter gigs Being in the Marine Band since 2012 Meeting Lance in 2002 at the Falcone Festival He's like the Victor Borge of the euphonium Lance judging Hiram and meeting his parents Eating at Hooters five times (not at all like the South Florida Hooters) Greensboro ITEC, "The Captain's Log" Moving from the Army Bands system to the Marine Band at the age of 26 Fort Sill, where you learn to kill Rich Kelley story in Lawton, Texas Being a terrible shot Spiders yelling at little kids Marine Band audition and audition prep Lots of recording himself Staying with Chris Buckley Studying with Brian Bowman Studying with Tim Northcutt Playing in a post band vs. being in a premiere band Doubling on trombone and singing The similarities between Andrew's son and Ella Fitzgerald Chris Castellanos' karaoke parody Jedi mastery Growing up in Miami across from Sam Pilafian's sister and swimming in her pool His Cuban heritage Going to the New World School of the Arts for high school Lessons on self-confidence and building his ears with Sam Pilafian What is happening from that man's face? Hiram's favorite food (made by his Mom) The lack of sour oranges in DC makes him bitter (sorry) John Abbracciamento's retirement ceremony The High Bridge Bass Quintet The worse the flooring, the stronger he will get

Links:

Hiram's Marine band bio page High Bridge Brass Quintet Hiram's YouTube Channel

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Expertly produced by Will Houchin with love, care, and enthusiasm.