Orlando Youth Clarinet Choir
The ”Orlando Youth Clarinet Choir also called the “OYCC” is a 100 member ensemble made up exclusively of high school and middle school students from the Central Florida area. The choir features a variety of clarinets including the Contra-Alto Clarinet and the Eb clarinet. Our ensemble is complimented by a String Bass and Percussion section. We play a variety of genres ranging from orchestral transcriptions, to jazz, and concert band music.
Directed by Jesus Lopez & Christian Ricketts
Guest Clinician Vanessa Vache
Director Jesus Lopez
Jesus Lopez began his woodwind studies in 2006 on the Clarinet and Saxophone and soon after Oboe, Flute, and Bassoon. In his younger scholastic years, Jesus participated in numerous Solo and Ensemble festivals, All-County, All-State ensembles. He has also participated in the Music for All concert festival in 2011, Tri-State Festival in 2013, and The International Clarinet Association “ClarinetFest” appearing with the “Licorice Sticks Clarinet Orchestra”. Jesus has extensive experience playing in musical productions, appearing in shows including Les Miserable, Guys and Dolls, Miss Saigon, and Chicago - which he premiered with on the China Tour. Jesus studied Clarinet Performance at Valencia College and now studies at Rollins College, becoming very proficient in multiple genres of music. Lopez has studied under Eric Cole, Vanessa Vache, and Tom Dietz for woodwind studies and conducting with Dr. John Sinclair. He now regularly performs in various ensembles, ranging from orchestras to contemporary flamenco. Jesus also actively works with a multitude of youth, middle, and high school music programs in the Central Florida area, whether it be working with the ensembles or adjudicating.
Director Christian Ricketts
Christian Ricketts is a clarinetist, teacher, conductor, ensemble director, and a product of Broward County, FL. He received BA in Music Education from Stetson University, where he studied under Dr. Lynn Musco and Dr. Jessica Hall Speak. During his time at Stetson, Christian has worked with many students across the Central Florida area as a clinician and chamber music coach. He has served as staff for the Stetson University Clarinet Clinic for the past few years. He has also been a selected to play in masterclasses over the past several years, including the 2017 Clarinetfest that was held in Orlando. He is currently the Director of Bands at Millennium Middle School in Sanford, FL. He is very excited to bring his love of music and clarinet to this organization!