Musician Spotlight: Greg Ochotorena

Greg Ochotorena, trombonist and music educator, is honored to join the San Diego Symphony as Acting Second Trombone.

In 2017 Greg won a position with the Disneyland Band, where he regularly performs. Shortly after, in 2021, he began working with the Santa Monica Symphony playing second trombone. Greg frequently appears as a guest performer with several orchestras up and down the California coast, including Los Angeles Sinfonietta, Los Angeles Dream Orchestra, Westside Chamber Orchestra, Stockton Symphony and many others. We sat down with Greg recently to talk about his experience with the San Diego Symphony and the reopening of Jacobs Music Center.

Tell us about your journey to the San Diego Symphony, Greg! 

I was born and raised in Los Angeles County and began my musical education at the age of 8 on the alto saxophone. During my final year of my undergraduate studies I earned a position with the Disneyland Band. I later received my Master’s degree from the University of California Los Angeles. My pivotal music mentors are James Miller, Kyle Covington, Michael Hoffman, Steve Trapanie, Noah Gladstone, and Dr. Philip Ruiz.

I began subbing with the San Diego Symphony in 2017. I was immediately impressed with the talent in the orchestra and the warm and welcoming work culture here. I vividly remember the first concert I was a part of–we performed Rimsky Korsakov's Scheherazade.

What is your favorite San Diego Symphony memory so far?

All of the concerts I have been a part of have been filled with amazing memories, but if I had to select a specific one it would have to be the performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 with the San Diego Symphony Festival Chorus the first week of the 2024 Fall season at the Jacobs Music Center.

How do you like to spend your free time when not performing? Any special hobbies or interesting facts about yourself that you’d like to share?

My wife Carrie and I are avid campers who try to take several trips a year! We love camping anywhere with our friends, family, and our dog, Ollie. I also enjoy strength training regularly, because I find that it’s a great and cathartic way for me to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

What work are you looking most forward to performing in the newly transformed Jacobs Music Center and why?

I am really excited for the “Symphonic Journeys” concert, featuring Strauss’ Death and Transfiguration and Brahms Symphony No. 2. Brahms has always been one of my favorite composers to listen to and perform.

What are your plans for the Thanksgiving Holiday this year? 

My family and I will be driving up to Carrie's hometown, Benicia, California, to spend Thanksgiving with her family! Driving up to the Bay Area for Thanksgiving is an annual trip that I always look forward to.

Greg performing with the Disneyland Band.

Greg practicing on a camping trip in the Carmel Valley.

Greg, Carrie, and Ollie on a vacation to the Bay Area.