Jack Rutledge

Jack Rutledge is a second-year Percussion Fellow at the New World Symphony. Described as “nimble” by In The Spotlight, Jack’s favorite thing about being a percussionist is the variety of instruments on which he gets to perform, from vibraphones and triangles to slide whistles and synthesizers.

Jack began his collegiate musical studies in his hometown of Tallahassee, Florida under the tutelage of Dr. John Parks at Florida State University. Prior to this, he was coached by NWS alum Stephen Kehner in the Tallahassee Youth Orchestra. It was after a master class with Stephen that he made the decision to pursue an orchestral career. While at FSU, he explored the canon orchestral, chamber, contemporary and solo repertoire expected of classical percussionists. He also studied drumset with Leon Anderson and played in jazz combos.

Later, Jack completed a master’s degree at the New England Conservatory studying with Will Hudgins. He also completed certificates at Boston University with Tim Genis and Kyle Brightwell and at the Colburn School with Ted Atkatz. He spent two summers (2021, 2024) as a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center, as well as a summer in Leipzig, Germany at the Shostakovich Festival (2025). Jack spent two years (2022-2024) as a section percussionist with the Santa Rosa Symphony. In his free time, he enjoys reading books, hiking, meditating and spending time with his wife, NWS alum Jenny Marasti.