About Ripley High School Choral Department
The People Behind the Voices
Ripley High School has a rich history of excellent choral ensembles over the years. The community still fondly speaks of Blue Persuasion and has a passion for that same excellence to be provided to today's youth. Ripley's choir is active within the state-wide organizations and has had students represented in the West Virginia Chapter of the American Choral Director's Association, West Virginia All-State Chorus, and have gone on to perform on larger stages. As the choir takes on new leadership, there will be a movement to track downed catch up with the alumni of Ripley High School's Choirs and document how far a small town voice can make big city impacts in this world.
Meet the Director
Mr. Daniel Ricks
The Ripley High School Choral Department is now under the direction of Mr. Daniel Ricks. He is beginning his tenth year as a West Virginia music educator. Mr. Ricks began his teaching career in his hometown of Roane County, directing the Roane County High School Choral Music Program as well as the Theatre Department. Under his direction, the choirs performed at the Greenbrier Hotel for the annual WV Reading Association's Annual Conference, performed alongside America's Got Talent winner Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., and were active participants in various community events. The theatre department produced works like Arthur Miller's "The Crucible", John Cariani's "Almost Maine", and John Flaherty's "Seussical the Musical".
In addition to the choir and theatre departments, Mr. Ricks also served as the assistand band director for the Raider Marching Band. He was named the 2018 Roane County Teacher of the Year.
"I am incredibly excited to start this new chapter in Jackson County with with students of Ripley High School. I am honored to be a part of the legacy and traditions of vibrant music education, and I look forward to making music with the talented youth of Jackson County."