MOELLER

 

MARCHING CRUSADERS

 

BAND HANDBOOK

 

2007

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           


 

INTRODUCTION

 

Welcome to the Moeller Band Family!  You are now a member of one of the finest comprehensive music programs in the Tri-State.  With a long history of excellence, the Moeller Bands continue to build on that tradition and reach new heights.  Our Marching, Symphonic, and Jazz Bands and Percussion Ensembles entertain thousands of people each year, travel the Midwest and Eastern seaboard to perform, consistently earn superior ratings at adjudicated festivals, and have been invited to perform on TV, at the Football Hall of Fame, and numerous grand openings and special events.  You are a part of this tradition, and will make your own mark on the Moeller Band!

 

Our goal is to not merely have an outstanding performing ensemble. In keeping with the Characteristics of Marianist Education, we aim to educate the whole person: physically, mentally, and spiritually.  Therefore we have devised the following mission statement.

 

Mission Statement

The purposes of the Instrumental Music Program at Moeller and Mt. Notre Dame High Schools are:

1.      To develop the musical abilities and provide musical knowledge that will enable each individual to enjoy a lifetime of musical participation.

2.      To instill in each student an awareness of the importance of music in the development of the human spirit.

3.      To develop in each individual the habits of responsibility and preparation, in an atmosphere of cooperation and teamwork.

4.      To develop the leadership potential of each student.

 

What does this mean, and how will we know we have succeeded?  If we are truly successful, students in the Moeller band Program will work diligently to develop their God-given talents to their fullest; will continue to play their instruments through their college years and hopefully beyond; will listen intelligently to a wide variety of music including symphonic, chamber music, and jazz, as well as the current popular music; will support music education for their children when they become parents; will share their musical talents with their community and church; and will become responsible, cooperative yet independent- thinking citizens through the habits developed through their band experience.  Band is like a microcosm of society, and the lessons learned in band are life lessons, whether one goes on to major in music in college or not. 

 

It is with these thoughts and goals in mind that we have designed our curriculum and the policies contained in the handbook.  Please read it carefully and keep it as a reference.  If you have any questions, please contact us directly so that we may work with you to answer any questions or solve any difficulties you may have.   For questions concerning the band or percussion classes, symphonic band, jazz band, pit orchestra, solo and ensemble, or any general issues, please contact Mr. Browning.  Questions concerning private lessons should be directed to the individual instructor first, then to Mr. Browning if the issue is not resolved.   Questions concerning the guard should be directed to the guard instructor first, then to Mr. Browning if the issue is not resolved.  Please do not bring questions or concerns about the music classes or the performing ensembles to the Band Booster officers- this is not their jurisdiction.  Please follow the same course you would with any class: contact the teacher, then and only then a school administrator.  Questions about Band fees and the Student Debit Account should be directed to Mr. Zerges.  We have the best interests of all our students in mind and will work with you sincerely to resolve any difficulties, or, at the minimum make the policies understood.

 

 

Program Overview

Instrumental Music at Moeller and Mt. Notre Dame is an academic elective that receives one credit per year and fulfills the state requirement for Fine Arts credit.  Band members at Moeller meet in two separate classes: one for percussionists and one for wind players.  Members at MND meet during one class period.  These classes function as learning laboratories in which students develop individual skills, rehearse the best literature in the wind and percussion genre, and learn about music theory and history.  In addition, all students must take private lessons from a qualified teacher of their instrument.  

 

The band/percussion classes are the nucleus of all the performing ensembles at Moeller.  All students in these classes are members of the Symphonic Winds (concert band) and the Crusader Marching Band.   All students wishing to perform in these groups should be enrolled in band or percussion class.  Other ensembles include the Jazz Big Band and Jazz Combo, Basketball Pep Band, Pit Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, and various chamber ensembles.

 

 

Marching Band

 

The marching band is the most visible performing ensemble at Moeller.  The “Marching Crusaders” entertain thousands of fans each fall, performing at home and away football games, and consistently score high in marching competitions.  Always known for quality musical performances, the marching band in recent years has risen to new heights with theme shows.  This year we excited about presenting the music of the Beatles.

 

All students in the band and percussion classes are members of the Crusader Marching Band.   All students wishing to perform in these groups should be enrolled in band or percussion class.  Students who are unable to fit band in their course schedule due to an academic conflict may still be able to participate in marching band and/or Symphonic Winds.  Students and parents should confer with Mr. Browning as soon as the schedule conflict becomes known!   Participation in the marching band is also open to students from schools that do not have a marching program.  In the past, students, students from Ursuline Academy and SCAPA have participated in the Moeller Marching Band.  Students from other schools have similar requirements for membership, including enrollment in their school’s curricular music class, and studying with a private lesson teacher.  Students who are enrolled in band/percussion class, but who are playing a fall sport for Moeller or MND may be excused from marching band after consultation with the directors.  Students who try out for a fall sport but do not make the team will be included in the marching show as much as possible, either in the sideline percussion or as an alternate on the field.  All students who are participating in a fall sport are welcomed and encouraged to perform with the band in the stands at football game and come to contests, if they do not have a conflict.

 

Summer Band Practices

In order to prepare for the fall performances, it is necessary to hold some rehearsals during the summer.  These rehearsals are extremely important for our success as a group.  Please check the summer schedule attached to this Handbook, and check for updates on the website (www.moellerband.org).

 

Freshman Camp is for all members (including transfer students) who are new to the Moeller Band Program.  This is a chance for you to get to know each other and for us to get to know you.  We’ll work on musicianship and teach you the fundamentals of marching.  Attendance is mandatory for ALL new members, even if you do not intend on marching.

 

Pre- Camp is a week of preparation for our away Band Camp.  We meet at Moeller from 6- 9:30 every evening to learn and memorize show music and continue refine our marching fundamentals. This year’s camp is July 30- August 3.   Attendance is mandatory for all Marching Band members.

 

Band Camp is held at Wright State University.  Students stay in the dorms for the week.  You will work harder, and have more fun, than you probably ever have before.  We will learn the marching drill (your moves on the field) and refine music memorization.  There is also some time each day for socialization and recreation.  Details about what to bring, etc. will be given to you before camp. This year’s cmp is August 5-10.   Attendance is mandatory for ALL Marching Band members.

 

 

 

Private Lessons

Ours is one of the few high school programs in the Cincinnati area in which every band student receives private lessons.  The best professional teachers for each instrument are brought into Moeller (and some to MND) to instruct our students.  This has been an integral part of the Moeller music curriculum for over thirty years, and allows us to meet the individual needs of each student.  Our students come from such diverse backgrounds and have widely divergent ability levels.  Imagine teaching Latin I, II, III, and IV in one room!   Add to this the differing technical skills needed to play each instrument, and you begin to see why the private instruction is so important!  The cost is approximately $17 per half hour lesson (the fee varies according to instructor).  Special funds are available, on a limited basis, for those families that might have financial problems with this requirement.  Some teachers come to Moeller during the school day; others after school.  Students are not required to study with the teachers provided, but other teachers must be approved by, and maintain contact with, the Band Director.  All new members should begin lessons in June and continue through the summer.  Please make your teacher aware of your vacation plans, please.  Returning students are encouraged, but not required, to take lessons through the summer.

 

Attendance Policy

Please read the calendar carefully and mark everything in your family calendar.  Once school begins, the marching band rehearses after school three days a week (check the fall rehearsal schedule online at www.moellerband.org).  All practices and performances are mandatory.  Please try to schedule medical appointments, etc., around scheduled practice times.  Excused absences include:

 

1.      Absence that day from school due to illness

2.      Emergency or death in the family

3.      School activities, such as Student Government, Language Club, sport, etc.

4.      Member of a wedding party

5.      Religious activities such as retreats for school or church

6.      Absolutely unavoidable family trips out of town

7.      Medical appointments

 

All of the above (except numbers one and two) must be cleared with Mr. Browning, in writing, as far in advance as possible.  If you are absent due to an emergency, please return with a note of explanation.

 

 

 

The following are examples of unexcused absences:

1.      Work, job interviews, and job training *

2.      “Couldn’t find a ride” – plan ahead!

3.      School Detentions – if you get a detention, you MUST serve it in the morning.

4.      Social events, i.e. dances

5.      Driver’s Training

 

* Ohio law requires employers to honor students’ school activity commitments.  As a matter of courtesy, show your band calendar to your manager far enough in advance so that you can avoid any schedule conflicts.

 

Life has a way of throwing curve balls at us.  If you have an unusual circumstance, please discuss the problem with one of the directors.  We will try to be reasonable while being consistent with policy and, most importantly, looking after the welfare of the whole group. 

 

Attendance Policy Consequences

  1. First unexcused absence from practice: sit out that week’s performance (student must still attend).
  2. Second unexcused absence from practice:  sit out a performance, conference with parents and directors.
  3. Third unexcused absence from practice:  conference with parents, probation or dismissal from band.
  4. Unexcused absence from a performance will result in a parent conference and possible dismissal from the band.

 

Note: Students are responsible for making up any missed material on their own time, BEFORE THE NEXT PRACTICE.

 

Marching Band Rehearsal Rules

  1. Be on time!  This means arrive ten minutes early.  Plan ahead for traffic problems for evening rehearsals!  Be on the field, ready to practice, at the predetermined time after school rehearsals.
  2. Absolutely NO food, drinks, candy or gum are allowed in the band room or on the practice field.  Water bottles will be permitted.  Water and snacks will be provided by the Boosters after the half-time show.  NO other food or drinks are to be consumed.  Parents, please do not bring your child a soft drink or food in the stands.
  3. Students must have all necessary equipment (instrument, sticks, music, set books, etc.) at every rehearsal.
  4. Wear athletic shorts or sweats so you can move- not jeans or baggy, droopy cargoes.  You’re an athlete!
  5. Wear athletic shoes and socks.  Absolutely no sandals, high-tops, or boots.  Just normal low-cut gym or running shoes.
  6. To make rehearsal time productive there will be no unnecessary talking.  The director has the final say as to what is “necessary.”
  7. Students will follow all directions immediately.
  8. There will be no running, play fighting, or horseplay in the Band Room.
  9. Students must respect our facilities and all musical equipment, whether it belongs to himself or herself, another student or Moeller.
  10. All rules of Moeller/MND apply at all rehearsal situations.

 

Consequences

First Offense: Warning

Second Offense: Conference with director after rehearsal

Third Offense:  Detention; parents called

Fourth Offense, habitual offenses, or extreme offenses (fighting, insubordination, extreme crudeness or profanity): referral to the assistant principal of the offending student’s school.

 

Marching Band Uniforms

 

Moeller’s Band Booster Organization recently purchased brand new, state-of-the-art marching band uniforms.  Students will be fitted for, and provided with, special marching shoes and white gloves as part off their marching fee.  Students must purchase black socks to be worn with the black marching shoes at all times.  The “Summer Band Shirt,” a collared polo-type shirt, and navy slacks are also provided for performance in hot weather and certain less formal functions.  ALL band members (this also includes members not participating in marching band due to participation in a fall sport)are to purchase a pair of navy, plain front pants from Educational Outfitters.  They are all to be purchased only at Educational Outfitters so they are uniform in style and color Make sure to inform them that you are a member of the Moeller Band so that they give you the correct style.  The pants are required by August 1st and cost around $20.00.

 

Educational Outfitters is located in Sharonville, at 2241 Crowne Point Drive, off I-75 at the Sharon Rd. exit.  The store is across from the Cracker Barrel Restaurant.  Their phone number is 771-1234.

Store Hours:

M - F 10:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday 10:00am - 3:00pm

Sunday Closed

 

                                                                                                                  

Uniform Guidelines

  1. The band will periodically wash uniforms.  Students who get their uniform irreparably dirty will have to replace the uniform at their own expense.
  2. Shoes should be polished and gloves must be clean.  Uniforms will be inspected before every performance.
  3. A plain white t- shirt or sweatshirt (no lettering or pictures) must be worn under the marching jacket.  Only athletic shorts or sweatpants (no long, bulky shorts or pants or jeans) may be worn under the uniform pants. No clothing may be worn outside the uniform, except as approved by the director in extreme weather.  Hats worn for warmth should be blue or gold.  Baseball caps are not permitted.
  4. No soft drinks, chocolate, pizza, or food with ketchup may be eaten while in uniform. Water and snacks will be provided by the Boosters after the half-time show.  NO other food or drinks are to be consumed.  Parents, please do not bring your child a soft drink or food in the stands.
  5. No jewelry of any kind may be worn with the marching uniform.  This includes new earrings – don’t get ears pierced during marching season.  Long hair must be out of the eyes and gathered up neatly under the hat.
  6. When dressing in the summer shirt, shirts must be tucked in completely and pants must be pulled up to the waist (not worn down on the hips).  Students must wear a plain, black leather belt, with no ringlets or huge belt buckles.
  7. If a student outgrows his or her shoes, Moeller will replace them for free, once.  Students who lose their shirt mid year will need to purchase a new one at $25. 
  8. Students who forget their summer shirt will be given a loaner to wear.  This must be taken home and washed and returned the next day, or they will be charged for a new shirt.  Students who forget their gloves or the appropriate socks will be sold a pair for $2.00.

 

 

 

Equipment

Students generally must own or rent their own instruments.  Drummers must own a snare drum, practice pad, a pair of snare sticks, and a pair of marimba mallets.  These items can be ordered through Moeller to make sure you get the right kind.  Moeller will provide all marching and concert percussion (timpani, cymbals, bass drums, etc.), tubas, baritones, tenor and baritone saxes, bass clarinet, and bassoon.  These instruments are costly, and many families could not afford one for their child.  Percussionists are charged a fee of $50 per year.  This is for the use of equipment, and allows for general upkeep repairs, replacement of drum heads, etc.  Students who play a school wind instrument will have a specific instrument assigned to them at no cost.  Students will pay for all repairs to this instrument during the time it is assigned to them.

 

 

 

 

Band Fee: 

In order to defray the costs of running a marching band, including, but not limited to, band camp meals and lodging, instructors, uniform shirts, shoes and gloves, transportation, etc., each member will be charged the following fees:

 

            Instrumentalists                         $325    ($150 due on June 28; $150 due by Aug 1)                 

 

Color Guard                             $350    ($150 due on June 28; $200 due by Aug 1)

           

            Members not in contest show $50         (Due on June 28)

 

Percussion usage fee                 $50      (Due on June 28)

 

            Student Debit Account  $50      (Due by Aug 17)

 

These fees are among the lowest among band programs in the area.  If for some reason you are unable to make on time, please contact us.  We will be happy to work out an alternate payment plan in all confidentiality, but we must hear from you.

 

Student Debit Account

To avoid students having to bring cash to school for small purchases such as music, drumsticks, reeds, etc. we keep a debit account for all band members through the Moeller treasurer’s office.  Each student is to begin the year with $50.00 in the account.  Please write a check to Moeller, separate from your band fees, by Aug 21.  Statements will be sent home periodically detailing purchases students have made and the amount.  The account should be brought back up to $50.00 at midyear.

 

Fundraising

In order to keep fees to an absolute minimum, fundraising is necessary.  Some fundraisers for the whole group, to help defray operating costs and purchase equipment.  As each student benefits from the proceeds of fundraising, each student is required to do his or her part in these fundraising activities. This involves setting up for and working at the fall and spring Antique Shows, working at carwashes, and other fundraisers.  Parent responsibilities are outlined in the Band Booster handouts.

 

Other fundraisers benefit each student individually, such as the Moeller Summer Festival and selling Moeller Monte Carlo raffle tickets.  Funds raised from these events are deposited in individual accounts within the Band Booster account, and are used to defray the cost of the Band Trip taken every two years.

 

Moeller Band Booster Organization

All band and color guard parents are automatically members of the Band Booster Organization. This organization provides financial, tactical, and moral support to the band and guard.  Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 in the band room. All parents are strongly encouraged to attend.  All parents must participate in the Antique Show, and are asked to help with chaperoning, uniforms and other committees throughout the year.  Details will be given.  This is a fun group of parents, and it’s a great way to stay involved in your child’s life!

 

 

Contact Information

Music Department (direct line)              792-3350        

Bob Browning, director                                    478-8963         bbrowning@moeller.org

Chris Zerges, Assistant director             281-1487         czerges@moeller.org

 

Private Instructors

Diane Magill                 flute                              351-6087         divolk@aol.com

Miriam Culley   clarinet                         891-7430         james.culley@uc.edu

Ben Flanders                French horn                  531-2177         benflanders@msn.com

Garin Webb                 saxophone                    681-5551         garinwebb2@mac.com

Glen Proffit                   low brass                      755-8377         tromprof@fuse.net

Kevin Towner              Saxophone                   659- 4077        ktowner@cinci.rr.com

Wes Woolard               trumpet             891-5216         wesleywoolard@fuse.net

Andy Thierauf               percussion                    417-5401         thieraa@email.uc.edu

 

 

 

Marching Band Leadership Positions

 

Drum Major:  A Drum Major is responsible for conducting rehearsals and performances at football games, marching contests, and parades.  At the discretion of the Band Director, this student may also conduct some indoor rehearsals and Pep Band performances.  Drum Major is a position of authority, and students will obey all reasonable requests by this person.  This year’s drum major is Danielle Bare.

 

Section leaders are chosen by the director for their musicianship/performance ability and skill in leading other students.  These students will occasionally run rehearsals of their instrument section.  They are to provide leadership by example and will give constructive and corrective suggestions to other members of the band at appropriate times.

 

 

 

Course Syllabus for Instrumental Music and Percussion at

Moeller and Mt. Notre Dame

 

The Moeller Symphonic Winds is one of the finest concert bands in the area, with a growing regional and national reputation.  The Symphonic Winds perform several concerts throughout the school year, playing great classical and popular music from the Renaissance to the present, including standard band literature as well as transcriptions from the great classical masters.  This group also performs at the OMEA Large Group Adjudicated event and consistently earns “Superior” Ratings.  Every two years the band travels to a major city to perform at music festivals or public concerts.  Past trips have included Chicago (1998, First place in Midwest Music Festival), Washington, D.C. (2000, concert on the Capitol steps), New York (2002, concerts at Lincoln Center and South Street Seaport), and Boston (2004, concerts at Fanuiel Hall), and to Chicago (2006).  We are looking forward to a spring tour of New York City in March 2008!

 

All students in band or percussion class are members of the Symphonic Winds (concert band).   All students wishing to perform in this group should be enrolled in band or percussion class.  Students who are unable to fit band in their course schedule due to an academic conflict may still be able to participate in Symphonic Winds.  Students and parents should confer with Mr. Browning as soon as the schedule conflict becomes known!   Participation in Symphonic Winds may be also open to students from Ursuline Academy if special arrangements are made with Mr. Browning.

 

 

Course Objectives

Wind players will develop technical proficiency on their major instrument; percussionists will develop technical proficiency on various percussion instruments, including snare drum, bass drum, marimba, timpani, cymbals, drum set, and auxiliary instruments as called for in the music being performed.  All students will acquire an understanding of music theory concepts including:  The ability to read treble and bass clef; knowledge of intervals, major, minor and chromatic scales and modes; major, minor and diminished chords; functional harmony; and form.  Students will apply these concepts on their instruments and recognize them in the music we are performing.  Students will know the major periods of music history and how the music they are performing fits into an historical perspective.

 

Grading Policy

Quarter grades are based on the following criteria:

Tests: Written and playing tests are given throughout the quarter and at the end of the quarter to evaluate the student’s mastery of assigned material.  Typical quarterly assignments are given in the appendix.  A student’s playing is judged on tone quality, accuracy of rhythm and pitch, dynamics, articulations, etc.  Students are evaluated on an objective standard (see grading rubric below).  Occasional written tests cover music theory and history concepts.

 

Private Lessons: All lesson teachers fill out a quarterly evaluation sheet for each student.  Students should prepare for their lessons diligently, as this weighs heavily in the Quarter Band grade.

 

Preparation and Participation:  Because music is by its nature a group activity, each student’s quality of participation affects the other students.  Band is a class and does require work outside of class time.  Although each student has different abilities and must gauge his or her practice time accordingly, a half hour per night, 3-5 nights a week is the minimum needed for adequate progress.  Students must display positive, cooperative attitudes, have all necessary equipment, and, in general, do everything to make our band the best it can be.  Please see the rubric for details.

 

Attendance Policy

The Symphonic Winds does most of its rehearsing during the school class periods, but several after-school rehearsals are held before each concert or important event.  This is necessary to bring the winds and percussion, the boys and girls together as one ensemble.  These rehearsals are an essential part of the curriculum and are mandatory.  Students receive a monthly calendar of all rehearsals and performances.  You may also find it online at www.moellerband.org.  Please try to schedule medical appointments, etc., around scheduled practice times.

 

OMEA Solo and Ensemble Adjudicated Event (Contest)

The Solo and Ensemble Event will be held this year on Saturday, February 2, at Princeton H.S.  All Moeller band members participate in this event.  At this event, students will perform a solo with a piano accompanist, and/or perform as a member of a chamber ensemble for an adjudicator, who will give the student written comments and a rating. Students are not competing against other students, but rather striving to perform their best and receive a high rating and some helpful comments from the judge.

 

Jazz Big Band and Jazz Combo

The Moeller Jazz Band is an extra-curricular ensemble whose members are chosen by audition.  In addition to performing at the Christmas and Spring concerts, the Jazz Band travels to various cities to participate in Jazz Festivals, including at least one overnight trip.

 

Participation in the Moeller Jazz Program is open to players of all instruments.  The standard big band instrumentation is:  4 trumpets, 4 trombones, 2 alto saxes, 2 tenor saxes, 1 bari sax, and one each of piano, guitar, bass, and drums.   We usually take an extra player on each instrument. Students who play other instruments, such as flute or clarinet, are encouraged to learn a standard jazz instrument.  Saxophones are encouraged to learn “doubles”: flute and/or clarinet.  Any instrument may be used for jazz improvisation and combo. (See below).  We will rehearse for several weeks before holding auditions.  This gives all students a chance to learn the style, and allows me to observe students on a daily basis as a supplement to the audition.  Auditions will be used for part placement.  If we have too many players in a section, we may have to make cuts.

 

Jazz Big Band and Combo meets from October into April.  Winter sports that practice after school, such as basketball and wrestling, will have schedule conflicts, and students must choose one activity or the other.  In the past, students participating in hockey, lacrosse, or ski team have been able to participate in Jazz Band and their sport.  Communication and comparing of performance schedules are very important.

 

The Jazz Big Band rehearses twice a week, usually Tuesday and Thursday in sectionals or full rehearsal.

 

Pep Band

The Pep Band is a voluntary group open to all members.  This group is extremely popular with the student body and larger Moeller Family, providing entertainment and school spirit at home basketball games and other school functions with energetic performances of classic rock, disco and funk tunes.  Rehearsals will be announced and held in the fall for the upcoming basketball season.  Check the basketball website for performance dates (home games).

 

Percussion Ensemble

Percussionists meet during a separate class period during the school day.  In addition to working on musical and technical fundamentals and practicing symphonic or marching band music, students are involved in music for percussion ensembles.  These ensembles perform in a wide variety of situations, including band concerts, percussion festivals, and special events.  They are a favorite with Moeller audiences, and have performed live on the Channel 12 show “Good Morning Cincinnati”.  All students signed up for percussion class are members of the Symphonic Winds, the Marching Band, and Percussion Ensemble.  The percussion ensembles will occasionally have after school rehearsals.

 

Band Personnel

 

Bob Browning: Director of Bands; Music Department Chairperson

 

Bob Browning is a 1983 graduate of Moeller High School.  He received his undergraduate training in trumpet and music education from Cincinnati’s prestigious College-Conservatory of Music.  After earning his degree, Bob taught for several years in the Sunman-Dearborn Schools.  He left in 1991 to pursue a Master’s Degree in Conducting from James Madison University.  At JMU, Bob was a Teaching Assistant, responsible for conducting the Concert Band and Chamber Orchestra, teaching private lessons, and performing in Faculty Brass Quintet.   

 

Bob joined the Moeller faculty in 1994, and is now in his fourteenth year as director of the Moeller Band Program.  During this time, the Bands at Moeller have experienced a dramatic improvement in performing ability and overall growth.  Bob remains active as a professional trumpet player in the greater Cincinnati area, and is listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.  During his spare time (what’s that?) he enjoys playing with his children, reading history, literature, and philosophy, and exercising.

 

 

 

Chris Zerges:  Associate Band Director, Pep Band Director.

 

Chris Zerges graduated from Moeller in 1983. He participated in virtually every aspect of the Moeller music program while in school and was given the Louis Armstrong Award in his senior year. Chris continued his education at the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music. While there, he majored in percussion performance and studied under the world renowned “Percussion Group”. After college he was hired by the Danny Morgan Band and performed throughout the United States. Chris appears on one of Danny’s albums with Craig Fuller and Sam Clayton of the Band “Little Feat” as well as Grammy Award winner Mike Reid. Throughout the 80’s and 90’s Chris kept his close ties with Moeller by teaching the percussion students and coaching ensembles. In the fall of 2001 he made the decision to return to the conservatory to receive his teaching certification, and joined Moeller as a full time faculty member in 2005.