With great excitement, we are delighted to introduce Chris Gass, who will be leading our talented young musicians on a remarkable journey of artistic growth, creativity, and excellence. Chris’s passion for nurturing the musical talents of our youth and his extensive experience make him an ideal addition to our musical family.
About Chris Gass: Chris Gass brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to our organization. A former member of both the Philharmonic Orchestra and Youth Orchestra, Chris has over 14 years of music education experience. He currently serves as the Music Director at Freeburg Community High School, where he has successfully expanded the program by an impressive 30%. Prior to this, Chris served as the Director of Orchestras at Quincy Senior High School, where his Concert Orchestra had the honor of performing at the renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City. During his time in Quincy, he also took on the role of the ILMEA District IV Orchestra Chair. As the former director of the Belleville Community Band, he achieved remarkable growth, increasing its membership by over 200% in just two years.
Academic Achievements: Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from McKendree University and a Master of Arts in Education from Lindenwood University. He furthered his studies in conducting at the University of Illinois, where he served as the Guy M. Duker Fellow Graduate Teaching Assistant with the University of Illinois Bands. Currently, he is pursuing a Master of Arts in Education Administration.
Professional Affiliations: Chris is an active member of several music and educational associations, including the Illinois Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, League of American Orchestras, Illinois Education Association, and the Illinois Principals Association.
What to Expect: Under Chris Gass’s inspiring leadership, our Youth Orchestra is poised to embark on an exciting journey filled with captivating repertoire, expert instruction, and unforgettable performances. We look forward to witnessing our young musicians flourish under his guidance.
Join Our Youth Orchestra: To be part of this incredible musical journey under the direction of Chris Gass, please visit this link. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something truly special!
Chris Gass currently resides in O’Fallon, Illinois, with his wife Sarah and their three children.
Join us in welcoming Chris Gass to the Belleville Philharmonic Society. Together, we will continue to inspire the next generation of musicians.