Education

• Degrees
  • DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts), University of North Texas
  • M.M., University of North Texas
  • B.A., University of Arkansas Monticello

Biography

Dr. Tyrone J. Block, born in Dumas, Arkansas, has been playing trombone since he was a young child. During his career he has won numerous competitions including the Northeast Arkansas Young Artist Concerto Competition, Walt Disney All-American Marching and Duke Ellington Jazz Band, and voted Brass Player of the Year at University of Arkansas-Monticello for two years. Dr. Block’s formal training began at Dumas High School where he was named to the All-State Band for three years and also the prestigious Governor’s School. He attended the University of Arkansas-Monticello where he received his B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) in music performance. In addition, he attended the Armed Forces School of Music where he graduated first in his class. During this time, he traveled with the United States Navy Show Band, and toured three continents, many countries, and the United States.

Block received his M.M. (Masters of Music) in performance form the University of North Texas with a related field in ethnomusicology. It was during this time, that he recorded several series with the G.I.A. project teaching Music Through Performance in Band under direction of Eugene Corporon.

He also completed his D.M.A. (Doctorate of Musical Arts) at the University of North Texas. It was during this time, he attended the Army School of Music and was selected as the Honor Graduate receiving the Distinguished Leadership Award.

He is on summer staff at the University of Arkansas at Monticello teaching and performing at their jazz camp. He has been on staff in Fort Worth ISD, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, and Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. Dr. Block received the Distinguished Teacher Award for Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD and the Distinguished Faculty Award for Southwestern Assemblies of God University.

Dr. Block has performed in the following groups: Duke Ellington Orchestra, Southeast Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Brazos Chamber Orchestra, Fort Worth Civic Orchestra, Dallas Jazz Orchestra, Mesquite Jazz Repertoire Ensemble, Metra Praise Jazz Orchestra, Joshua Experience Big Band, South Arkansas Brass Ensemble, Joint Armed Forces Wind Symphony, and North Texas Wind Symphony. Block has been a featured soloist with the University of North Texas Wind Ensemble, the 106^th Arkansas National Guard Jazz Band and the Navy Atlantic Fleet Show Band.

Dr. Block is a member of TMEA, TJEA, ITA, MENC, and has been named to Pi Kappa Lambda, Alpha Sigma Lambda, SALUTE, and Golden Key Honor Society.