Alumni Spotlight: Ryan Blotnick ’00

In this brief interview, Ryan shares his passion for music, addresses how a Waynflete education shaped his career, and reflects on his recent performance on campus with former Waynflete Jazz Combo and Band director Ray Morrow.

What do you love most about what you do?
“I love being able to connect with people on a level that goes beyond language by improvising with them. I was just in New York City and played some sessions with some people I had never met before—it’s so fun to feel that instant chemistry based on a mutual love for the music. I can play with someone I don’t share a language or culture with, and it doesn’t even matter. I also like that there is an introverted element to music—musicians are forced to deal with themselves in a solitary setting and then bring that into the social context. I really love sharing my music with people that aren’t “initiated” into jazz, but just sort of wander into it for one reason or another and really feel it.”

What motivates you, and why does what you do matter?
“Music is all about connecting, and connection is the greatest thing about being human. We love to celebrate, rejoice, and feel things together. At Waynflete, I remember I had to memorize the definition of humanism—the belief in the power and dignity of humans. When you listen to incredible music, you can feel the power and the dignity in it, even in the absence of words. I think part of my mission with music is showing that non-verbal ways of thinking are valid. There is a long history of oppression and hierarchy built into our language, and I love that improvised music cuts right through that and creates a space where everyone can be creative together.”

What aspects of your Waynflete experience do you think influenced or supported your career?
“Playing in the big band and combo under the direction of Ray Morrow was a huge inspiration. Ray was a teacher who exemplified excellence and dedication to the music, and you could hear him practicing his horn all the time—he practiced what he preached! He was an incredibly generous educator as well. He really got us fired up. And learning how to write essays may have been the most useful skill I got out of high school. For example, when I met the president of Songlines Recordings, I wrote to him and sent some music. He was a literature major and was impressed with my ability to write about my music. I think that helped us build a rapport that led me to three records on his label. Whether it’s writing to a label, writing to clubs to book gigs, or applying to grants, it is all basically variations on essay writing. I think that what I learned about writing at Waynflete even helped influence my musical composition process.”

Did anything surprise you about being back at Waynflete with the Ryan Blotnick Quartet?
“I only went to high school at Waynflete and didn’t really interact with the Lower School, so it was a big surprise when I looked into the audience and saw dozens of little kids at my concert. I love children, so that was such a treat for me. The new auditorium sounds amazing!”

What did you enjoy most about your day working with the Waynflete community?
“The kids we worked with were so sweet, and I could really feel their enthusiasm for the music. I liked that Gene was teaching them how to compose. It was great to see a more diverse student body than when I went there. I also just really loved seeing the Lower School students bopping around to my music. It made me so happy—and having Ray Morrow sit in on our performance was an unexpected treat!”