Spencer Taylor began trombone at age 5, going on to earn awards such as all-state band and symphony, and scholarships to Furman University. While completing a degree in physics and math, he played professionally (Greenville Symphony, Glen Miller, Barnum & Bailey, Billy Butterfield, and others). Next, he served as a military officer, then worked in high tech R&D. After 25 years as scientist, businessman, and executive (Union Carbide, Corning Glass, Mobil’s Solar Division), he settled locally and returned to his musical roots. These days Spencer plays orchestral, jazz, church, theater, and band music. Credits include opera (Roanoke), orchestra (New River Valley, Lynchburg, Bedford, Eurydice), big band (Dee Roberts, Bob LaFever, Roanoke Jazz, Old Pros, SRO, Stardusters), trombone ensemble (VA Tech, Blue Ridge), brass quintet (Quintessential, Star City), and the show band Kings of Swing. As soloist, Spencer has performed with VA Tech Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra Eurydice, Summer Concerts At The Lake (Greenville, SC), and community bands in Wytheville, Roanoke, and Blacksburg.
Stefan Castro is a trombonist from Charlottesville, VA. While living in Charlottesville, Stefan studied under Steve Layman and was a member of the Charlottesville Municipal Band from 2007-2011. Stefan began attending Radford University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. During his years at Radford University, Stefan had the opportunity to study trombone under Dr. Dayl Burnett. His accomplishments at Radford University include being section leader for both the Wind Ensemble and the Concert Jazz Ensemble, as well as playing in various chamber groups. After graduating from Radford University in 2014, Stefan began teaching elementary general music and beginning band in Roanoke City schools and has since moved to Roanoke County Schools as an elementary general music educator. As a professional trombonist, Stefan has played with a variety of different groups and for various churches and events throughout Southwest Virginia. These groups include Brass 5, The Let’s Dance Band, Slides Rule, Valley Chamber Brass, Latin Clave, and Sway Katz.
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