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Inspired
by Animal (the Muppet), Chris began playing percussion in
the Agawam School music program in his hometown of Agawam
Massachusetts. This start laid the foundation for further
studies in orchestral percussion, marching drum line, and
jazz and rock-n-roll. He has studied privately with Mark Branco,
Ed DuPont, and Craig Bitterman.
Chris received his Associates Degree in Liberal Arts at Holyoke
Community College, where he performed with the Percussion
Ensemble under the direction of Craig Bitterman; the Brass
and Wind Orchestra directed by Dr. Janet Polvino; and the
Jazz Band under the direction of Dave Shapiro. During his
schooling at HCC, Chris also gigged throughout Western MA
with a jazz combo formed by HCC students under the leadership
of Bob Farrier. Chris also performed as a sideman with The
Joe Sallins Band.
Chris was a founding member of Melodious Culture (the Massachusetts
version) an original band that fused Rock, R&B and Jazz.
The band performed throughout the New England area before
moving to North Carolina in 2003.
Upon his return to Massachusetts, Chris was hired by Papa
and the Family C, a Blues, Rock and Pop cover band. Chris
also co-founded Middle Earth at this time. The band covers
blues and rock tunes along with original music.
Chris is currently an undergraduate at Western New England
College in Springfield MA, studying Creative Writing and English
Literature. |