Dr. Rick Orpen |
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Biography
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Rick Orpen is Professor of Music at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. He teaches courses in Music Theory, Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Guitar, Composition, Percussion Techniques, and Class Guitar. His approaches to teaching guitar are published in Strategies for Teaching Middle-Level and High School Guitar, Music Educators National Conference, Reston, VA, as part of the 2000 National Standards in Music. At Gustavus Adolphus, he chaired the Music Department from 1990-1995, the Faculty Senate from 1999-2000, and the Personnel Committee 2005-2006.
Dr. Orpen was president of the Minnesota Music Theory Consortium from 1987-89 and vice-president of the Minnesota College and University Council for Music in 1994-95. He holds PhD, MA, and BS degrees from the University of Minnesota and is active as a guitarist, percussionist, and bassist. Performance credits include the Ordway Music Theater, Plymouth Music Series, Walker Art Center, and numerous Gustavus Adolphus events including the Nobel Conference concerts and A Royal Affair. In addition, he regularly serves as a consultant, clinician, adjudicator, and presenter. Dr. Orpen is a BMI composer. In 1999, he released a CD of jazz compositions entitled, "Hands of Time Jazz Quartet: Live From The Chestnut Tree Cafe." His, "Duo for Marimba and Piano," is published by Keyboard Percussion Publications. He is the developer of the MIDI-based Music Lab at Gustavus Adolphus and has published a series of software reviews that are available on the Minnesota Music Theory Consortium website. In addition, he offers the Music Technology Workshop at Gustavus Adolphus each summer. Music educators from across the country have participated in this annual workshop. |
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