2025 Gulf Coast Trombone Convergence
Saturday, July 26, 2025
10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Live Oak Friends Meeting
1318 West 26th Street Houston Texas 77008

The Gulf Coast Trombone Convergence is the only trombone exclusive workshop in the Houston area.  Join us for a day full of intensive study of the unique qualities of trombone focusing on expressive music-making, culminating in a joyous trombone choir performance in the beautiful James Turrell Skyspace at Houston's Live Oak Friends Meeting.

Why should music majors have all the fun?*  Do you miss the experiences of connecting with other like-minded musicians in summer camps, but those camps have age limits or competitive auditions?  This is a great opportunity to continue playing and network with other trombonists just like you!  College-age and older trombonists of all experience levels are welcome to join.

*Music majors are totally allowed to have fun and join us!

Your experience will include:

• Working directly with world-class faculty of professional performers and educators
• Breakout sessions focused on improving your playing and connecting with other trombonists
• Faculty-led warm-ups
• Trombone choir rehearsal and performance

Special topic classes to include:

• Recital/Audition Preparation
• Improvisation
• Orchestral playing
• Chamber music
• Effective practice habits

SOPHIE VOLPE - Featured Artist

Sophie Volpe (she/her) is a passionate trombonist and educator based in Houston, Texas. She has performed with the Houston Symphony, Seraph Brass, and other renowned ensembles, and holds degrees from Rice University and the Eastman School of Music. In 2018, she founded The Volpe Trombone Studio, where she teaches and mentors students across the country. Sophie also connects with the music community as Social Media Coordinator for S.E. Shires and Wilson Brass, blending her love for storytelling, teaching, and performance.

LANCE LASTER - Faculty

Born and raised in Houston, TX, Lance Laster is a trombonist and music educator with over a decade of teaching and performing experience.  Lance has a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Houston and a masters degree in Trombone Performance from Temple University. Currently, Lance teaches American Music and Low brass at Lone Star College Montgomery and San Jacinto College Central. In addition to that, Lance maintains a large private studio of trombone and euphonium students in the Houston area. Lance is also active in the Houston music scene and plays in the Texas Medical Center Orchestra, The Houston Brass Band and Chroma Chamber Brass. 

DEVIONNE JONES - Faculty

Devionne Jones is a trombonist and a native of Houston. He earned his Master of Music Performance degree from Lamar University where he was a teacher graduate assistant. Devionne is an avid performer who is adept in a variety of styles of music and music education. As a freelance musician, Devionne performed numerous times with the Symphony of Southeast Texas and performed with notable trombonists such as Thomas Hulten, Christopher Bill, Bradley Palmer, and Brad White. Devionne also performs jazz in Houston and has performed with notable musicians such as Leon "Ndugu" Chancler, Carmen Bradford, Kris Berg, and Bob Mintzer.
As an educator, Devionne enjoys giving students new paths to love music and teaches students from middle school to the collegiate level. He has also given masterclasses covering the trombone's role in Jazz ensembles in numerous schools from Houston to Lake Charles.

RYAN RONGONE - Faculty

Ryan Rongone maintains an active freelance career as a trombonist in the Houston area. Currently, he is the Principal Trombonist of the Magnolia City Brass Band, a member of the Houston Brass Quintet, and a founding member of the Houston-based brass ensemble, Brass City. Additionally, he held the position of Acting Second Trombonist with the Houston Symphony for the 2022-2024 seasons. He is also a regular substitute with the Houston Grand Opera and the Houston Jazz Orchestra. His career includes performances with Renee Fleming, Ryan Shaw, Dave Bennett, Tony DeSare, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Lionel Cole, Chris Botti, Sal Lozano, Jonas Kaufmann, and Johnny Mathis.  He is on faculty at both Lone Star College University Park and Texas Southern University. He also works as a teacher and clinician at several schools in the Greater Houston area. Teaching has allowed Ryan to travel to Cuba on three occasions to coach and perform with the students of the Conservatorio de Musica Estaban Salas in Santiago de Cuba. A native of Bloomsburg, PA, Ryan received performance degrees from Penn State and Rice University. His primary teachers were Mark Lusk, Allen Barnhill, and Todd Hunter.

STEPHEN CRAWFORD - Director / Conductor

Stephen Crawford has been inspiring musicians of all ages for nearly three decades.  He is currently an active conductor, trombonist, and teacher in the greater Houston area.  For 21 years, he was the Band Director at Houston’s prestigious Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where he focused his students on efficient practice habits with the goal of making beautiful music to connect with their audiences.

Please use the CONTACT page if you have questions.

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Many thanks to the generous sponsorship of Fleming Musical Instruments and Repair!

If you're in the market for a vintage or new trombone, or need repairs done on your instrument, they are the place to go.  They have a great selection of trombones right now.

"I have worked with Fleming Instruments the entire time they've been open, over 20 years.  I sent my band program's instruments there, and my personal instruments.  They've always been a delight to work with, and I trust them completely."  -Stephen Crawford