William Ford

William Ford is Head of Jazz Studies and Assistant Professor of Trombone at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. He currently directs the Tarleton Jazz Ensemble I, conducts the Tarleton State Trombone Choir, and teaches a full studio of major and non-major students at Tarleton State.

As a performer, Ford is the lead trombone with the Omar Thomas Large Ensemble. Their third album, entitled Griot Songs, was nominated for the Outstanding Jazz Album at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards. He also holds the position of second trombone with the Rapides Symphony Orchestra based in Alexandria, LA. Dr. Ford has performed with orchestras including the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra, Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, Monroe Symphony Orchestra, and Lake Charles Symphony Orchestra. He also had the opportunity to perform with the American Wind Symphony Orchestra as a featured soloist and principal trombone during their 60th and final season. Additionally, Dr. Ford is a founding member and trombonist with Triplicity Brass.

Dr. Ford is committed to the advancement of trombone and jazz pedagogy and is currently  working to publish a method book for introductory studies in jazz trombone. He is a sought after adjudicator and clinician; having recently adjudicated the 2024 International Trombone Association’s Kai Winding Jazz Trombone Ensemble Competition and Composer’s Workshop Competition, as well as serving as the 2025 ATSSB Region 7 Jazz clinician. He was also a featured soloist in the Composer’s Workshop of the 2024 International Trombone Festival and member of the William F. Cramer Professor’s Choir held in Fort Worth, TX.

Dr. Ford completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Louisiana State University in 2021, where he served as the graduate assistant for the trombone studio. He holds a Master of Music degree in trombone performance from Western Michigan University, and a Bachelor of Music degree in jazz studies from James Madison University. His primary teachers include Hana Beloglavec, Doug Stone, Steve Wolfinbarger, Andrew Lankford, and Chuck Dotas. Dr. Ford is a Vincent Bach Performing Artist and Clinician.