Ryan McGeorge
My Pedal Philosophy
“Effects pedals are tools of creative expression as well as a means to participate in a broader scope of genres and innovative collaboration. Most instruments have an established identity which is based on the instrument’s past role in music history. Traditionally when we learn an instrument, we study its history and learn the repertoire within its established genres. This traditional style of learning to play music certainly has its practical advantages, but at some point musicians may find that participation solely within an established musical existence can ultimately become limiting depending on the instrument. Some instruments have a wider variety of established opportunities than others, and the Euphonium can be especially limited in this way. Electronic effects allow me to expand the tone color palette of my instrument in a multitude of sonic directions which allows me to more easily function within a wider variety of ensembles and genres. I like using effects which subtly blend in and enhance my natural sound, and also completely transform it into something new and unrecognizable as a euphonium.”
Listen to Ryan’s NEW RECORD “Kuranes”, released in 2026!
Bio
Gear
-Sennheiser 421 Mic
-Keeley Compressor Pro
-Whirlwind Bass Ten EQ
-Eventide PitchFactor Harmonizer
-Seymour Duncan Vapor Trail Delay
-Earthquaker Devices Sea Machine Chorus
-Source Audio C4 Synth
-Digitech Dirty Robot Synth
-Geoffrey Teese RMC8 Wah
-Decimator Noise Reduction
-Ernie Ball JR Volume Pedal
-Digitech Jam Man Express Looper
Ryan McGeorge is a versatile musician and former member of “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band in Washington, DC. During his service with the Marine Band, Ryan showcased diverse musical skills in multiple configurations, including chamber ensembles and solo performances, exhibiting a wide variety of musical genres. Among these configurations, he introduced Jazz Euphonium to the White House, where he performed for countless international dignitaries and celebrities.
Over the years, Ryan has participated in several International Tuba/Euphonium Conferences as a guest artist and clinician, including the U.S. Army Band International Tuba/Euphonium Workshop, where he has been showcased on numerous occasions for his contributions as a jazz artist and clinician, including various chamber recitals and solo performances with the U.S. Army Blues Jazz Ensemble. Moreover, he has been featured at numerous ITEA conferences, as well as the Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Festival, as a member of the U.S. Marine Band Tuba/Euphonium Quartet. Ryan contributed heavily to this group as an arranger and composer, resulting in two acclaimed albums under the civilian alias “Off Bass Brass.” Their sophomore release Tubacus Galacticus achieved widespread recognition, earning the prestigious Roger Bobo Award for Excellence in Recording in the Jazz and Commercial category.
Beyond his military service, Ryan is known for creative musical endeavors through unique collaborations and solo projects. Most recently he released his debut solo album Kuranes, a jazz fusion recording of his own original compositions and arrangements, pushing the boundaries of traditional Euphonium performance by incorporating electronic effects pedals to create expanded timbral colors. Celebrating the release of the album, he headlined a performance at the historic Blues Alley Jazz Supper Club in Washington, DC for an enthusiastic crowd. The genesis of his unique style and sound emerged when he headlined the jazz fusion band Euphonasia. Their debut album Dark Blue Hair also features almost exclusively his original compositions and arrangements. Ryan thrives on taking the Euphonium into unexpected scenarios, challenging traditional perceptions and pushing the boundaries of what can be possible for the instrument. It is through this approach that he achieved a milestone as the first instrumentalist to perform the National Anthem at Washington, DC’s Nationals Park. As a composer, his most recent commission was written for the George Mason University Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble entitled Steeled, performed at NERTEC 2026 in Boston.
Before joining the Marine Band, Ryan held a position as Euphonium Soloist with the Broadway show Blast! on their first US tour. His time with the production coincided with its illustrious run, earning both Tony and Emmy Awards for its groundbreaking contributions to the performing arts.
As an alumnus of the University of North Texas, Ryan honed his craft studying with Dr. Brian L. Bowman, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Euphonium Performance. While still in school, he was internationally recognized by placing first in the Leonard Falcone International Euphonium Competition. Ryan has recently returned to Denton, TX where he is serving as Adjunct Professor of Euphonium at UNT for the 2026/2027 academic school year.
Media
To learn more about Ryan McGeorge, check out these links!
