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Richard G. Dietrich was born in Pontiac, Michigan and lived there until 1992. In 1999 and in 2001, Dietrich earned degrees from the Western Michigan University School of Music located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Under the private instruction of Judy Moonert, he received a Bachelor of Music Degree and a Master of Music Degree in Percussion Performance.
An active performer and educator, Rick Dietrich co-directed and performed with the award winning W.M.U. Percussion Ensemble during their showcase performance at the 1998 Percussive Arts Society International Convention. He also worked for two years as percussion caption head and arranger for the W.M.U. Bronco Marching Band. As an active performer, Dietrich has performed with many professional ensembles including the Kalamazoo, Columbus, Macon and Savannah Symphony Orchestras.
In 2001, Mr. Dietrich was the recipient of the Gilmore Foundations Emerging Artist Grant. This grant provided the opportunity to study with such artists as Leigh Stevens, Gordon Stout and She-e-Woo. As an educator, Mr. Dietrich received his teaching certificate from Georgia State University. He is a member of the Percussive Arts Society (PAS). Music Educators National Conference (MENC), Georgia Music Educators Association, and Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honors Society.
He is currently Associate Director of Bands at Palmer Middle School where he co-directs a program of over 350 band students. Dietrich has been Director of Percussion Studies at Carlton J. Kell High School for over 15-years. His students have performed on many stages including the 2006/12 National Percussion Festival, 2007 National Concert Band Festival, 2009 GMEA Convention, 2010 Midwest International Convention, the 2010 NEA Gala in Washington DC. Mr. Dietrich’s students consistently represent their programs at the local Honor, All State and Bands of America National Honor Bands and Orchestras.
As a businessman, Mr. Dietrich, along with his wife Sarah, created the company Sound Art Percussion. This company, with the help of ESN Education Supply Network, works as a resource and communication tool that provides pedagogical and logistical information to band directors, percussion instructors and percussionists from grades of all levels. He currently lives in Marietta, Georgia with his wife Sarah, son Evan and dog Sophie.