Tristan Hurd

Originally from Chehalis, Washington, trumpeter Tristan Hurd developed a love of the trumpet from listening to his father practice the instrument when he was a boy. Tristan began playing at the age of ten and excelled in music. By the time he attended W.F. West High School in Chehalis, it was clear that music was his passion.

Tristan attended Central Washington University, studying with John Harbaugh, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Broad-Area Music Education, graduating with academic honors in 2012. During his time at CWU, Tristan was invited to perform in the Undergraduate Division of the National Trumpet Competition three times, as well as the Jazz and Ensemble Divisions. He was also a performer at conferences and conventions for the Jazz Educators Network, College Band Directors National Association, Washington Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, and the International Trumpet Guild. Recently, Tristan held the position of principal trumpet of the Seattle Wind Symphony, and recorded and performed with the All-Star Brass in Banff, Canada.

After moving to Los Angeles to pursue his MM at UCLA under the direction of acclaimed Canadian Brass trumpeter Jens Lindemann, Tristan performed twice as a soloist in the graduate division of the National Trumpet Competition, was a featured soloist with UCLA Philharmonia, played at the Monterey Jazz Festival, and was featured at the Jazz In The Valley Festival as a guest with several ensembles. Tristan also performed and taught through UCLA’s Music Partnership Program as well as the UCLA Music Outreach Program. Tristan graduated from UCLA with academic honors, receiving his Master of Music degree in Trumpet Performance in 2015.

Tristan is a versatile trumpet player, recognized for being adept in classical, jazz, and commercial settings. He is also actively involved in music education, working with young trumpeters and other instrumentalists across a variety of age ranges, most notably through his partnerships with the Santa Monica Youth Orchestra and Pluralistic School One. Tristan is currently teaching and freelancing in the greater Los Angeles area.