Instruments: Trumpet, Armonia Education: MA in Educational Leadership and Administration from CU Denver, BME in Music Education – Instrumental from MSU Denver and BA in Music from CUNY Hunter.
Meet Kris, a dedicated musician and educator originally from New York City who now calls Colorado home. He loves spending time cycling in the mountains! Kris started playing the trumpet in 4th grade and later switched to the French horn while in college, studying under esteemed professors like Rich Casparie, Alexander George, and Kolio Plachkov.
Kris began his current position as the General Music and Mariachi director at Indian Peaks Elementary in St. Vrain Valley Schools in 2017. His early positions included long term substitute positions as Middle School Orchestra and High School Band directors in Mapleton Public Schools. He also worked in Adams 12 as a General Music Teacher and Elementary Music Coordinator. His passion for music education extends beyond the regular school day. Kris has developed various music clubs, including a Mariachi Band, Guitar Club, Drum Club, Choir, Recorder Club, and Rock Band to serve the special interests of students and the community.
His interest in Mariachi Band came from the community at Indian Peaks Elementary. Kris believes that music educators serve as a conduit to allow students and their community to be seen and represented in the music programs. He wanted to create an ensemble that wasn’t unique for Indian Peaks, but could be continued at the middle and high school levels. He established partnerships with the Mariachi Band directors at Sunset Middle and Niwot High. He is excited to be a part of Rocky Ridge’s Nuestras Raíces: Música Mariachi and looks forward to meeting and supporting the music makers!