Ramon Ricker

Ramon Ricker is director of the Institute for Music Leadership and professor of saxophone at the Eastman School. In addition to a career as performing artist and studio teacher, he also co-directs the Catherine Filene Shouse Arts Leadership Program with Eastman Director James Undercofler. Ricker received a bachelor of music education degree in clarinet from the University of Denver, a master of music degree in woodwind performance from Michigan State University, and a doctor of musical arts degree in music education and clarinet from the Eastman School. He has been a full-time Eastman faculty member since 1972, and for nine years served as the chair of the Department of Winds, Brass and Percussion (1989-98). His association with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) first began as a clarinet soloist in 1972 and in 1973 he won a position in the RPO as a member of the clarinet section. Since 1996 he also has served on its board of directors.

Ricker first began his musical studies on the clarinet. At age 16, while continuing to study the clarinet, his interest in jazz led him to begin saxophone lessons. Throughout his professional career he has continued to perform on both instruments. Today he often is a featured saxophone and clarinet soloist and chamber musician in venues throughout Europe and North America. As a professional musician and music contractor he has performed on hundreds of television commercials and program themes including national accounts for NBC, ABC, Cinemax, HBO and Arts and Entertainment. As a composer and arranger he has been honored by grants from the National Endowment, New York State Council on the Arts, Creative Artist Public Service, Meet the Composer, and ASCAP.

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