RICHARD MARCHETTI (Artistic/Musical Director) is beyond thrilled to be a part of the artistic team bringing quality theater to the students of West Warwick High School, and the community.
While attending Johnston High School (class of 2000), Richard was involved in many local, regional, and national bands, orchestras, and chamber ensembles as an accomplished clarinetist. In his senior year, Richard had his first on-stage theater experience as a jitterbug and dance captain in the JHS production of The Wizard of Oz.
Richard holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the University of Rhode Island. Graduating Summa Cum Laude from URI, Richard was awarded the URI Music Department Award for Musical Excellence in 2004, and performed as the principal clarinetist for the URI Symphony Orchestra, and Symphonic Wind Ensemble. In addition, Richard has performed as the principal clarinetist with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Community Orchestra.
Currently, Richard is the Music Department Coordinator K-12 for the West Warwick Public Schools, and is the choral director, and concert chorale director at WWHS. Prior to his teaching at WWHS, Richard taught general music, beginning chorus, and beginning band at John F. Horgan Elementary School in West Warwick. Now in his eleventh year at WWHS, Richard is also the Sophomore Class Advisor, and TRI-M Music Honor Society Co-Advisor. In 2013, Richard was named as a finalist for the Grammy Foundation’s first ever Music Educator Award. Additionally, Richard was a recipient of the Rhode Island Department of Education and Hasbro’s Golden Apple award for excellence in teaching and was the 2016 West Warwick Public Schools Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Marchetti is a member of the Phi Kappa Lambda International Music Honor Society and an honorary member of TRI-M Modern Music Masters Honors Society in Music. Professionally, Richard is a member of The National Association for Music Educators (NAfME), and The Rhode Island Music Educators’ Association (RIMEA) where he served as the assistant manager of the All-Eastern Orchestra.
Richard is a well known woodwind musician in the region. He has performed at Trinity Repertory Company, Ocean State Theatre Company, Theater by the Sea, Rhode Island College, URI, Brown University, Dean College, The Courthouse Center for the Arts, and many other professional and community theater companies in the Rhode Island and Massachusetts area. Richard is also a licensed Zumba Fitness instructor. He is a Pro-Skills instructor licensed to teach Zumba, Zumba Gold, STRONG by Zumba, Zumba Sentao, and Zumba Toning. Check out: www.richardmarchetti.zumba.com.
RIKKI SPELMAN (Artistic Director/Choreographer) is ecstatic to be part of bringing quality high school theater to Rhode Island and giving students opportunities to grow and thrive as performers and people!
While attending St. Mary Academy - Bay View (class of 2002), Rikki gained a love of music and theater through their prestigious fine arts department. She performed in their annual Manhattan-At-The-Bay six times, recorded two choral CDs, and traveled to Italy where the chamber chorus performed at the Vatican and for the mayor of Florence.
Attending the University of Rhode Island on an academic scholarship, Rikki studied voice under Margaret "Peggy" Frazier and Mark Conley. She was offered many performance opportunities including solos and featured performances in the URI Concert Choir, University Chorus, and Opera Workshop. Graduating Cum Laude, Rikki completed a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and was honored to sing the National Anthem at the URI 2006 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony. She is currently working on a Masters of Music in Music Education through Rhode Island College.
Rikki is currently in her twelfth year teaching for West Warwick Public Schools. She taught general music and chorus at Greenbush Elementary School for eleven years before transferring to West Warwick High School this fall. In addition to her teaching duties, she serves on the SIT committee and assists with the GSA. She is a member of the National Association for Music Educators (NAfME), the Rhode Island Music Educators' Association (RIMEA), and an honorary member of TRI-M Modern Music Masters Honor Society in Music.
Rikki has extensive dance training and has taught ballet, pointe/pre-pointe, and contemporary dance for many years. She continues to choreograph and substitute teach dance classes throughout the state. She spends significant time volunteering particularly with the EGUMC Youth Group and Camp Aldersgate.
