Role

:

Composer  

 

Ramon Ricker is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music as a performer, composer, and educator. Born on August 31, 1946, in Rochester, New York, Ricker grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a professional trumpet player, and his mother was a pianist. Ricker started playing the clarinet at the age of nine and quickly developed a passion for music. Ricker attended the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in clarinet performance in 1968. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in saxophone performance from the Manhattan School of Music in 1970. During his time at the Manhattan School of Music, Ricker studied with renowned saxophonist Sigurd Rascher, who had a significant influence on his musical style. After completing his studies, Ricker began his career as a performer and composer. He played with several orchestras, including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, and the Eastman Wind Ensemble. He also performed as a soloist and chamber musician, playing both the clarinet and saxophone. Ricker's compositions have been performed by numerous ensembles, including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Eastman Wind Ensemble, and the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. His works have also been featured on several recordings, including his own album, "Saxophone Music of Ramon Ricker," which was released in 1980. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Ricker has also been an influential educator. He joined the faculty of the Eastman School of Music in 1972 and served as the chair of the woodwind department from 1980 to 1996. He has also taught at several other institutions, including the Hochstein School of Music and Dance and the Interlochen Center for the Arts. Throughout his career, Ricker has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of music. In 1980, he was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts grant for his work as a composer. He was also awarded the Outstanding Educator Award by the New York State School Music Association in 1995. One of the highlights of Ricker's career was his performance at the 1980 World Saxophone Congress in Nuremberg, Germany. He performed his own composition, "Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemble," which was well-received by the audience and critics alike. Another notable performance by Ricker was his appearance as a soloist with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in 1983. He performed the world premiere of his own composition, "Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra," which was commissioned by the orchestra. Ricker's contributions to the world of music have been significant, and his influence as a performer, composer, and educator has been felt by many. He continues to be an active performer and composer, and his works are still performed by ensembles around the world.

More....