Mr. Ryan Klitz is the new Director of Bands and Orchestra at King High School. He is a graduate of the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and a Master’s of Music Degree in Euphonium Performance with a cognate in Instrumental Conducting. He has served as a graduate teaching assistant for the University of Florida band department where he worked with the marching band, concert bands, and recently formed brass band. Mr. Klitz served as a teaching assistant in undergraduate conducting courses as well as  the tuba-euphonium studio where he would teach lessons, organize rehearsals, and conduct the UF Tuba-Euphonium ensemble. His primary mentors include Dr. David Waybright, Prof. Jay Watkins, Dr. Chip Birkner, and Dr. Danielle VanTuinen.

Prior to working at King High School, Mr. Klitz was the Assistant Director at Ponte Vedra High School in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida alongside Director of Bands Mr. Daniel Lezcano. Under their direction, the program has seen incredible growth and success throughout all areas of the program. The marching band placed third in 3A in 2021 and earning the caption award for best visual. Both concert ensembles have seen great improvement and success and District Music Performance Assessment. In 2022 the Wind Symphony earned straight superiors while the Symphonic Band earned overall excellent.

Mr. Klitz is also an active performer in addition to being avid educator. He is an alumni of the Cavalier Drum and Bugle Corps where he marched two seasons on baritone and trombone. He has been featured as a soloist with University of Florida Symphonic Band in 2023, as well as making appearances at several regional euphonium competitions over the years. Mr. Klitz has also been featured on recordings with organizations like the Tampa Brass Band and UF Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band.

Mr. Klitz spends his summers continuing to be immersed in music. He has worked at the International Euphonium Tuba Festival as a staff member. Additionally, he has also worked as a head counselor for the University of Florida Gatorland Summer Band Camps. He has worked as a Brass Instructor with the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps. His professional affiliations include Florida Bandmasters Association, National Association for Music Education, Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, and Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity.