Rudolf Gerhard Hix was born in Frankfurt, Germany. At six, the family moved to Venezuela. He learned bugle in a drum and bugle core. At ten he received a small accordion and a few lessons. At age eleven his family moved to Huntington Park, CA where Rudy started playing trumpet. He played in the Huntington Park High band and orchestra, as well as the Huntington Park Symphony Orchestra. He conducted the orchestra for his high school graduation, received the Sousa Band award, and was valedictorian of his class.

While attending California State University at Los Angeles, he played in the symphonic band. After two years in college, Rudy auditioned for the 72nd US Army Band, was accepted, and enlisted in the Army.

After basic training, he was then shipped to Germany, where he played in the 61st Army Band, stationed in Boeblingen. He became first chair trumpet, and was the announcer and band manager.

When his three-year enlistment ended, his trumpet playing ceased. He returned to college, got married, and started work as an Electrical Engineer.

Rudy picked up his trumpet again in 2004 to play in church. He is in his second season with the Arizona Symphonic winds. He joined the Old Pueblo Brass Band in 2008.

Rudy’s collection of musical instruments include: a Bb trumpet, two C trumpets, two Bb pocket trumpets, a C cornet, a Bb cornet, a four-valve flugelhorn, a mute cornetto, a small accordion, two classical guitars, a mandolin, ten harmonicas, a piano keyboard, two recorders, a five-string banjo, and a kazoo; the dulcimer is still in kit form, awaiting construction.