BORN IN: Miami, FL

LIVES IN: Houston, TX

PLAYING SINCE: 2008

BIGGEST INFLUENCES: Cisco Hance, Thom Hannum, Bret Kuhn, Tim Jackson, Andrew Markworth, Ryan Lamb, Sean McElroy, Jared Kortz, Francisco Torres

MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE YOU PLAYED IN:  Rhythm X – 2015

MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE YOU DIDN’T PLAY IN: STRYKE Percussion 2018 as a staff member

CAREER HIGHLIGHT: Commissioning an original piece for middle school percussion ensemble that premiered at the 2023 Music for All National Festival, watching my brother age out and medal with Rhythm X.

FAVOURITE SABIAN CYMBAL: 18” Symphonic Viennese

Christopher Baños is the Director of Percussion for Ridge Point High School, Baines Middle School, and the nationally recognized Ronald Thornton Middle School where he has commissioned a piece from the esteemed composer, Lalo Davila. Christopher proudly serves nearly many percussionists who receive consistent success in Region Band Auditions, Marching Percussion, Percussion Ensemble, Orchestra, and Concert Band. Prior to Ridge Point High School, Mr. Baños taught at Deerfield Beach Middle School in Florida.

Originally from Miami, Florida, Christopher grew up in the heart of Little Havana in Miami where he spent his youth developing his love for music. As a young musician, he spent his time performing with various local ensembles in the Miami area. Christopher eventually shifted his love of performance to a love of education. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Florida International University. Throughout his developmental stages as an educator, Christopher had the honor of studying under many incredible educators such as Thom Hannum, Andrew Markworth, Tim Fairbanks, Tim Jackson, Clark Gardner, Sean McElroy, Francisco Torre, Jared Kortz, and Andrew Proctor.

Known as an outstanding clinician and educator, Christopher has been a clinician in youth leadership, education, and percussion performance all over the U.S. in states such as Florida, Texas, and Arizona. He has served on the educational teams in various roles for the following ensembles: Colts Drum and Bugle Corps (2016), Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps (2019) The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps (2017-2018, 2022), FIU Percussion (2016), and STRYKE Percussion (2016-2018). Christopher has also had the great honor of performing with several World Class ensembles such as Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps (2012), and STRYKE Percussion (2013), and receiving medals during his time with Carolina Crown (2013-2014) and Rhythm X (2014-2015).

Christopher currently resides in Houston, Texas where he lives with his fiancée Jeralyn. He is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Percussive Arts Society.