Trombone Section
John R. Marcellus
Instrument: Trombone
Member Since: 2018
Hometown: Overton, Texas
Hobbies/Interests: fishing, arranging music
Biography: John Marcellus is Professor Emeritus of Trombone and former Chair of Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion at the Eastman School of Music. He has served on the faculties of North Carolina School for the Arts, Catholic University, Howard University, and American University. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and graduate degrees from Catholic University. “Doc” Marcellus is internationally known for his performances and recordings as Principal Trombone of the National Symphony Orchestra and soloist with the United States Navy Band. Marcellus is the Past President of the International Trombone Association and a founding member and Co-Director of the Eastern Trombone Workshop.
Tom Brantley
Instrument: Trombone
Member Since:
Hometown:
Hobbies/Interests:
Biography: Tom Brantley has served on the University of South Florida’s Music Faculty since 1999 as the Professor of Trombone, where he emphasizes both Classical and Jazz Trombone in his applied lessons. Brantley also leads the USF Trombone Octet, Trombone Choir, Trombone Bands I and II, and Trombone Quartets. As a performer, he has toured, recorded, and performed solo and as a member of Rhythm and Brass, an internationally regarded chamber ensemble. Tom Brantley authored an etude book entitled Stylistic Etudes for Trombone, published by Carl Fischer, Inc. (NYC). Brantley earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas. His teachers include Marta Hofacre, Raoul Jerome, Tom Fraschillo, Robert Schmaltz, Christian Lindberg, Vern and Jan Kagarice, Royce Lumpkin, Neil Slater, Keith Johnson, and Joseph Alessi. Tom Brantley has been a Yamaha Performing Artist since 1995.
Terry Adams
Instrument: Trombone
Member Since: 2016
Hometown: Wallerstädten, Germany
Hobbies/Interests: international summer travel with mama, motorcycle get-aways, staring at my saltwater aquaria
Biography: Terry Adams started playing the trombone as a kid while living in Germany. Once her family moved to the United States, she attended Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Florida. Terry studied music at Florida State University and played with the Marching Chiefs for four years. Since then, she has been teaching music at Hudson High School and is a member of the Helios Jazz Orchestra in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Dave Thomas
Instrument: Trombone
Member Since: 2021
Hometown: Parsippany, New Jersey
Hobbies/Interests: playing, alpine horn, music arranging
Biography: Dave Thomas received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts and his Master of Music degree from Nova Southeastern University. He played trombone in the Philadelphia area for about 35 years and taught middle school band in Central New Jersey for 25 years before retiring to Florida. Since moving to the Tampa area, Dave has played with various musical groups and continues to teach in Pasco County.
Brian Mason
Instrument: Bass Trombone
Member Since: 2016
Hometown: Brandon, Florida
Hobbies/Interests: triathlons, cooking, travel, outdoors
Biography: Brian Mason is an alumnus of the University of South Florida. He studied trombone with Tom Brantley and Don Kneeburg, graduating with a Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance while proudly serving as the first trombone section leader of the Herd Of Thunder Marching Band. Brian holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree from Saint Leo University and was also a scholarship student at the Brevard Music Center. He has taught at several schools throughout Hillsborough County and currently serves as the Director of Instrumental Music at East Bay High School. When not teaching or performing, Brian enjoys being a soccer dad and supporting his son Nicholas.