BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College will host the second JazzFest April 13-15 featuring three concerts which are free and open to the public in the  Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts.

On Saturday, the Wesleyan Alumni Big Band will perform at 7 p.m. in the PAC. On Sunday,  April 14 at 3 p.m., the Wesleyan Jazz Ensemble will perform at 3 p.m. and feature Kenny Rittenhouse ’88. The finale concert on Monday, April 15 at 6 p.m. will showcase visiting high school students under the direction of Rittenhouse.

“Having the opportunity to showcase jazz at this level is very special for us,” Director of Athletic Bands Robert Palmer said. “Jazz has been an integral part of the arts at Wesleyan for a very long time, so having a weekend solely for it will be meaningful for everyone involved.”

Rittenhouse, a highly esteemed music educator, served as the adjunct Jazz Trumpet Professor for 13 years at George Mason University, where he passionately shared his knowledge and expertise. Currently, he is an adjunct trumpet professor at Morgan State University, teaching classical trumpet and bringing over 30 years of experience, including his distinguished tenure in The United States Army Band (Pershing’s Own) to the classroom.

His commitment to education is further reflected in his role as the music director for the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Youth Orchestra, where he nurtures young Jazz musicians and enhances their musical journey. Kenny earned his bachelor’s degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1988. He later obtained a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Maryland in 2006. Additionally, he undertook graduate studies in trumpet and jazz at the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with Barbara Butler, Bill Dobbins, and Rayburn Wright, and at Duquesne University, studying under Roger Sherman from the Pittsburgh Symphony. These educational experiences enhanced his expertise in both classical and jazz music, shaping his successful career as a music educator, performer, and director.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 21 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.