Hailing from Orlando, Florida, Kip Riecken began studying violin at an early age, branching out at the age of 12 to oboe and viola. In high school, he earned principal positions on viola, oboe, and English horn, received his International Baccalaureate diploma, and performed the opening movement of the Walton viola concerto with the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra in 2007. Riding his success, he spent his first year of college at the eclectic Steinhardt School of Music at New York University, participating in the revival of the Tim Rice/Alan Menken operetta King David and performing with the One World Symphony Orchestra in Brooklyn. Transferring to The Florida State University in 2009, Kip has earned principal list honors, held the principal chair in the University Philharmonia Orchestra, been selected as a finalist in the Young Artist’s Concerto Competition with the Stamitz viola concerto, and currently pursues a pre-med track in a further expansion of education. In the summers, Kip has participated in the Eastern Music Festival (Greensboro, NC) and National Orchestral Institute (College Park, MD), where he held principal positions, and the National Repertory Orchestra. (Breckenridge, CO) He studies with Dr. Pamela Ryan.
We are delighted to welcome Kip to the Cloud 9 Orchestra for the 1860′s Salt Raid Ball on April 21, 2012. This first annual Victorian era ball will be the culmination of the Civil War Reenactment weekend here in Panama City. It will be held at the new Dance Life Studio on Harrison Avenue, two doors down from the Martin Theatre. The music will be mostly geared to the period which includes some civil war patriotic music, ragtime, march, and waltzes. C9O will feature strings for the very first time! It will be a fun night to remember a bit of American history…almost like going back in time as there will be a processional leading to the ball with everyone “dressed to the nine’s” along with horse and carriage. Don’t miss it! Please following the link to get more information on how you can be a part of this wonderful event: http://www.araptero.