Christopher Moors

Chris Moors is a Trumpet Player, Brass Teacher, and Composer who currently resides in Urbana, Illinois.

Being born in Alpena, MI 1973 into a musical family, it didn't take long for him to get started on the trumpet. At the age of 8, Chris was already playing every day and gave his first public performance for his 3rd grade class. Throughout his junior high and high school years he consistently received awards in district and state solo and ensemble contests and all-star bands.

After graduating in the top 10 of his high school class in 1991, he attended school on a Centralis Scholarship at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, MI where he played in the Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Jazz band. His long time trumpet teacher Dr. Paul Willwerth was an early influence on his philosophy and seriousness of purpose. He was an active member of Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity, and Phi Kappa Phi honor society while there. Chris was already teaching a regular studio of students at the time and wrote his first classical piece while studying composition with Dr. David Gillingham. Sonatina for Trumpet and Piano was performed at Chris's senior recital on his 21st birthday, Nov. 20, 1994. .

Chris student taught in East Grand Rapids Public Schools and following graduation from C.M.U. with a degree in Music Education (Magna Cum Laude) 1995, he continued his Trumpet studies at Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. With master trumpeter Richard Illman, he intensely studied orchestral music and finished a Master's degree in trumpet performance with music theory emphasis in 1997. While at M.S.U., Christopher performed with the Wind Symphony, Orchestra, and Jazz band. Chris is on the CD, 'Blue Shades: The Music of Frank Ticheli' as part of the Wind Symphony. He also worked at Marshall Music, the biggest music store in Michigan, and had a lesson studio made up of both school age and adult students.

Chris then got the opportunity to be a Graduate Assistant at the University of Illinois and study with Dr. Michael Ewald. Taking his performance to the next level, he played with the University of Illinois Symphonic Band (on CDs from 1997 and 1998), U. of I. Orchestra, and throughout the Central Illinois Area, including with Champaign-Urbana Symphony, Danville Symphony (one year as principal), Sinfonia da Camera, Illinois Symphony, Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana, and Prairie Chamber Ensemble.

Chris's teaching really expanded as he taught Brass Techniques and lessons at the University of Illinois, while also driving to Indiana as the trumpet teacher at Wabash College. He spent extra time teaching at the Conservatory of Central Illinois, doing summer lessons at Millikin University, assisting with I.S.Y.M., and doing a master class at Illinois State. Around this time he composed some fanfares and '3 Simple Songs' for band premiered at Rantoul High School. Chris performed as a soloist on a piece written for him by Mike Pounds called 'Cry Out!' which appeared on the CD entitled 'Passages', in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Experimental Music Studios at the U of Illinois. He also can be heard in the trumpet section on the CD, 'Sousa: El Capitan' (Zephyr) by Sinfonia da Camera, conductor Ian Hobson.

While in Champaign-Urbana, Christopher also studied trumpet with Ray Sasaki and jazz/composition with Dr. Thomas Wirtel. Their amazing perspectives transformed Chris's ability to make music. Over time he found that he was able to express from the heart and in tune with his natural inspiration. Their profound impact on Chris has been an influence in his study of Zen. Many musicians and artists in the 21st century are discovering that meditation is a wonderful assistance to their creativity.

In 2000 Chris moved to Minneapolis to experience life as a professional musician in a big city. He taught many trumpet students at Wayzata High School in Plymouth MN. Next year he found a teaching home at "My Music Store" in Golden Valley, MN, which would last for as long as he was to stay there until 2006. He also had the chance to teach through the MacPhail Conservatory in downtown Minneapolis. Chris performed with the Minneapolis Metropolitan Orchestra, Ensemble Polaris, and many fine church ensembles. He wrote a Wedding Suite in honor of a friend's wedding that includes Summer Solstice Fanfare op.4, brass choir arrangements of Trumpet Voluntary and Great Gate of Kiev. Chris also focused on his jazz studies and writing tunes. After 6 years of playing, teaching, and composing in Minneapolis, he returned to his favorite town of Urbana in the Fall of 2006.

Chris currently plays with the Danville Symphony and performs throughout Champaign-Urbana and Central Illinois. He is a founding member of Cosmology a free improvisational group, and the Danville Brass Quintet.