Gavin Rittenhouse is Director of Music at First United Methodist Church of Mesa. He has led youth choir, youth handbells, adult handbells, and the adult Chancel Choir. Sharing music with those from all faiths is important in his personal journey. He came to First UMC of Mesa while singing with Sonoran Desert Chorale led by Jeff Harris. “First Mesa is a very special place in the local music community; especially with the memories and friendships created.”
Gavin grew up in Tempe, Arizona where he graduated from Marcos De Niza High School. Next, he attended Northern Arizona University. He is in the beginning of his 29th year of teaching music education. Gavin has taught junior high choir and elementary general music most of his professional career in Mesa Public Schools. He has had the honor of leading the District Festival Choirs twice and helped to organize the Mesa District General Music Festival. He currently teaches at Franklin Elementary school where he teaches General Music and Choir. “The students here inspire me every day.”
Gavin has had the privilege of judging both Arizona Regional and All State Choir auditions. He continues his own music path by playing in the Chandler Gilbert Trombone Choir with Dr. Matt Lennex and singing with Mesa Community College Choir, Canto Vivo, under the direction of Dr. Craig Peterson.
