Ryan Gantt (Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Winds, Whirlwind Brigade) is a native of Deland, Florida, and received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of South Florida, in Tampa, Florida.  As a student, he studied under the direction of Dr. John Carmichael, Dr. Matthew McCutchen and Mrs. Valerie Gillespie.  While attending USF, Ryan performed in the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Chamber Choir, Master Chorale, Saxophone Ensemble and Saxophone Quartet. Before coming to the Tampa area, he attended Stetson University, in Deland, Florida.  As a student, Ryan studied saxophone with Mr. James Bishop and performed in the University Symphonic Band under the direction of Dr. Bobby Adams.  While at Stetson, Ryan also performed in the Percussion Ensemble, Saxophone Quartet, Hatter Brass Pep Band, and The SU Tuba Ensemble.

While completing his Bachelor's degree, Ryan was also a marching band instructor and clinician for many Florida high school marching bands.  These included Deltona High in Deltona, FL, and Mainland High in Daytona Beach, FL. His most notable accomplishments were with Deland High in Deland, FL, which was invited to perform at the 2006 Peach Bowl in Atlanta, GA, Northside Christian School in St. Petersburg, FL, which was the State FMBC 1A runner up in 2009, and Sunlake High in Land O' Lakes, FL, which was a State FMBC 2A quarterfinalist in 2010. Ryan has been very active as an instructor in the marching arts and a as a performer. Ryan was a member of the Teal Sound Drum and Bugle Corps in 2003 and the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps in 2004, 2006, and 2007, from Boston, Massachusetts. Ryan is known in the Florida band circuit for his drill designs, visual techniques and instruction. 

In addition to his duties as Band Director at Booker High School, in Sarasota, Florida, Ryan also has a private music studio where he teaches private instrumental lessons to Sarasota and Bradenton area students. Ryan continues to perform as a freelance saxophonist throughout Florida and is a member of the Florida Music Educators Association, The Florida Bandmasters Association, and The National Band Directors Association.