Rick Kessel is currently the publisher of the Enthusiast Group at Madavor Media a leading publisher of niche print and digital media. Rick is responsible for leading titles, which include JazzTimes, The Writer, International Figure Skating, Volleyball, and several others. He is also a founding member of the Jazz Education Network and currently serves as the treasurer on the board of directors. Rick has over 25 years of experience in the media and publishing field and was responsible having previously conceptualized and launched SBO magazine, the leading music education publication for band and orchestra directors in 1998, JAZZed in 2007, Choral Director magazine in 2004 as well as the Music Students' College Search & Career Guide. As a staunch advocate for music education, Rick has continually encouraged support for music in the schools in his numerous magazine editorials. Rick grew up in central New Jersey and holds a bachelor's degree in music and audio technology from Indiana University and an MBA from Clark University in Massachusetts. Rick's extensive background as an orchestral clarinetist, chamber musician, and teacher has included performances with Luciano Pavarotti and Henry Mancini as well as numerous solo concerto performances. Rick is currently the principal clarinetist for Symphony Pro Musica in central Massachusetts.
