07/17/2026
Press Release
Portsmouth Wind Symphony Appoints New Conductor
Portsmouth, Ohio, Friday, July 17, 2026: The Portsmouth Wind Symphony has appointed a new Music Director/Conductor to lead the ensemble for the 2026-27 season. The new face on the podium will be Mr. Travis Pierce. Born and raised in southern Ohio, Mr. Pierce has taught music in the tri-state area for almost thirty years. He earned his BA and MA in music education from Marshall University, where he studied trombone with Dr. John Mead and piano with Dr. Leslie Petteys.
Throughout his career, he has taught band, choir, and elementary music, spending three years in Gallia County and twenty-three years at New Boston. Since 2023, Travis has worked at Green, where he currently teaches middle and high school band and second through sixth grade general music. His teaching experience earned him the opportunity to conduct the Kentucky District 8 Junior High Honor Band in 2022.
In addition to teaching, Travis regularly performs. He has played trombone with a variety of groups, including the Brass Band of the Tri-State from 1999-2005, the Portsmouth Wind Symphony since 2014, and several pit orchestras for area school musicals. He was also selected to guest perform with famed quintet Dallas Brass in 2002.
As a pianist, Travis has accompanied the Scioto County Honors Festival choir for several years and regularly plays at Franklin Furnace Independent Baptist Church, where he serves with his wife, Heather, and daughter, Sarah.
PWS Board President and principal French hornist Trent Williams said “We’re excited to welcome Mr. Pierce to the podium. As our long-time principal trombonist, fine pianist, and respected high school band director, Travis brings a high level of musicianship that will continue in his new role with the Wind Symphony as its music director and conductor. We’re excited to get back into rehearsals next month to begin our 34th season. We’re looking forward to great things with new promotions from the board and Mr. Pierce at the helm. I’m confident this be another exciting season that you won’t want to miss.”
