Luis Cárdenas Casillas

Luis Cárdenas Casillas grew up in Sioux Falls, SD, although his parents are of Mexican descent. Luis is a multi-genre trumpeter now based in Los Angeles. He has played behind such greats as hip hop duo Camp Lo, Mexican Norteno giants Los Tigres del Norte, jazz singer Barbara Morrison, and recorded for the Superbowl LVI performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing. Luis has also recorded for streaming services, television, radio, and studio albums. As an educator, he currently works with Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, in addition to a busy schedule as a guest clinician with high schools and universities around the country. Luis earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas, and a Master of Music degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Besides playing music and teaching, he loves ‘hanging out’ with his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs, Mr. Darcy and Lizzie. Luis and his wife, Rachel, are newlyweds as of September 2023