Having taught for 25 years, Dr. Ricarte reflects back on all the Tips, Tricks and Traditions used in the classroom throughout his career that created a fun learning environment for students and consistently great results at contests and performances. Tips, Tricks and Traditions will get participants motivated by helping to create a more vibrant, and engaging classrooms that will benefit not only the teacher, but also the music students.
John Ricarte
- Biographical Information
John Ricarte has blended his unique experiences to allow him to create a successful career as a Teacher, Orchestra Director, Clinician and Lecturer.
Born in Lisbon, Portugal Dr. Ricarte came to the United States at the age of 19 to pursue his musical career. His first stop was at Otterbein College (now University) in Ohio where he received a Bachelors of Art with a double major in Music and Speech Communication. From there he went to Michigan State University where he received a Masters of Art in Orchestral Conducting. He concluded his studies at the University of South Carolina, receiving a doctorate in Musical Arts in Orchestral conducting.
Dr. Ricarte is in his 24th year teaching orchestra at the Cypress-Falls High School in the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in Houston, Texas. Under his direction the orchestras have consistently achieved sweepstakes at UIL competitions. His students have also received numerous awards including membership in All-State organizations.
Dr. Ricarte’s experience includes working with a diverse number of groups from youth to adult, orchestra and ballet, to opera, wind, and choral. He traveled to Romania and conducted the Satu-Mare State Philharmonic Orchestra. Dr. Ricarte is a frequent adjudicator at competitions and has presented at Texas Music Educator's Association, Texas Orchestra Director's Association and workshops in various school districts. He recently joined Hal Leonard as a clinician.