Gino Villarreal

Professor of Trumpet

Dr. Gino Villarreal is a highly accomplished trumpet player, with a rich and diverse career spanning both military and civilian ensembles. Originally from Rio Grande City, Texas, Dr. Villarreal has served with the United States Coast Guard Band since 2005. He is also a member of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony, Waterbury Symphony Orchestra and the Bridgeport Symphony. In addition to his primary positions, Dr. Villarreal frequently appears as a substitute musician with prestigious ensembles such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, Rhode Island Philharmonic, and New Haven Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Villarreal’s career is marked by several notable distinctions, including being a finalist with the Rhode Island Philharmonic (2019) and a semi-finalist for the New York Philharmonic (2009). He has also been a finalist for prominent positions with the Columbus Symphony, Navy Band Washington D.C., Charleston Symphony, and The President’s Own United States Marine Band.

As a featured soloist, Dr. Villarreal has performed with the International Trumpet Guild (2007), the United States Coast Guard Band (2006), and the United States Military Academy Band at West Point, where he served as a Staff Sergeant from 2002 to 2005. During his military service, he played as the Solo Principal Cornet with the Imperial Brass Band in New Jersey and was a member of the Storm King Brass Quintet at West Point. He also held the position of Second Trumpet with the Waco Symphony Orchestra from 1998 to 2002.

Dr. Villarreal’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance from Baylor University (2002), a Master of Music in Performance from the University of Connecticut (2020), and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance from the University of Connecticut (2024). He has studied with some of the most respected trumpet instructors in the field, including Louis Hanzlik, Tom Rolfs, Benjamin Wright, Robert Sullivan, Tom Booth, and Barry Hopper.

His journey reflects a deep commitment to both artistry and service, balancing the demands of high-level performance with a dedication to personal growth and excellence in every endeavor.

Dr. Villarreal is married to Dr. Lydia Lee-Villarreal, a talented musician and Nurse Anesthetist. Together, they cherish their greatest accomplishment, their daughter Isabella Grace, born in January 2009.