Ian Ellis - Music Specialist

Ian Ellis is an active freelance musician, arranger, clinician, educator, and music education student based out of Birmingham Alabama. 

Ian is an avid performer in many ensembles. Since 2021 he has held the positions of Principal Trombone for the UAB Wind Symphony and the UAB Jazz ensemble and has performed as a soloist with Birmingham Winds. Along with his responsibilities at his college, Ian regularly performs everything from Classical, jazz, and Ska music across the state. 

While studying in college, Ian developed a strong love and passion for the marching arts. Since graduating high school he has had the incredible opportunity to work with a wide variety of different school and help them reach their musical and visual goals. Most notably Ian currently serves as the Brass Coordinator for the 2024 4A Alabama State Champions, Oak Grove High School and as well as the Brass Coordinator/arranger for the 2023 Scholastic A WGI world Champions, Bob Jones High School indoor Winds. Along with instructing incredible groups in his state, Ian has had the opportunity to represent his university and state on the world stage. In 2023 Ian marched baritone with the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, and in 2024 with the DCI World champions The Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps where Ian held the responsibilities of playing Euphonium and Solo Bass Trombone.

Community out reach is an extremely important aspect of Ian’s goal as a musician. Ian makes it his goal to provide high quality yet affordable private instruction to brass students in inner city schools that wouldn’t typically be able to get lessons. Currently Ian holds a small studio of 5 students in which he provides case by case pricing for students of various socioeconomic backgrounds. Some of Ian’s past students have gone on to become musicians in different college bands throughout the state in which they earn scholarship. 

Outside of education and performance, Ian has also had the opportunity to arrange and compose for different ensembles in the UAB department of music. Most notably the UAB jazz combo, Steel City Brass Quintet, and UAB Trombone choir.

Beyond music, Ian enjoys hiking, grilling, interior design, wood working, spending time with family and friends.