Biography

KORY HA is a rising trombonist and conductor committed to delivering engaging, relevant, and musically expressive performances. Ha currently attends Azusa Pacific University, planning on completing his Master's of Music in Orchestral Conducting by May 2027. At APU, Ha assists in conducting the APU Symphony and Studio Orchestra, with a recent performance of Saturday Night Waltz from Aaron Copland's Rodeo Suite.

Ha received his undergraduate degree in Trombone Performance from the University of California, Irvine, graduating magna cum laude. At UCI, Ha studied under Michael Rushman for trombone and Dr. Geoffrey Pope for conducting. Ha earned the Chancellor's Award of Distinction, an award recognizing an exceptional group of graduating students who exhibit a commitment to cutting-edge research, leadership, or service to UC Irvine. 

During his undergraduate studies, Ha was a part of the Claire Trevor School of the Arts Creative Connections Program. Within the program, Ha served as a mentor and internship coordinator, offering practical advice and guidance to undergraduates on teaching artistry. This program led Ha to work at high schools such as Edison High School and Godinez Fundamental High School, assisting in conducting and trombone for high school students. Ha also worked with Joseph Kaye at the California Youth Orchestra of Southern California, where he served as an assistant conductor, leading sectionals and conducting pops works for young musicians. 

As a trombonist, Ha has enjoyed extensive performance opportunities with ensembles such as the APU Symphony Orchestra, UCI Symphony Orchestra, UCI Wind Ensemble, Symphony Irvine, and RISE Diversity Orchestra. His studies with Mike McCully, Stephen Nutt, and Michael Rushman have been complemented by participation in the Brass Chamber Music Workshop at Cal Poly Humboldt and the Rafael Méndez Summer Brass Institute under scholarship. Ha also performed with the recording orchestra for Netflix’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.

Updated November 2025