Instrument/Department: Percussion
Joined Hochstein faculty in: 2024
Brandon Berlanga is a Mexican-American percussionist currently based out of Rochester, New York. As a soloist, chamber musician, and educator, he has been invited to perform and teach across the United States, working with students who beginning percussionist, collegiate musicians, and everyone in between.
Selected as the Network for Diversity in Concert Percussion’s (NDCP) first Emerging Artist in 2021, Brandon has had the opportunity to work closely with numerous notable percussionists such as Alana Wiesing, Jon Bisesi, Dinesh Joseph, Nancy Zeltsman, and Leonardo Soto, receiving their mentorship and support for over a year. Since then, Brandon has performed as part of the University of Texas Percussion Ensemble at the Percussion Arts Society International Convention and was invited to compete as a semi-finalist in the collegiate solo division of the Great Plains International Marimba Competition in 2022. He was selected as a finalist and 2nd Prize winner in the Coltman Chamber Ensemble Competition with Blacktop Percussion. He was recently invited to perform as Victoria Bach Festival’s 2023 Emerging Artist, performing a solo and duo recital across South Texas.
Brandon received his Bachelor of Music in Orchestral Percussion Performance from the University of Texas at Austin – Butler School of Music and is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Percussion Performance and Literature at the Eastman School of Music, where he is a current fellow of the Catherine Filene Shouse-Artist Leadership Cohort.
More About Brandon Berlanga
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
What inspires me: My family and the communal elements of music and music making greatly inspire me in everything I do. I hope that I can help others feel the joy I experience with music, through fun teaching and learning experiences!
Why the arts matter: The arts are a universal product that anyone and everyone can enjoy, take from, and give back to. I believe that the arts are a creative outlet that’s unique to every person, that can be enjoyed by everyone!
Favorite things to do in Rochester area: I love trying different local coffee shops and restaurants in the Rochester area, especially with my friends and family!
When I’m not at Hochstein, you can find me: Practicing and/or performing with my friends at Eastman! Or watching a movie with my fiancé :)
My favorite local restaurant: My favorite local restaurant is probably Highland Park Diner. It was the first place I went to when I moved up to Rochester, and they have AMAZING Nutella French toast.
Favorite place(s) to travel: I really enjoy getting to visit my hometown of San Antonio, Texas and the surrounding area! Aside from that, I was fortunate enough to get to visit Colorado Spring in Colorado, and explore the mountains and Garden of the Gods!
Favorite movie: I think one movie I can watch over and over again is La La Land. The music is so fun, and it’s definitely one of my favorites!
What people would be surprised to know about me: Even though I was born and raised in San Antonio, I’m secretly a Dallas Mavericks fan.