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| Biography |
Percussion History When Chris was eight years old, he wasn’t asked “Do you want to learn a musical instrument?”, instead, the question was, “Which musical instrument do you want learn?” First he tried trumpet, but soon realized that he didn’t like the headaches caused by blowing air into the small mouth piece. A year later hechose percussion, because every other instrument offered in school required blowing into some little mouth piece. Like most percussionist, lessons startedwith a pair of size 2B drumsticks and a rubber practice pad. Then in middleschool the other drummers began to get serious, the rubber pad was historyand every student went for the drum set. After showing much enthusiasm, hisfather got him his first drum set. During this time, Chris began private lessons with jazz drummer Gibbi Lobe. After a year of private lessons, he was on his way to discover his own style. High school consisted of Marching band, jazz band, and concert band. His favorite band was his punk/alternative band Absolute Abandoned. When he was a senior in high school he began teaching at Boca Ciega High school. During this time, he began his DCI (Drum Corps International) education. The summers of 92 and 93, he was a touring snare drummer and featured soloist for the Magic Drum and Bugle corps. During these years Chris had the opportunity to study under some of the finest percussionist teachers in the Florida region. After returning home from drum corps, he returned to his drum set and played in many alternative rock bands in the Tampa bay area. Chris continued to teach for many of the local high schools and teach privately. In December of 1995 he began performing his bucket show for the thousand of party goers on 7th Avenue in Ybor City, FL. For two years he never missed a weekend night in Ybor City. Then it was time to hit the road. Chris, with the help of Julio “Klown” Santiago of the USA Break Dancers, was taught the ins and outs of street performing. Since then, Chris has been seen in most of the Southeast US. Cities include, Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Daytona, Miami, Ft. lauderdale, Gainesville, Naples, Key West, Atlanta, Athens, Macon, Savannah, Charlotte, Chapel Hill, Spartanburg, Nashville, Mobile, Birmingham, and New Orleans. He also travels every summer to boulder to perform his show on Pearl street. He is currently permitted for all Tropicana Field events, as well as festivals and fairs all over the country! |