Staff Sgt. Robert Paniagua
Staff Sergeant
Hometown:
Houston, TX
Joined the Band:
2026
Education:
University of Houston (in progress)
Staff Sergeant Robert Paniagua joined the West Point Band in 2026. Before joining, Staff Sgt. Paniagua was a substitute trumpet player with the Houston Symphony Orchestra and was a medalist in the ensemble category with the University of Houston at the National Trumpet Competition (NTC) in 2024 and 2025. In 2023, his freshman year at UH, he reached NTC’s quarterfinals as a soloist. He also marched with the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps in 2023. In 2025, Staff Sgt. Paniagua took first place in the Vincent Bach International Trumpet Competition. His primary teacher is Mark Hughes, principal trumpet of the Houston Symphony Orchestra.