About Ryan

Ryan Walker currently serves as the Orchestra Director and AP Music Theory Instructor at Sheridan High School in Sheridan, WY.  Prior to his appointment at SHS in 2021, Ryan held the position of orchestra director and IB diploma level music instructor at Seoul Foreign School, in Seoul, South Korea. Ryan holds an M.M. in Historical Musicology from the University of South Dakota (2015) and a B.A. in Music Education from Luther College (2002). He is a String Bassist with over 35 years of playing experience, but has also performed regularly on the cello, guitar, and as a trained tenor. 

Prior to his appointment at SFS, Ryan held teaching positions at Roosevelt High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the International School of Stavanger, Norway, and Singapore American School. He has been privileged throughout his 22-year teaching career to direct Orchestras, Bands, and Choirs of Elementary, Middle School, and High School-aged students as well as teaching AP Music Theory, IGCSE, and IB Diploma level academic Music courses. He has founded one school string program (Stavanger) and grown another from 1 ensemble with 36 members to one of the top programs in the state, consisting of 6 ensembles and over 150 students (Sioux Falls). 

Ryan has maintained an active performance career as well, serving as a section bassist with a variety of regional symphonies in both Singapore and the Sioux Falls area, where he once had the honor of performing with renowned bass player Jeff Bradetich.  He has also served on the boards of both the South Dakota Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Korea International Music Educators Association. In 2019 he was honored to be a guest conductor at the KIMEA Middle School Honor Orchestra Festival and recently served as a guest clinician at the 2022 Wyoming State String Clinic. 

Ryan is thankful, blessed, and honored to be married to his wife, Lauren. Together, they have two children, Meredith and Joel who play the viola and cello, respectively. Ryan’s family loves to make music together at home and sing in their church’s praise team ensemble.