Having embarked on an MM, in Euphonium Performance, in 2010, Gunnery Sergeant Hiram Diaz of Miami joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in January 2012. Hiram has returned to UNT to complete his Master's and is scheduled to graduate in 2024.
Gunnery Sgt. Diaz began his musical instruction at age 12. After graduating in 2003 from the New World School of the Arts in Miami, he attended the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music (CCM) where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music performance in 2007. His instructors have included Timothy Northcut of CCM; Jay Bertolet, former principal tuba with the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra; and Brian Bowman of the University of North Texas.
Prior to joining “The President’s Own,” Gunnery Sgt. Diaz was a member of the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence Band (283d Army Band) in Ft. Benning, Ga.
Gunnery Sgt. Diaz performs with the Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra at the White House, in the Washington, D.C., area, and across the country during the band’s annual concert tour. He performed Tom Davoren’s Ascension as featured soloists on the 2016 national concert tour. Since 2017, Gunnery Sgt. Diaz has also served as co-leader of the band’s Latin Jazz Ensemble.
High School: New World School of the Arts High School, Miami, FL
Awards and Honors up to 2010:
-2nd Place, Leonard Falcone International Euphonium Artist Competition, 2008
-1st Place, ITEC Artist Euphonium Competition, 2008
-Semi-Finalist, Leonard Falcone International Euphonium Artist Competition, 2005
-2nd Place, Euphonium Artist Competition, ITEC 2004
-1st Place, Leonard Falcone International Euphonium Young Artist Competition, 2002
-1st Place, Euphonium Young Artist Competition, ITEC 2004
2010 Goals: To have fun in life, win a military band job, and watch football on Saturdays, Sundays, sometimes Mondays, and sometimes Thursdays.
2010 Hobbies and Interests: playing the ukulele and the didgeridoo, watching college and pro football (Go Dolphins, Go Bearcats, Go Canes), hanging out with family and friends, trying different beers
2010 Favorite non-euphonium-related artist/band/etc.: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, Debussy Piano Works, Mahler Symphonies, Respighi, Biggie, The Strokes, and the list goes on. Lots of Latin Jazz, Old Cuban Music, and the Music of Astor Piazolla.
2010 Favorite euphonium solo: Sonata for Baritone Horn, by Thom Ritter George