Educator and performer, Ryan Polk, is the former Director of Bands at Frostproof Middle Senior High School. During his tenure the ensembles received top marks at their adjudicated performances and actively served their school and community. Prior to his appointment, he served as a marching and concert band clinician as well as a private instructor throughout Orange and Seminole County. As a performer, Ryan has appeared as a soloist at UCF, Fresno State College, Timucua Arts Foundation, and the Festival Internacional Trombones de Costa Rica. Ryan also was awarded 1st place for his performances in the 2020 Innovatrombone International Concerto Competition. As an ensemble member, he has enjoyed additional performances in Disney Hall and across London.
Already a one-time graduate of UCF, where he earned a bachelor’s in music performance, Ryan was awarded the UCF Founder’s Award from the College of Arts and Humanities. During undergraduate studies, Ryan held positions in a number of ensembles including the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Orchestra, Trombone Choir, and the OSWON Trombone Quartet. He has also spent time studying trombone performance at the Royal College of Music, where he studied under bass trombonist James Buckle of the London Philharmonia.