Ross Holcombe - Music Director

Ross Holcombe is the music director of the Tampa Brass Band. He also serves as the Associate Principal Trombonist of The Florida Orchestra, and teaches trombone on the faculty of the University of South Florida. Previously, Ross has held orchestral positions with the Santa Fe Opera, Spokane Symphony, and the Vermont Symphony Orchestras, as well as teaching positions at Whitworth University, Eastern Washington University, Gonzaga University, and Florida Southern College. He has appeared as a soloist with The Florida Orchestra, Spokane Symphony, Gonzaga University Wind Symphony, and the New England Conservatory Symphonic Winds.

As a conductor, Ross has been the director of the trombone choirs at Eastern Washington and Whitworth Universities. In addition he has appeared as a guest conductor and clinician with numerous brass ensembles and trombone choirs, such as the Sunshine Brass Band, Sunshine State Slides, and the Stetson University Trombone Choir, as well as bands and orchestras such as the Spokane Falls Community Band, the Tampa Bay Symphony, and the Florida Orchestra. 

Also a prolific arranger of music for symphonic brass, British Brass Band, symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, and choir, Ross has been commissioned and performed by ensembles and organizations throughout the United States, including The Florida Orchestra, the New England Conservatory Symphonic Winds, the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, TFO Brass Ensemble, NEC Trombone Choir, Vermont Symphony Brass Quintet, the Eastman Trombone Choir, and the Atlantic Brass Quintet. His music is published by Cherry Classics. 

Ross received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Trombone Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music, where his primary teacher was Norman Bolter. Additionally, he studied conducting at NEC with William Drury and Charles Peltz. 

Outside of his musical career, Ross is an avid cyclist, disc golfer, and backpacker. He lives in Tampa with his wife, Emily, and their two dogs, Sydney and Billie. More information about Ross can be found on his website at www.RossHolcombe.com. 

Joseph Stone - Associate Director

Joe Stone is a dedicated music educator and leader with a rich background in teaching, conducting, and community engagement. With a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Western Kentucky University and ongoing studies in Organizational Leadership at the Florida Institute of Technology, Joe blends academic rigor with a passion for nurturing student growth through music.

Currently serving as the Director of Bands and Private Lesson Manager at Windermere Preparatory School in Florida, Joe excels in managing diverse music programs and collaborating behind the scenes with prestigious institutions such as Juilliard for their Summer Performing Arts Programs. His leadership has led to remarkable achievements, including the first Superior Rating in school history for Windermere Prep's Middle School Intermediate Band and the High School Wind Ensemble at the Florida Band Association, Music Performance Assessment. Joe also has a track record of awards such as Posey County Teacher of the Year and recognition as an outstanding teacher in the Orlando Family Magazine.

Previously, Joe significantly expanded the band programs at Mount Vernon High School & Junior High School in Mount Vernon, Indiana by growing student participation and achieving notable state-level successes. Joe was also a member of the River Brass Band in Evansville, Indiana, holding roles such as President of the Board, conductor, cornet section leader, and performer.