Denny Duran-Flores

Hometown

Pomona, California

Education

University of Redlands, Music Education, 2026

Instrument

Trumpet

Biography

Denny Duran-Flores is a conductor, trumpet player, and arranger from Southern California. He is the founder and artistic director of the Redlands Chamber Orchestra. Currently a student at the University of Redlands, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. He is a student under the guidance of Dr. David Scott and Eddie Smith.

Denny has been invited to guest conduct the Pomona Concert Band since 2020, as well as the University of Redlands Bulldog Brass and Redlands Youth Symphony since spring 2023. He is also active as a trumpet player, participating in the university Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Bulldog Brass, and Studio Big Band. Denny is a founding member of Mariachi Tierras Rojas, a newly formed mariachi ensemble at the University of Redlands under the direction of Cindy Shea. In Fall 2023, he founded the Redlands Chamber Orchestra, a pops orchestra that welcomes university students and community musicians.

Apart from conducting and performing, Denny has arranged for many ensembles throughout Southern California and beyond. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he organized virtual music projects with musicians from across the United States, as well as Canada and the United Kingdom. Denny’s arrangements have been performed all over California, including Frederick Loewe Performance Hall (Redlands, CA), G. Stanton Selby Bandshell (Pomona, CA), Bonita Center for the Performing Arts (San Dimas, CA), and Paul Shaghoian Memorial Concert Hall (Fresno, CA).

Denny aspires to pursue a master’s degree in orchestral conducting and work to make music education and the orchestral field a more inclusive and accessible space.

What inspired you to go into music?

I wanted to play the music I had heard growing up, such as mariachi, film/video game soundtracks, and more!

What is an interesting fact about you?

I have been conducting since the eighth grade.

What activities do you enjoy in your spare time?

I love watching movies, playing video games, hiking, and going to Disneyland!

What are you most excited for about this 2024-2025 season?

I'm excited to play pops music and have more orchestra experiences.

Favorite Musical Quote:

"To play a wrong note is insignificant. To play without passion is inexcusable!"

-Ludwig van Beethoven