Faculty Profile

Degrees

MM, Manhattan Schl Music; BM, Manhattan Schl Music

Bio

Described as a percussionist with “mesmerizing dexterity”, Sean Ritenauer enjoys a diverse career performing in concert halls, theaters and studios in New York and around the world.   Most recently, Ritenauer can be heard as the Percussionist for the hit Broadway musical, Something Rotten.

As an orchestral musician, Ritenauer has played extensively with the New York Philharmonic, Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas. Ritenauer was recently appointed Principal Percussionist in the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, where he won the audition to be a member of the percussion section in 2005. In March of 2011, the Huntsville Symphony decided to feature Ritenauer performing Jennifer Higdon’s award winning Percussion Concerto.  In addition to the concert hall, Ritenauer has also been heard in numerous Broadway pits including the shows In The Heights, How to Succeed In Business, and Nice Work If You Can Get It. Starting in 2010, Ritenauer was the percussionist for the National Tour of HAIR which made a return to Broadway in New York City in 2011 at the St James Theatre. Immediately following HAIR, Ritenauer had the opportunity to perform with Jay-Z at his historic debut at Carnegie Hall. Soon after, Ritenauer was the percussionist for the hit revival of Pippin on Broadway.

A devoted educator, Ritenauer has taught over 40 students privately, many of which have continued to attend some of the countries finest Undergraduate and Graduate programs.  Currently, he teaches percussion at Hofstra University.  He also does teaching artist work for the New York Philharmonic and the Bridge Arts Ensemble.

As a recorded musician, Ritenauer can be heard as Principle Timpanist on the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas’ album, Mi Alma Mexicana, and on the films Moonrise Kingdom, Zoolander 2, and A Dog’s Purpose.

Ritenauer earned a Bachelors Degree in Classical Percussion and a Masters Degree in Orchestral Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. Sean is also a proud graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy.

Recent Courses Taught