Special Guest: Kenny Rittenhouse

Kenny Rittenhouse has been performing professionally for over 30 years, serving as a veteran of the U.S. Army Band (Pershing’s Own) for three decades. A pivotal member of the prestigious Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, he excelled as a section player, Jazz soloist, and eventually as the Element Leader, overseeing all administrative duties. Additionally, Kenny was a former member of the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra (PJO) led by the renowned trumpeter Sean Jones. He actively participated in PJO concerts, featuring jazz legends Freddie Cole, Ahmad Jamal, and Jimmy Heath. Kenny’s musical versatility extends to the stage of musical theater, with notable performances in acclaimed productions such as ‘Dreamgirls,’ ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’,’ ‘After Midnight,’ ‘Catch Me If You Can,’ ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas,’ ‘Chicago,’ and ‘Shout Sister Shout.’

As an educator and director, Kenny served as the adjunct Jazz Trumpet Professor at George Mason University for 13 years. Currently, since 2020, he holds the position of Professor of Trumpet at Morgan State University. Kenny’s commitment to nurturing talent is evident as the Music Director for the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Youth Orchestra, where he curated unique educational series like “Sitting In With The Masters” and “The Young Artists Series.” These series offer invaluable opportunities for students to learn directly from industry experts, showcasing Kenny’s dedication to shaping the next generation of musicians.

As a versatile composer and arranger, Kenny has contributed over twenty big band and jazz orchestra charts performed by various ensembles, including The US Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, and the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. He has also composed over thirty charts for the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Youth Orchestra, emphasizing his prolific creativity in the musical realm. Notably, Kenny secured the second place in the 2017 National Federation of Music Clubs “American Music in the Armed Forces competition” with an original jazz orchestral arrangement of “Theme for Penelope.” Additionally, he served as the principal horn arranger at Severn Records Studio, leaving his mark on over ten recording projects with notable artists such as “The Fabulous Thunderbirds.”