Patricia Ritchie
- Assistant Conductor and Prelude Strings Coordinator
Additional Information
Biography
Omaha has provided a rich musical ecosystem for conducting, teaching and performing, three interwoven pillars of Patty Ritchie’s career. As an Orchestra Director for the Omaha and Millard Public Schools for 36 years, and as a cellist with the Omaha Symphony and several chamber ensembles, Patty has been privileged to grow with and contribute to our community. Bringing musical experiences to her work here include engagements in summer music festivals at Bear Valley, California, and Shreveport Summer Festival, teaching on staff at the Michigan ASTA Summer Workshop, and the Omaha Conservatory of Music “Sound Waves” Institutes.
She earned her Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana and her Master of Music Degree in Cello Performance from the University of Denver, Lamont School of Music. Beyond “earning” any advanced degree is the gift of inspiration and guidance Patty received as a child from her family, teachers and student performances. The foundation for success comes from these early years of rigorous and nurturing instruction, which we provide through OAYO!
Some memorable awards include the Public School String Teacher of the Year Award in 1996 and 2009 from the Nebraska unit of the American String Teachers Association. She has served as President of NeASTA, and as the Chair of Orchestra Affairs for Nebraska Music Educators Association. Patricia was privileged to conduct the Nebraska Ambassadors of Music European String Orchestra for four tours. She recently wrote and illustrated The Dunehaven Council, a children’s book which champions children’s involvement in ecology solutions. Her summer includes art fairs with her “Peace of Sky” Pastels.
Additional Information
Biography
Omaha has provided a rich musical ecosystem for conducting, teaching and performing, three interwoven pillars of Patty Ritchie’s career. As an Orchestra Director for the Omaha and Millard Public Schools for 36 years, and as a cellist with the Omaha Symphony and several chamber ensembles, Patty has been privileged to grow with and contribute to our community. Bringing musical experiences to her work here include engagements in summer music festivals at Bear Valley, California, and Shreveport Summer Festival, teaching on staff at the Michigan ASTA Summer Workshop, and the Omaha Conservatory of Music “Sound Waves” Institutes.
She earned her Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana and her Master of Music Degree in Cello Performance from the University of Denver, Lamont School of Music. Beyond “earning” any advanced degree is the gift of inspiration and guidance Patty received as a child from her family, teachers and student performances. The foundation for success comes from these early years of rigorous and nurturing instruction, which we provide through OAYO!
Some memorable awards include the Public School String Teacher of the Year Award in 1996 and 2009 from the Nebraska unit of the American String Teachers Association. She has served as President of NeASTA, and as the Chair of Orchestra Affairs for Nebraska Music Educators Association. Patricia was privileged to conduct the Nebraska Ambassadors of Music European String Orchestra for four tours. She recently wrote and illustrated The Dunehaven Council, a children’s book which champions children’s involvement in ecology solutions. Her summer includes art fairs with her “Peace of Sky” Pastels.