Biographical Information, W. Aaron Rice

W. Aaron Rice first studied music at Hendix College (BA in Music) in Conway, Arkansas, where he studied composition, counterpoint, and orchestration under Dr. Karen Griebling as well as trombone and conducting under Dr. Karen Fannin. After leaving Hendrix, he became Music Director of the Saline County Community Orchestra (now the Saline Symphony Orchestra), which performed the first movement of Sibelius’s Violin Concerto with Kiril Laskarov (concertmaster of the Arkansa Symphony Orchestra) under his baton.

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Now living in Tucson, Arizona, Rice obtained an MM in Music Composition at the University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music. He studied composition under Professor Daniel Asia and Dr. Pamela Decker, and he studied trombone under Professor Moisés Paiewonsky. During his time at the University of Arizona, Rice served as Music Director for the local chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, conducted with the UA Middle School Outreach Honor Band, and taught music theory and aural skills both as a TA and as a stand-along instructor.

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After his Master's studies, Aaron taught middle school band, orchestra, and choir at Tucson Country Day School while simultaneously directing music at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. Rice's constantly expanding role at BSLC includes direction of the Chancel Choir, handbells, and FUSION semi-contemporary ensemble, as well as leadership of a kindergarten music class.

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In Fall of 2019, Aaron returned to The University of Arizona to pursue a DMA in Choral Conducting, where he studies under Doctors Miguel Felipe and Elizabeth Schauer. Rice accepted a Graduate Assistant position through the UA as the Artistic Director of Green Valley Community Chorus in Green Valley, Arizona, but changes due to the Covid-19 Global Health Crisis have put GVCC on hiatus. He now continues his studies on a Graduate College Fellowship. 

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Green Valley Community Chorus

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church

University of Arizona Choirs