Will Ford

Dr. William Ford is Head of Jazz Studies and Assistant Professor of Trombone and Euphonium at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. Dr. Ford has previously taught at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana where he was the Adjunct Instructor of Low Brass and Jazz. He currently directs the Tarleton Jazz Ensemble I and teaches a full studio of major and non-major trombone and euphonium players at Tarleton State.

As a performer, he holds the position of second trombone with the Rapides Symphony Orchestra based in Alexandria, LA. He has performed with orchestras including the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra, Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, Monroe Symphony Orchestra, and Lake Charles Symphony Orchestra. He has also had the opportunity to perform with the American Wind Symphony Orchestra as a featured soloist and principal trombone during their 60th and final season. Additionally, Ford is the lead trombone with the Omar Thomas Large Ensemble which recorded their third album entitled Griot Songs, set to release in February 2025.

Dr. Ford is committed to the advancement of trombone and jazz pedagogy and is currently working to publish a method book for introductory studies in jazz trombone. He is a sought after adjudicator and clinician; having recently adjudicated the International Trombone Association’s Kai Winding Jazz Trombone Ensemble Competition and led the Texas Region 7 ATSSB Jazz Ensemble.

Dr. Ford completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Louisiana State University in 2021, where he served as the graduate assistant for the trombone studio. He holds a Master of Music degree in trombone performance from Western Michigan University, and a Bachelor of Music degree in jazz studies from James Madison University. His primary teachers include Hana Beloglavec, Doug Stone, Steve Wolfinbarger, Andrew Lankford, and Chuck Dotas.