Juan Gallegos

Southern California native Juan Gallegos is a familiar and respected name in the freelance community throughout the entire Southland, having performed in the clarinet sections of orchestras such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Pasadena Symphony, Santa Barbara Symphony and New West Symphony, as well as on studio sound stages throughout Los Angeles, performing on several major motion picture and television soundtracks.

With a diverse education, Gallegos earned his Bachelor’s degree in clarinet performance from California State University, Fullerton while in the studio of Håkan Rosengren.  He went on to complete his Master’s degree with Nathan Williams at the University of Texas, Austin, and while at UT, won the Wind Ensemble Concerto Competition.

Gallegos has earned a reputation as a well-respected conductor and educator, having served as Music Director and Conductor of the Orange County Collegiate Orchestra, Assistant Conductor with the California Philharmonic, Assistant Director of the Cal State Fullerton Wind Symphony, Symphonic Winds and University Band, and was a conducting fellow with the Pacific Symphony Orchestra.   He went on to earn a second Master’s degree in conducting from Cal State Fullerton, studying with Mitchell Fennell, and in 2010 was a featured soloist at the International Clarinet Association Convention, performing the world-premiere of Brett Kroening’s Fuego.

Juan is currently enjoying his first season as Music Director of the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra, and is looking forward to a concerto performance at the Sydney Opera House next summer.  He currently resides in Pasadena.