Founder & Music Director
SoCal Music Collective
Brandon Madrid is a Spanish-American clarinetist, violist, conductor, and composer currently studying at both the Colburn School in Los Angeles and Irvine Valley College. He was recently appointed Principal Clarinet of the IVC Wind Symphony under the direction of Mathieu Girardet and also performs with the Gold Wind Symphony, a premier honor ensemble based in Southern California. As a versatile and passionate performer, Brandon has appeared across the United States and collaborated with esteemed artists such as Sorah Myung, Charles Peltz, and Cristian Fatu.
Brandon's musical journey began in elementary school with the trumpet and clarinet, later deepened by symphonic outings with his grandmother and hours of listening to KUSC. A pivotal moment came when he experienced a live performance of Stravinsky's Firebird Suite at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall—an event that sparked his lifelong commitment to orchestral music.
In high school, Brandon served as Principal Violist for four years and Principal Clarinet/Concertmaster of the Newport Harbor Wind Ensemble for two. He co-founded the Newport Harbor Quarterman Quintet with director Andy Julian, performing extensively across Orange County and on national tours to Washington, D.C., and Boston. He also worked as a student assistant and music librarian. His leadership and musicianship earned him the Director's Award for Wind Ensemble, the NHHS Fine Arts Department Award and Scholarship, and top honors at every Solo and Ensemble Festival in which he participated.
Currently, Brandon studies orchestral conducting with Eleanor Núñez at the Colburn School and continues private clarinet studies with the legendary Mathieu Girardet. He has also worked closely with teachers, including Sarah Grenier, Si Tran (viola), and Cristian Fatu.
In 2025, Brandon will take part in the UCLA Summer Conducting Workshop, where he will work under Mallory Thompson and Travis Cross. He also serves as the Founding Artistic Director and Conductor of the SoCal Music Collective, a college-professional wind ensemble dedicated to high-level artistry and meaningful collaboration among emerging musicians.
Brandon is passionate about using music to tell stories, amplify underrepresented voices, and build spaces of deep connection through expressive, community-driven performance.