Kenny Rittenhouse

Born: October 2, 1966

Kenny Rittenhouse has been performing professionally for over 30 years, serving as a veteran of the U.S. Army Band (Pershing's Own) for three decades. A pivotal member of the prestigious Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, he excelled as a section player, jazz soloist, and eventually as the Element Leader, overseeing all administrative duties. Additionally, Kenny was a member of the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra (PJO), led by renowned trumpeter Sean Jones. He actively participated in PJO concerts featuring jazz legends Freddie Cole, Ahmad Jamal, and Jimmy Heath.

Kenny's musical versatility extends to the stage of musical theater, with notable performances in acclaimed productions such as Dreamgirls, Ain't Misbehavin', After Midnight, Catch Me If You Can, Chicago, Shout Sister Shout!, Play On!, The Great Gatsby, Suffs, and 1776.

As an educator and director, Kenny served as Adjunct Professor of Jazz Trumpet at George Mason University for 13 years and as Professor of Trumpet at Morgan State University from 2020–2026. Currently, he holds the position of Professor of Trumpet at American University.

Kenny's commitment to nurturing talent is evident in his role as Music Director of the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Youth Orchestra, where he created unique educational series such as Sitting In With the Masters and The Young Artists Series. These programs offer invaluable opportunities for students to learn directly from industry experts, showcasing Kenny's dedication to shaping the next generation of musicians.

As a versatile composer and arranger, Kenny has contributed more than twenty big band and jazz orchestra charts performed by various ensembles, including the U.S. Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, and the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. He has also composed more than thirty charts for the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Youth Orchestra, emphasizing his prolific creativity in the musical realm.

Notably, Kenny earned second place in the 2017 National Federation of Music Clubs' American Music in the Armed Forces Competition with his original jazz orchestral arrangement of Theme for Penelope. Additionally, he served as principal horn arranger at Severn Records Studio, leaving his mark on more than ten recording projects with notable artists such as The Fabulous Thunderbirds.

Kenny's latest album as a leader, Anthem for the Elders (Kaela Records, June 12, 2026), is his third full-length release following The Francis Suite (2006) and New York Suite (2013). The recording was supported in part by his 2025–26 DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Fellowship. Washington City Paper's Michael J. West praised the album as offering "some of the heartiest, groovingest, straight-ahead jazz you can ever get your ears on."

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