08/18/2026
TEACHER SPOTLIGHT
Introducing our newest instructor teaching in our Worship & Arts Academy, Rich Stone!
Rich Stone is an accomplished saxophonist who performs on tenor, alto, and soprano saxophones. His musical journey began early when he was honored with the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award in recognition of his talent and dedication to music.
Rich’s diverse musical career has taken him through classical, jazz, blues, rock, and contemporary music. He began by performing classical music with a local orchestra through the Ringwood Manor Association of the Arts. His growing passion for jazz, blues, and rock soon led to new opportunities, including joining the New Jersey blues group, Waffle Davis, where he performed the music of Muddy Waters throughout Northern New Jersey.
Rich later joined Beyond Bourgeois where he performed music by artists including Steely Dan, Michael Greene, Gino Vannelli, and Edgar Winter at rock clubs throughout New Jersey. He then became a member of Screamin’ Blue Jays, an original rock band that opened for nationally known acts such as Blackfoot and Chuck Berry.
After moving to South Florida, Rich continued expanding his musical horizons. He recorded bumper music for a Fort Myers Christian radio station as part of the band, Night Jazzman, which ultimately led to the production of a CD by the same name. He also performed with The New Manna Band, an original Christian rock group that toured throughout Florida, and with the Bob Inkenbrandt Trio, playing smooth jazz throughout the Naples area.
Rich also became part of a large-scale Christmas musical production that performed to sold-out audiences—a tradition he continues to this day.
In 2019, Rich joined Second Wind, a high-energy East Tennessee band featuring a full horn section. He continues to perform with the group throughout the region, bringing his extensive experience and versatility to music. Beyond performing, Rich is passionate about using his musical abilities to serve God and encourage others. He attends New Hope Church in Kodak, Tennessee, where he considers his musical talent a God-given gift and enjoys sharing that gift with his church family.
Rich is especially excited about sharing his love of music and his faith with the next generation through teaching in the Worship & Arts Academy. His goal is not only to help young musicians develop their musical abilities, but also to encourage them to discover and use their own God-given gifts in service to others.
With decades of experience spanning multiple genres and musical settings, Rich Stone continues to share his passion for music, his faith, and his love for teaching with audiences and students alike.
Thank you, Rich, for sharing your experience, wisdom, and passion with our students! You make a difference every day!
