Rising Stars: Meet Hugo Tomas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hugo Tomas.

Hi Hugo, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started trumpet when I was nine years old at Hobart Elementary with Ms. June Cheledon. Ms. Cheledon then recommended Harmony Project where I continued my Trumpet Journey. Throughout my life as a trumpeter, I did not see much representation from the indigenous communities in Los Angeles and always felt alone. Something needed to be done, so I started Hugo Tomas Trumpet Academy to attract more indigenous trumpeters in town to take private lessons at low costs.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Becoming a Professional Trumpeter and Educator was not easy at all. I dropped out of High School and quit trumpet for a year (2012-2013) until I realized that music was my calling – I did everything I could to get back on track. I went to two different community colleges and failed every course. I was reached out by my Mentor and Teacher, Willie Murillo, who pioneered the Brass and Woodwind Department at Los College of Music, where I eventually got my Bachelor’s in Commercial Trumpet Performance (2019). That was not an easy task as well and had my share of challenges in the program. After finishing my undergrad at LACM, I went to CSU Fullerton, where I got my Master’s in Music in Classical Trumpet Performance (2022).

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Setting time down to focus on yourself. Throughout my career, I was always on the move and never set time for myself or my family; during the pandemic, I spent many hours with the people I loved the most. My dad passed away a month into the pandemic due to personal health problems and made me cherish the moments we shared during his last days.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ht_trumpetacademy?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hugo-tomas-music?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
• Other: https://instagram.com/tomas_jugo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Image Credits
Suzy Vargas @ 318 Visuals Jason Pano @ College of the Arts at CSUF