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Chris began playing the trombone at the age of ten under the tutelage of Francis Huxham, once principal cornet of the famous Morris Motors band. Chris's banding career started in Tavistock with the Stannary Band, before moving on to compete with Saltash Town Band. It was with the training band here at Saltash that he first took up the baton at the age of 17. He rapidly progressed under the guidance of Neil Ellis and soon became assistant conductor with the senior band. In 2004 Chris won the 2 Moors Festival Young Musician of the Year competition, earning the opportunity to perform a recital alongside some of the worlds leading soloists from the BBC competition of the same name. Later that year he accepted a place to study music at Cardiff University, where in 2007 he graduated with honours, majoring in performance and composition. Throughout this study period Chris broadened his musical horizons, becoming Principal Trombone with the University Symphony Orchestra, and co-directing the University Big Band as well as playing in contemporary music groups and small brass ensembles.

Alongside his study commitments Chris was also a member of the BTM band, starting on Bass Trombone and eventually being moved (promoted!) to Tenor Trombone. Durin his time with the band they became Welsh National Champions, qualified for the National Finals at the Albert Hall and gained promotion from the Senior Cup and Grand Shield to qualify for the British Open. At BTM Chris relished the opportunity to work with some of the worlds leading conductors including Steve Sykes, Phil Harper and most influencially, Jason Katsikaris, the latter becoming a close friend and mentor to Chris for years to come.

Since gratuation from Cardiff Chris has been travelling the world, visiting Africa, South America, Asia and Australia - where he competed in the Australian nationals with current national champions, The Gunnedah Shire Band. Now living on Dartmoor he has settled into a music career - conducting, teaching and performing throughout the area. Chris currently conducts Plymouth (Soundhouse) Youth Brass Band and Saltash Town Band, and joins St. Pinnock after relinquishing his position as MD of Soundhouse Brass. He continues his playing career on the trombone with 'The Dave Hankin Big Band' and is one quarter of the Folk-Ska band 'The Normals' alongside his regular theatre pit work in Plymouth.