Appointed by the Pipe Major, Chris is our Drum Sergeant and plays lead snare drum. This position is responsible for repertoire as well as leading rehearsals for the drum corps.
Originally from Owensboro, KY, Chris began his drumming life at the age of 4 (his Dad and Granddad were also drummers). Early time was focused on drum set (even though he carried a saxophone back and forth to school in the 5th grade so his Mom wouldn’t know), but the 7th grade started his marching experience that would encompass high school and college. He taught high school bands throughout Kentucky and Tennessee from the mid-1980s to mid-1990s.
After moving to Nashville in 1989, Chris spent some years in a failed attempt to become a rock star. Eventually giving that dream up in 1995, he answered an ad looking for drummers and was introduced to bagpipe bands and the Scottish style of drumming by Carol Davis and Roy Barbee of our own Nashville Pipes and Drums. The band was then and continues now to be focused on the sharing of knowledge and pursuit of excellence. Chris teaches our beginning class Monday nights and continues working with members of the drum corps individually. He also competes at the Grade 2 level in the EUSPBA and is still taking lessons himself..
Professionally, Chris is an Enterprise Architect with Mainline Information Systems since 2003.
Hi Chris! Good to see you still with the band. Those were the best times! How is Carol and Roy?
Sadly, Carol passed away in 2003. Roy is still kicking, but has relocated to Atlanta. We just saw him at the games in Greenville, SC.