Join us for Rocket City Reed Day, presented by the UAH Department of Music, on Saturday, November 8 in Roberts Hall on the campus of the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
All reed students (oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon) in grades 6-12 are invited to join us for a day of reed activities!
In addition to our outstanding UAH reed faculty, we are happy to welcome Guest Artists Ryan Walsh (oboe), Luis Cruz (clarinet) and Dr. Kyle Jones (saxophone). Read more about our guests and UAH reed faculty in the biographies below.
All Rocket City Reed Day participants, along with their parents/guardians, are invited to attend a special performance featuring our Guest Artists and UAH Faculty on Friday, November 7, at 7:30 PM in Roberts Recital Hall. This concert is part of the UAH Constellation Series and is free for Reed Day attendees! A discount code for tickets will be provided to registered participants closer to the event.
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Ryan Walsh is a consummate artist, seamlessly blending his passions for music and wine into a harmonious symphony of experiences. He is currently the principal oboist of the American Pops Orchestra. Previously, he served as second oboe/English horn with the Minnesota Opera and the oboe/English horn player for the Broadway National Tour of Les Misérables, and has graced stages worldwide with renowned ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic, Baltimore Symphony, American Ballet Theatre, and American Symphony, and was guest principal oboist of the Utah Symphony and National Philharmonic. He has also performed on Broadway in Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812.
Beyond live performance, Ryan is a Grammy-winning studio musician whose artistry can be heard on the soundtracks for The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The Goldfinch, The Good Liar, West Side Story, Disney’s Noelle, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. He was prominently featured on the New York Philharmonic’s Live from Lincoln Center New Year’s Eve 2014 PBS broadcast and has frequently been heard on PRI, NPR, and New York’s WQXR-FM. Ryan holds degrees from Mannes College of Music, where he studied under New York Philharmonic members Sherry Sylar and Thomas Stacy.
Yet, Ryan’s journey isn’t confined to the concert hall—it extends into the world of wine. Drawing from his formative years working in a bistro and immersing himself in the intricacies of wine, he cultivated a palate as refined as his musical sensibilities. His dedication to the craft earned him a WSET certification, with a focus on palate development and food pairing. Committed to making wine knowledge accessible and approachable, Ryan crafts tasting experiences that are both educational and enjoyable. Through his company, On The Nose Tastings, he orchestrates unforgettable sensory journeys, blending the elegance of music with the complexity of wine in a delightful fusion of artistry and indulgence.
Luis Cruz, clarinet
Luis Cruz is a Mexican-born clarinetist and educator, currently serving as Principal Clarinet of the Golden Gate Park Band, Principal Clarinet with the Central California Wind Ensemble, and Clarinet Faculty with Cazadero Performing Arts.
Mr. Cruz holds dual bachelor's degrees in Clarinet Performance and Music Education from the CSU Sacramento School of Music, where he studied under Sandra McPherson. He continued his graduate studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, earning a Master of Music degree under the mentorship of Jerome Simas.
In addition to his performance career, Luis maintains a vibrant private teaching studio in the East Bay and is an active band director with the Oakdale Joint Unified School District. Mr. Cruz’s performing ensembles are regularly recognized with top honors at local and regional festivals, reflecting his deep commitment to musical excellence and student achievement. A dedicated advocate for music education, he is the co-founder and board member of the Central California Wind Ensemble, a nonprofit organization committed to enriching music education and performance opportunities for students and educators across Northern California.
Dr. Kyle Jones, saxophone
Dr. Kyle Jones (he/him) enjoys a multi-hyphenate career as a saxophonist, educator, scholar, and arts administrator. An advocate for new music, Kyle has commissioned and premiered works by composers including Anthony R. Green, Gabriela Ortiz, Spencer Arias, Evan Williams, Tyson Gholston Davis, and Peter Dayton. He has premiered these works at events nationwide such as the North American Saxophone Alliance Conference, the Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium, the D.C.New Music Festival, the International Clarinet Association ClarinetFest®, and other concert venues.
As a clinician, Kyle has been a guest artist at institutions including Peabody Conservatory, Columbus State University, the University of Colorado-Boulder, and the University of Kansas. He serves as Assistant Professor of Music Business at the University of Memphis. He has previously held faculty positions at the University of Central Missouri, Northwest Missouri State University, and Western Illinois University.
In addition to his performing activities, Kyle serves on the College Music Society Music Industry Council, is an Educational Ambassador for the Mechanical Licensing Collective, Grant Writer for KC VITAs, and is Executive Director for Appalachia Winds. He has been the recipient of over 27 grants as both an individual artist and collaborator. Recent examples include two ArtsKC Inspiration Grants, a Cultural Initiatives Grant through the City of Austin, and a Rocket Grant through the Charlotte Street Foundation and the Andy Warhol Foundation. He holds degrees from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, The University of Texas-Austin, Peabody Conservatory, and East Tennessee State University. Kyle is a D’Addario Reserve Clinician and Rovner Ambassador.
Jennifer Case, oboe
Taylor Barlow, clarinet
Mary Balch, saxophone
Taylor Smith, bassoon
Jack Hontz, Director of Bands