Currently, Christopher is the Instructor of Low Brass at Young Harris College where he teaches applied trombone, euphonium, and tuba lessons for the Music Department. Previously, he served as Instructor of Music in Brass & Music Technology at Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia. His other teaching experiences include classroom and applied lesson teaching at Pennsylvania State University, the Yale School of Music, and Florida State University.
FSU Trombone Choir in concert with Christopher conducting
As a Graduate Teaching Assistant at FSU, Christopher taught applied tenor and bass trombone lessons to undergraduate music majors. He also co-directed the FSU Trombone Choir, which included undergraduate and graduate students. This ensemble performs each semester, and Christopher's role included conducting, rehearsing, performing with the group, and completing all tasks related to repertoire and logistics. Additionally, Christopher coordinated the 2017 FSU Trombone Day; the event included guest artists, masterclasses, Q&A sessions, music store vendors, and a final performance. Over 70 trombonists were in attendance! As a liaison to the trombone studio, Christopher also managed scheduling efforts in conjunction with the FSU College of Music for Housewright Guest Scholar Mr. James Markey, bass trombonist of the Boston Symphony.
2017 FSU Trombone Day ensemble rehearsal
During his time at Penn State University, Christopher was the Graduate Teaching Assistant to the trombone studio. He taught the "Trombone Methods" course to undergraduate music education majors and applied trombone lessons to undergraduate music minors. Christopher also assisted the Penn State Trombone Choir. His responsibilities included conducting, rehearsing, and performing with the ensemble; he maintained organization of the repertoire library and assisted with logistics related to the various performance tours and concerts throughout his two years with the ensemble. In March of 2017, Christopher returned to PSU as a guest artist; during his visit, he taught undergraduate trombone lessons and performed a solo recital at the School of Music.
As an Artist Diploma candidate at the Yale School of Music, Christopher Brown served as the trombone studio assistant for the 2013-2014 academic year. He was responsible for items related to scheduling, office inventory, library purchases, and studio instruments. As a course instructor, he also taught secondary trombone lessons to students in the School of Music. Through the Teaching in Schools Initiative (supported by the Yale School of Music), he has taught in schools throughout New Haven, Connecticut. Responsibilities included private brass instrument lessons and chamber ensemble coaching. In 2014, Christopher organized a Trombone Day event at St. Martin de Porres Academy for 6-8th grade trombonists. The event included masterclasses and clinics as well as a recital.
Post concert at the cathedral in Santiago de Cuba with some of the local musicians
Christopher's outreach extends internationally with a recent trip to Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. Organized by Christopher's former professor and mentor, Mr. Mark Lusk, the ensemble performed almost a dozen concerts in multiple cities throughout Cuba. With the Penn State Alumni Trombone Choir, Christopher was involved in various performances and teaching opportunities and the educational outreach included teaching and presenting masterclasses at the local academy in Santiago de Cuba. Many of the performances by the Penn State Alumni Trombone Choir involved and featured musicians from Cuba.
Seminole Trombone Quartet at the Midwest Clinic
With his trombone quartet, the Seminole Trombone Quartet, Christopher presented at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. The topic "Building a Better Band Through the Chamber Ensemble Experience: How to Cultivate Critically Thinking and Independent Musicians" covered the positive formation and development of middle and high school chamber ensembles. The clinic included brief performances and a world premiere of a trombone quartet piece commissioned by STQ.
Seminole Trombone Quartet at the Merit School of Music in Chicago
During the Quartet's visit to Chicago, Christopher organized a visit to the Merit School of Music in Chicago's West Loop. STQ worked with the trombonists in a masterclass and performed a short recital.
Recent university teaching has included a guest artist visit to East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. As a guest to the trombone studio, Christopher presented a masterclass with student performers, taught lessons, and performed a solo recital. In 2019, Christopher presented masterclasses for the trombone studios at University of Florida and Appalachian State University.
Christopher with students at East Carolina University