Chris Bunner (he/him/his) most recently served as Director of Bands for Palo Alto Middle School in Killeen, TX. Prior to this, he was the Director of Bands for Marietta City Schools (Marietta, OH) from 2016-2020. Along with his passion for teaching, he designs music for and consults with numerous scholastic marching ensembles throughout the country.Chris has taught hundreds of students from schools in Texas, Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia, ranging from elementary age to collegiate. His students regularly perform at high levels, including several state finals appearances and consistent superior ratings. Chris is a regular consultant with programs, and has been featured in educational clinics and workshops. He has also served as guest conductor with the Marietta College Wind Ensemble and Wetzel County Honor Band (WV). During the summer season, he maintains an active teaching schedule with area marching bands, collaborating on design teams and working with students directly. Additionally, Chris has supervised and hosted several student teachers throughout his teaching tenure.Writing music was the catalyst for Chris’ musical career, and continues to be a driving force in his professional endeavors. He maintains a very active writing schedule for scholastic and community ensembles across the country. His experience includes college and high school marching bands, indoor wind groups, concert ensembles, chamber ensembles, middle school bands, and more. He also has a passion for developing educational resources for the furthering of student success and benefit of teachers abroad.In addition to his teaching and design roles, Chris regularly performs within his local music community. Chris was a member of the Pioneer Brass Quintet and Bell Room Horn Quartet, performing in local venues and gatherings. He enjoys spending time performing with his friends and colleagues, and helping to bring continued enjoyment of live music to those in the region.Chris is a proud alumnus of St. Marys High School and Marshall University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education PreK-12 in the spring semester of 2016. Chris’ most influential teachers include Martin Saunders, Stephen Lawson, Mark Zanter, Adam Dalton, Brian Walden, and Les Paul. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, caring for far too many houseplants, annoying his dog, and spending time with friends and family.