Trombonist, composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist, Hiram Sebastian Rodriguez is known for his versatility as well as his enthusiasm for all genres of music. As an instrumentalist, Hiram has been recognized for his expression, engaging programming, and musical creativity. His recital programming often juxtaposes disparate styles including works from the Classical era, the avant-garde, Romanticism, jazz, and commercial.
An experienced orchestral musician, Hiram currently holds positions as principal trombonist of the New West Symphony and second trombonist of the Modesto Symphony. He has also played with esteemed groups such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Santa Barbara Symphony, Santa Monica Symphony, and the Civic Orchestra of Los Angeles. Regarding solo work, Hiram was the winner of the Aspen Music Festival’s Concerto Competition in 2022, alternate for the International Trombone Festival’s 2021 and 2022 Frank Smith Competitions, and received a full-ride scholarship to the Alessia Seminar Asia in 2019 where he was a finalist in its solo competition. Hiram was a recipient of the Graduate Opportunity Fellowship program at UCLA for his master’s degree from 2020 to 2022 and attended Vanderbilt University from 2016 to 2020. Hiram is also a dedicated jazz and commercial musician in the Los Angeles area and was one of eight jazz musicians chosen to perform for the SEC Jazz Septet for the 2018 SEC Football Championship.
As a composer and a performer, Hiram is a dedicated advocate of contemporary music. Hiram commissioned Lila Meretzky for a piece for trombone and electronics entitled Tennessee Air. As a composer, Hiram was commissioned by Rachel Miles Oboe Quintet for oboe and string quartet, and Shapes of a Daughter for soprano and piano with text by poet-soprano Isabella Bruzzese.
On the days when his schedule isn’t packed with music Hiram enjoys reading, watching films, and is a poet/writer.
