Chuck Ricotta has served as the percussion instructor and arranger for the University of Michigan Marching Band Drumline since 2002. Chuck also serves on the music faculty for Concordia University in Ann Arbor as well as principal percussionist for the Flint Symphony Orchestra of Flint, Michigan.
Chuck has been a guest performer with numerous Michigan orchestras including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Michigan Opera Theatre, the Ann Arbor Symphony and the Saginaw Bay Symphony. He has also appeared with the New World Symphony of Miami Beach, and the National Repertory Orchestra of Breckenridge, Colorado. In 2004, Chuck participated in the performance and recording of William Bolcom’s Songs of Innocence and Experience under the baton of Leonard Slatkin at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor. The CD, available on the Naxos label, was the recipient of 4 Grammy Awards, including Best Classical Recording.
Chuck is a former member and staff member of the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps from Rockford, Illinois. In addition, he has also served on the instructional and design staff of the Penn State University Indoor Drumline during their run as WGI Independent Open champions and Independent World finalists. Chuck is active as a percussion ensemble director, clinician and consultant for several local schools and organizations in the southeast Michigan area.
Chuck earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Pennsylvania State University, where he was awarded the Performer's Recognition Award. He earned a Master of Music degree in percussion performance from the University of Michigan.
Chuck is an educational artist / endorser for Yamaha, Zildjian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, and Innovative Percussion. He resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he maintains a private teaching studio.
