About

Chris went to UCSD where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Music with a Jazz Emphasis. Chris was able to study a variety of musical styles that have made him into a very versitaille musician including choral music, jazz improv, experimental music, pop music, rock music, and music history. Additionally, Chris joined an a cappella group named Duly Noted where he started part singing and arranging for a cappella. He also helped songwrite and arrange for his alternative rock band Stay for the Fireworks,  which would later open at the UCSD Sun God Music Festival for bands including Saint Motel, The Mowglis, Sir Sly, Roy Woods, MadeinTYO, Sir Sly, Cuco, Robotaki, Ashe, Temporex, Sorah Yang, The GOOD Project, Choreo Cookies, Femme Fatale,  and 220 Second to None. 

Since graduating, Chris works as a freelance musician and a substitute teacher in the San Diego area. He joined the holiday a cappella group the Tinseltone Carolers where he met his wife Erin Vanderhyde, who is also a musician. They've been married for 7 years and now are about to have 2 kids.

Arranging:

Chris has made a cappella arrangements for the Explorers at the San Diego Zoo, The Holiday Hipsters Caroling groups, and the Seaside Serenaders. His a cappella arrangemets have varied in style from pop, rock, jazz country, etc. Chris has also created original music for over a decade with both of his original bands, Stay for the Fireworks and Mishy. Both vary in style, but would be classified best as alternative rock with funk elements. Stay for the Fireworks now has 2 full albums released and Mishy will release their first album later this year.

Saxophonist:

As a freelance musician, Chris has played for a variety of saxophone gigs in the San Diego area. Chris has played for several weddings and cocktail hours, adding improv to pop/R and B/Jazz/Funk favorites. For California Center of the Arts in Escondido, Chris played for their Ray Charles/Stevie Wonder,  Cole Porter and Gershwin Cabarets. Additionally, he has played saxophone in the pit at OB Playhouse for The Rocky Horror Picture Show for three consecutive years and for The Suessical at Rancho Bernardo Community Church. In varous bands, Chris also frequently gigs at venues in San Diego including Vista's Strawberry Festival, The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, Hiddencraft, Izola Bakery, The Merrow, Hennessee's Tavern, The Rabbit Hole, 710 Beach Club, U31, BNS Brewery, Fast Times, Full Circle Saloon, Wong's Dragon Room, Deano's and Amplified Ale Works. Furthermore, Chris functions as a on-call studio musician for saxophone. Outside of performing, Chris gives private lessons on tenor and alto sax so feel free to reach out!

Singing:

Chris has done a lot of vocal work since graduating UCSD as a Bass/Baritone/Tenor. Chris has done a cappella work at the San Diego Zoo (Explorers), Legoland  (Fairies), Tinseltone Carolers, and The Holiday Hipsters. Recently, he was able to sing at Pixar Hotel at Disneyland via the Holiday Hipsters and at Zoo Night for PETCO park. Chris was the Bass Section Leader at the Immaculata Parish at UCSD for several years prior to Covid. Since then, he has worked as a freelance vocal sub for many churches including First United Methodist Church of San Diego, Pacific Beach United Methodist Church, Unity San Diego in El Cajon, La Jolla Presterbertarian Church, Foothills Community Church, Ran Bernardo Community Church, as well as All Souls Church in Point Loma. Chris is also a part of SD Lip Service which functions as a singing/character telegram service for all of San Diego. Furthermore, Chris functions as an on-call studio musician for vocals.

Now, Chris and his wife Erin hope to make a full time living for their family as performers/musicians in the San Diego area! Amidst have a a 2 1/2 year old and a kid due in October, they still are able to perform and do what they love. They have a lot of support from family and friends to make this happen and are very appreciative of those individuals :)