{"id":206106,"date":"2026-04-22T15:43:44","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T15:43:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/206106\/"},"modified":"2026-04-22T15:43:44","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T15:43:44","slug":"ou-trumpeter-commits-to-manhattan-school-of-music-the-oakland-post","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/206106\/","title":{"rendered":"OU trumpeter commits to Manhattan School of Music \u2013 The Oakland Post"},"content":{"rendered":"

After four years of undergraduate studies, Oakland University trumpet student Carlos Perez-Hijar has recently announced his commitment to the Manhattan School of Music<\/a> (MSM).<\/p>\n

A 2025 ranking from The Hollywood Reporter<\/a> placed the private New York conservatory as 15th in the world. Notable alumni include Harry Connick Jr., Herbie Hancock and Charlie Puth. Known for its prestigious faculty and exceptional performances, many of which occur at Lincoln Center, the MSM is the cr\u00e8me de la cr\u00e8me.<\/p>\n

From Lake Orion, Perez-Hijar will be continuing his studies as a Master of Music (MM) in Classical Trumpet under the direction of David Krauss<\/a>, an accomplished artist widely recognized as principal trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra<\/a>. In addition to MSM, Krauss teaches at institutions like The Juilliard School<\/a> and Mannes the New School.<\/p>\n

The road to success began at a young age. He chose the trumpet for his band class in fifth grade and never looked back. Performing throughout high school, he was invited to play in the OU Brass Band \u2014 an opportunity he pursued for two years prior to entering college. Once he enrolled at OU in the fall of 2022, he began studying with Amanda Ross<\/a>, whom Perez-Hijar details as \u201cthe example of a resilient and fearless teacher.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Big Apple was perpetually a default option for a myriad of reasons.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cNew York City itself was a big influence and a significant change in environment,\u201d Perez-Hijar said. \u201cI\u2019ll be in a space where I know I\u2019ll get out as much as I put in, I\u2019ll be surrounded by lots of ambition and talent \u2026 and there will certainly be some big fish in that pond.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

For music students, the audition process is rigorous. Performers typically select a mix of older and newer repertoire and practice it cumulatively for several months to a year. Then, the pre-screen and audition timeline is planned accordingly.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If a student plans to enter a school in the fall of 2027, they submit pre-screen recordings in the fall of 2026, and then audition from January to April of 2027. Wholly, the process is a minimum of two years.<\/p>\n

Thankfully for Perez-Hijar, his experiences at OU shaped him into an MSM student. During his undergrad, he received numerous honors, including advancing to the semi-finals of the 2026 International Trumpet Guild Competition<\/a> with the Aurum Brass Quintet<\/a>, winning the 2025-2026 OU Chamber Music Competition with Aurum Brass<\/a>, advancing to the final rounds of the 2026 National Trumpet Competition<\/a>, winning the 2025-2026 OU Concerto Competition<\/a> and placing second in the first section championships with the OU Brass Band in 2025.<\/p>\n

Last year, Perez-Hijar was invited to perform on national television with the American Pops Orchestra<\/a> at the 38th Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards<\/a> on PBS in Washington, D.C. \u2014 strengthening his formidable accolades.<\/p>\n

In terms of repertoire, he has two favorites, the first being \u201cConcerto for Trumpet and Orchestra\u201d (1955) by Aleksandra Pakhmutova \u2014 his selection for the 2025-2026 Chamber Music Competition. Played with the OSO, he felt the piece highlighted his strengths and challenged his stamina. A second favorite is \u201cConcertpiece No. 1\u201d by Vassily Brandt, which he performed at the 2026 National Trumpet Competition.<\/p>\n

\u201cI spent so much time on that piece, and it taught me a lot about being a technical player. It also taught me how to make a very technical piece lyrical as well,\u201d Perez-Hijar said.<\/p>\n

The trials and tribulations of attending school and competing so frequently ended up rewarding him in the end; although it didn\u2019t always feel that way. Looking back, he can see what a transformation he endured as both a person and a musician.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, I notice my worth as a human being, knowing that I\u2019m doing a very difficult thing; not just improving music, but also being a college student facing so many responsibilities,\u201d Perez-Hijar said. \u201cI think I learned to be confident by being more transparent with myself. I was able to improve in terms of my time management, accountability, homework and stuff like that.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

In addition to OU involvement, his summers are spent competing internationally with the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps<\/a> \u2014 the most decorated corps in Drum Corps International (DCI) history, with over 40 years in the top five and a record-breaking 21 world championship titles. This summer, he\u2019ll be touring with the Blue Devils<\/a> in Europe for a month, starting in the Netherlands.<\/p>\n

Before he was officially a member of the Blue Devils, his submitted audition tape went viral on YouTube with over 100,000 views, granting him celebrity-like status.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis audition was so good that people use it as a reference to make their own,\u201d Ross said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Perez-Hijar has been a part of countless ensembles, a few being Wind Symphony, the Oakland Symphony Orchestra (OSO), Brass Band, Latin Jazz, Big Band Jazz, the OU Jazz Singers, Pep Band, a couple of different brass quintets and trumpet ensembles, both large and small. Wind symphony and Latin Jazz, particularly, were his favorites.<\/p>\n

\u201cWind Symphony especially has always been a lot of fun, especially the first couple years as one of the only freshmen in Wind Symphony; that really helped me with my confidence as well,\u201d Perez-Hijar said. \u201cThe two years I was in Latin Jazz band with Dr. Enrique were some great times, and I think that was when I really got to be myself as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he leaves his alma mater, he offers advice to musicians shooting for the conservatory setting.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways have something to say when you perform, or else you\u2019re just wasting everyone\u2019s time,\u201d Perez-Hijar said. \u201cBe yourself, be the most prepared in the room, know that there will always be someone better than you, people who can get more notes than you; but there is no one who can play like you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Perez-Hijar will give one final bow before he heads to the big city at his senior recital \u201cStorylines\u201d<\/a> on April 29 at 7:30 p.m. in Varner Recital Hall \u2014 featuring works by Vivaldi, Hisaishi York and more. This concert is free and open to the public.<\/p>\n