Ryan Espitia

Background from Google search resultRyan J. Espitia is originally from San Antonio, Texas, and studied trombone with Ron Wilkins. Despite music scholarship offers from several universities throughout the state of Texas, he chose to enlist in the U.S. Navy and became a navy musician. Upon completion of the Armed Forces School of Music, he was first stationed with the Atlantic Fleet Band (now the U.S. Fleet Forces Band) in Norfolk, VA where he was a member of the U.S. Navy Showband. He transferred to Navy Band New Orleans in 2005, and was leader of both the Crescent City Brass Quintet and Navy Brass Band of New Orleans. He has performed throughout much of the United States and also several countries throughout the world including Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Uruguay and Argentina. Ryan has performed in many music/jazz festivals including one of New Orleans' premier festivals, French Quarter Fest. He's performed for high ranking military officials, U.S. and foreign politicians, and First Lady Laura Bush. Ryan has had the pleasure of being able to share the stage with several great musicians and bands throughout the country, such as Tim McDonald, Matt Echols, Salsa Y Mas, the Yorktown Symphony Orchestra, and The Ron Wilkins 4-Tet. He has also performed with Craig Klein, Leroy Jones, Leif Pedersen's 1944 Big Band, "Deacon" John Moore, Soul Vaxxination, New Orleans Rhythm and Blues Company and several other great New Orleans area musicians. Ryan was honorably discharged from active duty service in March of 2007 and is currently a freelance professional trombonist. Ryan moved back to Virginia Beach in August of 2007 to rejoin Team Viz and worked as a visual and hornline instructor, brass teacher, and assistant jazz band director for Indian River High School in Chesapeake, VA. In April of 2008 Ryan finally moved back to San Antonio after being away for over six years! While he is currently busy pursuing his career as a manager for GameStop, he still enjoys playing and is happy to jam and share his knowledge and passion for music to anyone who invites him.