Biography

Biography

Freddy Ochoa is a music educator based in the Phoenix metropolitan area dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible music education to students of all backgrounds, experiences, and socioeconomic statuses. He currently serves as Director of Bands at Youngker High School in Buckeye, Arizona, is the principal saxophonist with the Scottsdale Concert Band, and is a saxophonist with the Arizona Winds.

Freddy earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Arizona State University, where he studied saxophone with Dr. Christopher Creviston and conducting with Dr. Jason Caslor and Wayne Bailey. During his time at ASU, he performed with numerous ensembles, including the Jazz Repertory Band, Wind Ensemble, Virtus Quartet, and the ASU Saxophone Choir, appearing at the 2020 North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial. In addition to his collegiate work, he performed with Breakthrough Indoor Percussion and is a frequent performer with Boom Percussion. Freddy has shared the stage with internationally recognized artists such as Derek Brown, Johnny Huerta, Lisanne Norman, Joe Alessi, and Matt Lennex.

An in-demand clinician throughout the Phoenix area, Freddy has worked with soloists, chamber groups, jazz ensembles, and concert bands at schools across multiple districts. His experience includes collaborations with Isaac, Udall, Ingleside, and Akimel Middle Schools; Corona del Sol, Carl Hayden, Betty Fairfax, American Leadership Academy Gilbert North, Trevor Browne, and Mesa High Schools; as well as Keller and Garden Lakes Elementary Schools. He has also served as a judge and clinician for the Isaac School District Solo Festival and as a judge for the AMEA All-Region Auditions. At Youngker High School, he has led major program initiatives, including the founding of the BUHSD Marching Band Showcase and the Buckeye Honors Music Festival.

Freddy is also an active instructor, designer, and consultant in the marching arts. He has contributed to several programs across Arizona and has held instructional roles with many notable high schools and independent ensembles. Notably, he founded the first competitive percussion ensemble at ALA Gilbert North High School, leading the group to multiple first-place finishes and a 2024 WGAZ PSRA State Championship. At Youngker High School, he revitalized the percussion program, guiding the Youngker Emerald Percussion to consecutive first-place finishes and a 2026 WGAZ PSRA State Championship. He remains active as a cymbal technician and has instructed multiple high school and independent percussion programs, including LINEA Percussion and Epicenter Indoor Percussion.

In addition to his teaching and performing, Freddy maintains a private studio of saxophone students.

Freddy currently serves as Director of Bands at Youngker High School, is on staff with Epicenter Indoor Percussion, and serves on the WGAZ Advisory Board. His professional affiliations include NAfME, AMEA, and ABODA.