Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Negron.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The Florida Wind Band’s story really began in 2007 when our founder, John Carmichael, moved to Tampa to become the Director of Bands at the University of South Florida. He had a vision: to create a full-time wind band in the Tampa Bay area that could offer high-quality performances while also providing meaningful opportunities for musicians of all ages. At the time, there were very few full-time wind bands outside of military ensembles, so there was a real gap to fill in this community.
John’s dedication to this vision led him to work tirelessly for over a decade, growing the band from a small, aspirational group into the vibrant organization it is today. In 2008, we began to perform for the community, and over the years, our audience and reputation grew. We became known for our eclectic repertoire and our ability to create concerts that engage the audience emotionally, from classic wind band pieces to contemporary works.
In 2011, Dr. Matthew McCutchen, expanded our mission even further by founding BAY Winds, our Spring youth ensemble program. This has allowed us to reach the next generation of musicians, providing them with high-level performance opportunities and mentoring, and fostering a sense of community around music. In 2023, we expanded to the fall semester under the direction of Dr. Brian J. Panetta and now offer year-round performance opportunities for young musicians.
Today, under the direction of Dr. McCutchen, we are not only Tampa Bay’s premier wind band, but also a center for musical growth, innovation, and collaboration. We continue to build bridges between professional musicians, students, and the broader community, and our commitment to both musical excellence and education remains at the core of everything we do.
It’s been an exciting journey, and we’re just getting started. We have big plans for our future and are grateful for the growing support of our community that makes it all possible.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, and in many ways, the challenges are what define our story. When I became Executive Director in October 2022, the Florida Wind Band was in a fragile place. The organization held a $15,000 deficit, held no reserves, and the organization was emotionally tired and stretched thin. Audience numbers were very low and inconsistent coming out of the pandemic, donor engagement had slipped, and our internal systems simply weren’t built to support long-term sustainability. We were at a point where the future of the organization was uncertain.
Stepping into leadership at that moment was both daunting and deeply personal. I had been part of the organization since 2015, and I knew what it meant to our musicians, our students, and our community. Letting it fail didn’t feel like an option. The first year was about stabilization, rebuilding trust, reworking budgets, strengthening governance, modernizing operations, and reconnecting with families, donors, and schools who needed to believe in our vision again.
The emotional part of the journey came from the responsibility of protecting something that people truly love. Our musicians are educators, parents, performers, and community builders. Our students look to us for leadership and inspiration. Our audience turns to us for joy, creativity, and connection. Carrying all of that while rebuilding our financial and operational foundation required resilience, honesty, and a willingness to make difficult decisions.
Today, the organization is in a very different place. We eliminated the deficit, tripled our operating budget, expanded youth programming, and launched new initiatives such as the “Lights Out” Chamber Series and the Volunteer Guild. Audience attendance is growing, donor engagement is stronger, and our artistic quality has never been higher. None of this came easily, but the adversity gave us clarity and purpose.
The struggles forced us to reinvent how we operate, and they ultimately made us a more dynamic, community-driven, and future-focused organization. Looking back, the challenges were not setbacks. They were turning points that shaped who we are and where we’re headed.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an artist, I have always believed that music is most powerful when it creates connection, whether that is connection to oneself, to other people, or to a sense of shared meaning. That belief has shaped every part of my career as a clarinetist, educator, and arts leader. I specialize in versatility, moving between the concert stage, the teaching studio, and organizational leadership, while bringing the same level of artistry, intention, and heart to each role.
As a performer, I am known for my warm sound, expressive phrasing, and the ability to blend comfortably across musical styles. I currently serve as Principal Clarinet with the Florida Wind Band and Second Clarinet with the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra. I also perform regularly with The Florida Orchestra, Sarasota Orchestra, Orlando Philharmonic, Greenville Symphony, and the Disney Candlelight Orchestra. My career has taken me from solo concerto appearances to chamber music and even to collaborations with artists such as Celtic Thunder, Il Divo, Il Volo, and Sarah Brightman. One highlight was being featured on Pittsburgh’s classical radio station WQED 89.3, which allowed me to share my music with a broader audience.
I am equally proud of my work as an educator. I maintain a thriving private studio of forty to fifty woodwind students, and my students have earned All-State placements, scholarships, and admission to universities such as Yale, Duke, and Brown. I teach at Hillsborough Community College, have presented at the Florida Music Educators Conference, and coach woodwind programs throughout Tampa Bay. My lecture series titled “The Mosaic Musician” reflects my belief that every artist is shaped by a unique combination of influences and experiences, and that embracing those layers leads to genuine creativity.
What sets me apart is the way I integrate artistry and leadership. I do not see these roles as separate. My work as a performer informs how I lead, and my work as a leader helps shape the kind of artist I want to be. Since becoming Executive Director of the Florida Wind Band in 2022, I have guided the organization through financial recovery, audience growth, and the expansion of youth and community programs. The administrative work can be demanding, but it is incredibly meaningful to create a structure that supports musicians, students, and families.
The accomplishment I am most proud of is the impact I see in the people around me. When a student finds confidence, when an audience is moved by a performance, or when a musician feels valued and inspired, it reminds me why this work matters. At its core, everything I do is about connection, expression, and creating musical experiences that uplift both individuals and the larger community.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I have learned throughout my journey is that leadership in the arts requires equal parts courage and compassion. I have learned that progress rarely comes from comfort, and that meaningful growth often starts in moments of uncertainty. When I stepped into the role of Executive Director during a time of financial strain, I quickly realized that the answers were not going to come from protecting what felt familiar, but from listening deeply, asking hard questions, and being willing to rebuild with honesty and heart.
I also learned that people are at the center of everything. Organizations thrive when the individuals within them feel valued, supported, and inspired. Whether I am working with students, musicians, volunteers, board members, or community partners, the relationships we build matter just as much as the performances we create. Trust, transparency, and genuine care are what allow teams to overcome challenges and move forward together.
Most of all, this journey has taught me that music is not only an art form, but a bridge. It brings people together, fosters empathy, and reminds us of what we share. When I lead with that belief, the work becomes clearer, the challenges feel more purposeful, and the successes feel even more meaningful.
Pricing:
- Mainstage Concert Tickets Ticket prices vary by venue and performance. All concerts offer straightforward general admission pricing to keep events accessible for the community.
- Lights Out Chamber Series This immersive chamber experience is entirely donation based. Guests contribute at whatever level feels meaningful to them, allowing the series to remain open and welcoming to all.
- Youth Programs: BAY Winds and Autumn Winds Tuition varies depending on the ensemble and season. Scholarships are available for students with financial need, and this fall eighteen full scholarships were awarded to Autumn Winds participants.
- Free Community Performances Several events each season, including our annual holiday concert A Time for Joy, are offered free to the public. Voluntary donations directly support youth scholarships, operational sustainability, and community outreach.
- • Season Sponsorships As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Florida Wind Band depends on community support. Each concert costs approximately 7,500 dollars to produce, including venue fees, transportation, music rental, and insurance. Sponsorship levels include: • Bronze Sponsor: 250 dollars • Silver Sponsor: 500 dollars • Gold Sponsor: 1,000 dollars • Platinum Sponsor: 2,500 dollars • Diamond Sponsor: 5,000 dollars • Titled Sponsorships Opportunities for deeper engagement and enhanced visibility include: • Chair Sponsor: 1,250 dollars • Concert Sponsor: 5,500 dollars • Titled Season Sponsor: 27,500 dollars All sponsorships are tax-deductible and include recognition on the website, in printed programs, in quarterly communications, and on promotional materials depending on the level selected.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://floridawindband.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.florida.wind.band/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FloridaWindBand/#
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefloridawindband
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefloridawindband3785
