Principal Euphonium
Ritchie learned to play Euphonium whilst at studying at Deal Secondary School under the tutelage of David Parks, ex Royal Marines Bandsman, for three years and then under Ivor Thomas, Bass Player for Betteshanger Brass Band, for one year.
Upon leaving school, he played 2nd Baritone in the Betteshanger Brass Band for two years whilst attending college.
In 1995, after a seven year break from playing Ritchie was, quite by accident, asked if he knew of any brass players that were available to play. An invite to play for the Snowdown Colliery Welfare Band quickly ensued. At first he played 3rd Euphonium and over the following six years slowly moved seats left ward until he inherited the Principal Euphonium position where he stayed for 3 years.
In February 2009 he moved to 2nd Eb Horn and shuffled seats again to Solo Horn where he stayed for 5 years.
He played Eb Bass briefly before returning home to Euphonium where he stayed until now.