Ethan Chaparro
A Los Angeles-based composer and trombonist creating rhythmically bold, harmonically diverse music that explores why sound remains an essential part of the human experience.
The La Mirada Symphony proudly features Ethan Chaparro, a Los Angeles-based composer and trombonist who explores why music remains an essential part of the human experience.
His works, rhythmically bold and harmonically diverse, reach both musicians and audiences on a deeply human level. As a result, his music bridges genres and resonates with listeners in unique and meaningful ways.
Trombonist
Los Angeles
Musical Versatility Across Genres
Ethan’s experience spans chamber music, jazz big bands, and full orchestral works. Because of this versatility, he has become a composer whose style adapts seamlessly to many ensembles.
From 2022 to 2024, Ethan Chaparro joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Composer Fellowship Program , where he studied composition with Andrew Norman, Sarah Gibson, Thomas Kotcheff, and Daniel Allas.
In addition, he served as the Sue Tsao Fellow Chair during the 2023–24 season, demonstrating leadership as well as creativity.
A composer comfortable crossing boundaries.
- Full orchestral composition
- Chamber music
- Jazz big-band writing
- Los Angeles Philharmonic Composer Fellowship Program
- Sue Tsao Fellow Chair · 2023–24
- Trombonist in concert and jazz ensembles
Music does more than entertain. It captures something deeply human.Ethan Chaparro · Composer
Prestigious Performances and Venues
Ethan’s music has already reached audiences at some of the most iconic stages in Los Angeles, including the Hollywood Bowl, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Beckmen YOLA Center.
His works have been performed by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Southeast Symphony, YOLA National Overture Orchestra, and the Tom Kubis Big Band.
Therefore, his compositions continue to gain recognition for their depth, energy, and accessibility.
Commitment to Education and Growth
Currently, Ethan Chaparro pursues a Bachelor of Music in Composition at California State University, Northridge, where he also performs trombone in the university’s concert and jazz bands.
Working simultaneously as a composer and performer gives Ethan the opportunity to experience music from both sides of the page: imagining music as a composer while understanding firsthand what musicians experience when they bring a score to life.
Beyond academics, he balances his life through running and enjoys exploring creativity in the kitchen as he learns to cook.
These pursuits reflect his belief that artistry extends beyond performance into all aspects of life.
A new generation isn’t simply inheriting American music. They’re writing what comes next.The Future of American Music
A Featured Student Composer at La Mirada Symphony
This season, Ethan steps into the spotlight as a featured student composer with the La Mirada Symphony.
His composition, A Troupe’s Cadence, will premiere at The Music of America on October 19, 2025 .
The program also includes Jessie Montgomery’s Hymn for Everyone, Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, and George Gershwin’s An American in Paris.
By placing Ethan’s work alongside these composers, the program connects an emerging contemporary voice with the larger story of American music — where it has been, how it continues to change, and who will shape what comes next.
By featuring Ethan, the Symphony reaffirms its commitment to championing emerging voices and celebrating the future of American music.
Writing What Comes Next
With remarkable achievements already shaping his career, Ethan Chaparro continues to grow as both a composer and performer.
His musical path already reaches across genres, ensembles and some of Los Angeles’ most important concert stages. Yet the ideas behind his work remain connected to something fundamental: the relationship between sound and human experience.
Ultimately, his music reminds us that sound does more than entertain. It brings people together and captures something deeply human.
Hear the Premiere of A Troupe’s Cadence
On October 19, 2025, Ethan Chaparro joins the La Mirada Symphony as a featured student composer for The Music of America.
The program features the premiere of Ethan’s A Troupe’s Cadence alongside Jessie Montgomery’s Hymn for Everyone, Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, and George Gershwin’s An American in Paris.
The concert celebrates both the extraordinary legacy of American music and the emerging voices continuing to redefine it.
Explore The Music of America