Rick Kessel serves as publisher and advertising director for Symphony Publishing’s music group which include MMR Musical Merchandise Review, SBO School Band & Orchestra, and CD Choral Director magazines.



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 has twenty four years experience in the magazine publishing field and was responsible for launching SBO magazine in 1998 and Choral Director Magazine in 2004 and has helped to grow MMR into the leading trade magazine in the musical instrument market.



As a staunch advocate for music education, Rick has continually encouraged support for music in the schools

in his numerous magazine editorials.

Rick’s extensive background as a professional clarinetist and teacher has included performances with Luciano Pavarotti and Henry Mancini.



Rick is currently the principal clarinetist for Symphony Pro Musica in central Massachusetts, and is an active

member of the American Bandmasters Association and MENC The National Association for Music Educators.



Rick resides in Worcester, Massachusetts with his wife Cynthia and sons Samuel and Nathan.