Instruments/Subjects: Trumpet/Horn/Trombone/Euphonium
Styles: classical and jazz
Ages: All ages
Years of Experience: 35
Education: University of Maryland
Rates: $40/30 minutes, $60/45minutes, $80/60 minutes
Availability: Monday, Tuesday
Tel: (919) 210-7352
Email: rttrumpet@gmail.com
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/reneetoddtrumpet/

Bio

Renée is a retired band director with a 32-year career in music education, including 13 years as Director of Bands at Ligon GT Magnet Middle School. Under her leadership, the Ligon Band program grew to over 200 members, with three wind bands and two jazz ensembles consistently earning superior ratings at local and national music festivals.

During her tenure, the program achieved national recognition, including being named a National Blue Ribbon “Program of Excellence” by the National Band Association in 2024 and receiving Downbeat Magazine’s Award for Outstanding Jr. High Jazz Performance in 2025. Her ensembles also earned invitations to prestigious events such as the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic and the Music For All National Concert Festival.

Ms. Todd’s contributions to the band community have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Central Region Jazz “Award of Excellence,” multiple “Band Director of the Year” honors, and four Citation of Excellence Awards from the National Band Association. In 2022, she was named one of School Band and Orchestra Magazine’s “50 Directors Who Make a Difference.” She has also been nominated for Wake County Public School System’s Magnet Schools of America Teacher of the Year and honored as Teacher of the Year at multiple schools.

Now focused on her work as a band clinician, mentor, and private brass instructor, Ms. Todd collaborates with school programs, conducts honor bands, and provides guidance to music educators and students across North Carolina and beyond. Her upcoming engagements include directing the North Carolina Middle School All-State Jazz Band in 2026 and the California All-State Junior High School Band in 2027.

In addition to her teaching and conducting, Ms. Todd remains an active performer, appearing regularly with the Triangle Brass Band and working as a freelance trumpeter throughout the Raleigh area. She also operates the RT Brass Studio, where she teaches private lessons and mentors developing brass musicians.

Ms. Todd holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Maryland, College Park, and is a member of the National Association for Music Education, the American School Band Directors Association, the National Band Association, the International Women’s Brass Conference, the North American Brass Band Association, and the North Carolina Music Educators Association.