Rick Starnes plays euphonium and conducts the Birmingham Community Concert Band. A native of Bessemer, Alabama, Mr. Starnes received a Bachelor of Music trombone from the Eastman School of Music in 1968 and a Master of Music from the University of Illinois in 1972. He has performed with the US Army Field Band and served as Principal Trombonist for the Cheyenne (WY) Symphony Orchestra. He has also taught music at Atlantic Union College (MA) and trombone at Tufts University. Also holding a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Regis University (CO), Mr. Starnes has had several careers outside music, including flight instructor, aircraft mechanic, printer repair and development, and currently, Systems Analyst for Compass Bank.