TBJ115: Hiram Diaz
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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:
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Expertly produced by Will Houchin with love, care, and enthusiasm.
