Inspired by the unusual appearance of the "sliphorn," Chris began playing the trombone in 7th grade. He continued playing through high school, where he enjoyed the concert, marching, and jazz bands.

 

A marching band scholarship helped Chris to continue on to the University of Tennessee, where he studied trombone with Don Hough and jazz improvisation with Jerry Coker. After spending a little time playing in New York City, and later, playing on cruise ships, Chris earned a masters in jazz studies at Indiana University, where he studied with David Baker and trombonist Edwin Anderson

 

For the David Thomas School of Music, Chris enjoys teaching trombonists of all ages and abilities. He's also a freelance musician in the Twin Cities, and plays regularly with the Nova Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, Tim Patrick and his Blue Eyes Band, and the Selby Avenue Syncopators. Two of his favorite trombonists are J.J. Johnson and Jack Teagarden.