Graduate Profile: Justin Rito
Justin Rito was drawn to the music department at Alma College by the faculty and their commitment to engage their students.
“The quality of my education outside of my field was important to me as well, but the biggest draw to Alma for me was the music faculty,” the 2008 graduate says. “They are not only knowledgeable and well-respected within their respective fields, but they are approachable and willing to work with undergraduate students on a personal level.”
Rito received various awards for his performances, and arranged the 2007 Kiltie Marching Band show with fellow student Jake Finkbeiner.
“The faculty here have worked with me one-on-one on countless occasions on whatever project I might be working on outside of class,” he says.
“No matter what I'm doing in music, whether it be composing, arranging, conducting or playing, I have been taught to think critically about what I am doing. I have been given the knowledge and resources to accomplish whatever task is put in front of me.”
He hopes to teach at the collegiate level or conduct a regional orchestra, though he worries about the job market and a competitive career path.
“When I really put thought into it though, I couldn't see myself doing anything but playing and teaching music, and that's what made me decide to be a music major,” he says.
At Alma, Rito had plenty of opportunity to not just be taught, but practice teaching himself. He was a section leader and drum major for the Kiltie Marching Band, and various instrumental groups on campus performed his arrangements.
“This major has not only taught me necessary performance skills which have helped me in my continued study of playing music, but the skills which are required to listen critically and teach it as well,” he says.
“At a larger school there is almost no chance that I would have had the experience of working as extensively as I have with one of my arrangements, and have the opportunity to critique myself and learn from the experience.”
Rito was involved in various music groups, including the Kiltie Marching Band as band manager, the Alma Symphony Orchestra, the Alma College Percussion Ensemble and the Alma College Chorale. He also was involved in Student Congress and accompanied for local schools.
