Anthony "Tony" Hammond
Visiting Instructor/Director of Bands
B.A., B.M. University of Montana
M.M. Sam Houston State University
406.238.7283
Losekamp Hall 22C
tony.hammond@rocky.edu
Office Hours: M-W 1-2, T 9:30-10:30, and Th 9-10
Biography
Anthony Hammond joined the music faculty of Rocky Mountain College in 2007, after teaching 5-12 instrumental and choral music in Arlee, MT and Red Lodge, MT. His primary focus at RMC is directing the instrumental ensembles: the Concert Band, the Jazz Ensemble, and various chamber groups, while also teaching private trombone/low brass and improvisation. He also teaches an array of general education courses including Intro to Music and The History of Jazz, as well as instrumental methods. Professor Hammond earned his Master of Conducting degree from Sam Houston State University. He also holds a B.A. in Music and a B.M. in Education from the University of Montana, where he studied trombone and jazz with Lance Boyd and David Morgenroth, and conducting with Dr. Steven Bolstad. Professor Hammond maintains his Montana teaching license and is a member of CBDNA, MENC and the Montana Bandmasters. He maintains a busy schedule as a clinician and adjudicator in jazz, concert band, and low brass, and performs regularly around Billings and Montana on trombone in various genres including jazz, funk and classical.
Courses Taught
- Concert Band
- Jazz Ensemble
- Instrumental Methods
- Introduction to Music
- Jazz History
- Music of the World’s People
- Percussion Ensemble
- Jazz Theory and Improvisation
What advice would you give to a prospective student?
Practice only on the days that you eat.
How long have you worked at RMC?
3 years
What is your favorite class to teach and why?
Outside of the rehearsal groups (Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble) I love to teach Jazz History. Jazz music is an art-form that is completely interactive within its presentation, with improvisation being at its heart. It takes a lot of listening practice to develop an aural understanding of the broad genre, and I really enjoy taking my students on that journey. I still hear something new every time I present a tune in class. Sharing in that discovery with students is a thrill many never get to have.
What is on your iPod?
Almost every genre you can think of. Lots of traditional band music, as well as symphonic music and opera. The vast majority of the music on my iPod however, is jazz.
What are you currently reading?
The Rest Is Just Noise by Alex Ross
What do you do outside of class?
I play trombone and sing in a funk band, work on my house and yard, play a lot of cards with my wife and friends, hike, run and disc golf as much as possible.
What is your favorite getaway location?
The ranch my wife grew up on. The air is clear, the power lines are scarce, and the quiet is deafening. It is as peaceful and relaxing as it gets.
What is your favorite thing about RMC?
My colleagues are good at what they do and I get to collaborate with them often. It is a blessing to work with such amazing educators and people.
What activities or campus organizations are actively involved with?
I run the Pep Band (and all of the other bands and many other instrumental ensembles on campus), and I advise the Rocky Mountain College chapter of CMENC (music education organization). I often play in faculty/student competitions, as well as jump into intramural games of ultimate Frisbee on occasion.
