Kaleb Ritchie

 

Biography

Kaleb Ritchie was born and raised in North Little Rock, Arkansas, where he began playing double bass at a young age. His father, Guido, a jazz trumpet player, instilled in him a love of music early on. Although initially classically trained, Kaleb began exploring jazz bass later in his high school career, setting him on a path that would ultimately lead him to the University of Memphis.

Kaleb earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studio and Performance, with an emphasis in bass, from the University of Memphis in 2018. He continued his studies at the University of Memphis, completing his Master of Music in Jazz Studies in 2020.

As a performer, Kaleb has worked with a wide variety of ensembles and artists, including The Platters, The Coasters, The Drifters, and Morgan Freeman's Symphonic Blues. He is also an active theatrical musician, performing in a variety of productions on both double bass and electric bass. Kaleb remains an active member of the Memphis music community and currently serves as Principal Double Bass of the Delta Symphony Orchestra in Jonesboro, Arkansas. In addition to his performance career, he has been teaching music for more than 15 years, working with students in both classical and jazz settings.

Following the completion of his master's degree, Kaleb began his career in arts administration at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis as Assistant Facilities Manager. In that role, he operated Harris Concert Hall, assisted in modernizing the venue's audio and video capabilities, and supported a wide range of productions and events.

He later transitioned into the role of Scheduling Coordinator, where he played a key role in facilitating the opening of the Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center in early 2023. Following its opening, Kaleb was hired as Operations Manager for the facility.

Kaleb currently serves as Assistant Director of Operations for the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music and General Manager of the Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center. In this role, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the Performing Arts Center and the School of Music's performance activities, managing the logistical and operational needs of performances, productions, and events across the School.