We had the good fortune of connecting with Hugo Tomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hugo, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
Seeing people like me succeed. Growing up as an indigenous Zapotec-American musician was very hard especially in the United States. You rarely see other musicians of the same background or same skin tone. The better I got the less I would see. Next I noticed I was in a room full of all white musicians. Well, that has changed today. Now that I’m grown and seeing the upcoming youth. I see more of me in the places where I thought I didn’t fit in. This was why I began my Trumpet Academy and why I continue to work on my craft to show to these kids it’s possible. This makes me happy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a indigenous Zapotec-American trumpet player in the greater Los Angeles area. I have traveled all of the west coast playing with many Latin bands and have even played in mexico with a Oaxacan band. I grew up in a world where I could not define my self. I would always hear “too mariachi like” or “too classical.” I have now come to realize I wasn’t meant to fit into any of those single categories. I was meant to sound like me. Thanks to my many trumpet teacher who have helped me mold my sound; Willie Murillo, David Pittel, Barbara Loranga, and Sycil Mathai. I am currently pursuing a Masters in Music in Trumpet performance and CSU Fullerton. (Fun fact: I was a High School Dropout)

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a hard question. When you’re in LA you have such a vast difference in cuisine and don’t get me started with drinks… I live in K-town and I gotta say KBBQ is probably my favorite go to and Expression Oaxaqueña. For drinks, I like to go a bit further north and go to Stone Brewery in Pasadena or Glendale Tap in Glendale.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Harmony Project and my 5th grade music teacher Ms. June Cheledon. If it wasn’t for these two main pillars in my career I would’ve not become the musician I am today.

Instagram: tomas_jugo

Facebook: Hugo Tomas

Youtube: Hugo Tomas

Image Credits
1st Sandra Maldonado, LA 2nd Citlali Fabian, Oaxaca

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