“Happy Birthday,” arranged for the Goin’ Band from Raiderland by Matthew Ramirez

Matthew Ramirez

Embark on a musical odyssey with Matthew Ramirez, a talented composer and trombonist whose passion for music knows no bounds. Currently studying at Texas Tech University, Matthew is pursuing dual majors in Music Education and Composition, under the mentorship of Dr. Hideki Isoda and Dr. Peter Fischer.

Born in Fort Hood, Texas, Matthew’s musical career owes its start to the U.S. Military, specifically his dad’s relocation to Fort Drum, New York. While living off base in the small village of West Carthage, Matthew found a love of music in his middle school band. Under the teachings of Mr. Marvin Zehr and Ms. Maressa Badour, Matthew soon found himself not only in love with playing music, but writing it too. Matthew owes much of his success to the encouragement and guidance of Mr. Zehr and Ms. Badour. His musical endeavors were only exacerbated further during his time at James Madison High School in San Antonio, where he was given many writing opportunities from then directors Philip Flynn, Michael Reynolds, and Wesley Perkins.

Matthew's compositional expertise spans a diverse array of genres, showcasing a remarkable ability to craft enchanting pieces for Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Trombone Choir, chamber groups, and film scoring. His compositions have found a home within the repertoire of the Texas Tech Symphonic Wind Ensemble, University Symphony Orchestra, and Trombone Choir, earning recognition for their innovation and emotional depth.

As a trombonist, Matthew has graced stages with his skillful artistry, contributing his talents to various musical landscapes. His musical journey has been enriched by collaborations with prestigious ensembles, including the Texas Tech University Symphony Orchestra, the Texas Tech Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Texas Tech Red Raider Collective Trombone Choir, and the Texas Tech Jazz Orchestra, as well as the Amarillo Symphony.

During the summer months, Matthew takes on the role of conductor for a community band, a tradition culminating in the annual Steubing Ranch Independence Day Concert. This commitment to community engagement highlights Matthew's dedication to fostering a love for music beyond the academic realm.

The most recent crowning achievement in Matthew's career was the premiere of his march, "The Collective," at the prestigious 2023 International Trombone Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah. This event showcased not only his compositional prowess but also marked a significant milestone in his journey as a musician, composer, and conductor.

Join Matthew on his musical expedition, where each note weaves a story of passion, dedication, and the timeless beauty of sound.