“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. A graduate of Texas Tech University, Ramirez holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Music Composition. During his time at Texas Tech, Ramirez studied with great composers, such as Dr. Hideki Isoda, Dr. Peter Fischer, and Dr. John Boyle.
Born in Fort Hood, Texas, Ramirez’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, Ramirez 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, who consistently pushed and encouraged him to pursue his musical curiosity. 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.
Ramirez’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.
As a trombonist, Ramirez has been fortunate enough perform with great ensembles at the collegiate and professional level. Taking as many opportunities as he could take, Ramirez has performed Tenor and Bass Trombone with the Texas Tech Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Red Raider Collective Trombone Choir, University Symphony Orchestra, and Texas Tech Jazz Orchestra. Outside of the college music scene, Ramirez has also performed with the Amarillo Symphony, Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, and Big Spring Symphony.
Outside of performance and writing, Ramirez takes on the role of conductor for a community band. As founder and director of The North East Wind Symphony of San Antonio, Texas, Ramirez is expanding the community music opportunities in the northeast of San Antonio. This commitment to community engagement highlights Matthew's dedication to fostering a love for music beyond the academic realm.
Of many accomplishments, Ramirez is most proud of his history with the International Trombone Festival. Ramirez has conducted world premiers of his works at the 2022, 2023, and 2025 International Trombone Festival with the Texas Tech Red Raider Collective.
Join Matthew on his musical expedition, where each note weaves a story of passion, dedication, and the timeless beauty of sound.