Ravinia 2024 Issue 1

Ravinia Backstage Rich Stitzel Reach Teach Play Project Manager What is it about music that makes you passionate to work in the arts? Music is a boundless realm—twelve notes, infinite songs. The ability to think creatively and express ourselves are two essential qualities that can truly transform the world. And the opportunity to provide arts education on a grand scale through an organization like Ravinia is a dream come true, a testament to the infinite potential of music. What piece of music evokes a specific feeling or memory for you? So many songs bring back so many memories, but the one that came to mind first this time was Frank Zappa’s Jazz from Hell album. It brings back the deeply curious, creative, and forward-thinking teenage me. You were previously a Teaching Artist and are now a Project Manager for Reach Teach Play. How have you seen your work make a difference in students’ lives? People, regardless of age, yearn to be heard, respected, and supported. This simple act of paying attention can create a significant impact. Teaching children music is a wonderful way to rejuvenate and enrich their life experiences. But at its core, music is a bridge that unites us and allows us to be on the same page. When I was doing residency work as a Teaching Artist, I would see the 100 or so students at the school I was working with. I was focused on their lessons, songs, and performances. Now, I visit every school in the program, supporting the other teaching artists, and I get to see, listen to, and interact with nearly 3,000 students in over 30 schools all over Chicago! Who inspires you to continue working to provide music education to students who otherwise wouldn’t have access? I am inspired by my parents, who were both jazz musicians and music educators, and my grandfather, the founder and executive director of the International Association of Jazz Educators. I grew up in a family of thoughtful, caring, and devoted educators who knew how powerful music could be for the world. Their legacy is a huge part of my identity. What is on your musical “bucket list” as a performer or listener, or what’s a goal in your musical work? I am the author of several instructional books for advanced drummers called DrumMantra. The books are now in over 50 countries worldwide. I would love to start hosting drumming/ wellness retreats with my wife based on the drumming and philosophy of those books mixed with meditation, wellness, and yoga in some of the incredible places where people study my materials. If you were an instrument, how would that instrument represent your life or personality? Even though I have been a drummer my whole life, the instrument that best represents my personality is the synthesizer. It can emulate the sound of many different instruments and be programmed to create new sounds. Hometown: Fort Worth, TX (Chicago since 2001) When did you start working with Ravinia? I began working as a Teaching Artist with Reach Teach Play in 2007 and became a Project Manager for the Reach Teach Play team in 2024. First concert by yourself or just with friends: First concert: Backstage at Jimmy Buffett at 12 years old (my uncle was his drummer) First concert with friends: Rush “Power Windows” tour at 14 years old Favorite Ravinia concert: I’ve attended many, but a recent favorite was celebrating my daughter’s 21st birthday at Ziggy Marley in 2022! Their groove and pocket is so deep! Favorite movie or TV show for music: Movie: Amadeus or O Brother, Where Art Thou? TV Show: Little House on the Prairie (I know it sounds crazy, but the music is great!) Concert Video: Pink Floyd Live at Pompeii Documentary Series: Cosmos RAVINIA.ORG  • RAVINIAMAGAZINE 93