Barry Perkins, Principal Trumpet of the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, began playing the trumpet at the age of five under the instruction of his father. By the age of fourteen he was already a skilled trumpet player and was winning his share of instrumental competitions around California. Barry attended the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he studied with Charles Schlueter. At the age of twenty, he won his first Orchestra job as the Assistant Principal Trumpet of the Mexico City Philharmonic. After a few years in Mexico, Barry decided to come home and quickly was able to establish himself in the freelance scene in San Diego.

While in San Diego, he became the first-call substitute Principal Trumpet of the San Diego Symphony and a member of the San Diego Chamber Orchestra. Barry has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Diego Opera, Baltimore Symphony, State of Mexico Orchestra, Mineria Philharmonic, the UNAM Philharmonic, and many touring Broadway shows. He has been fortunate enough to be a finalist in several major orchestra auditions over the last few years. Barry has served as Principal Trumpet of the Pacific Symphony since 2004 and is a well sought-after soloist. Recently he has soloed with the Aguas Calientes Symphony Orchestra in Mexico as well as the Pacific Symphony Orchestra. Barry is also the Founder of the Barry Perkins Trumpet Academy that educates trumpet students of all ages all over Southern California. His powerful, energetic teaching style has influenced his many young trumpeters to become great musicians as well as great leaders. If not playing his trumpet with the orchestra, you can find Barry in the gym pumping iron.