Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Green.
Hi Chris, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I took the podium as Artistic Director of Central Florida Sounds of Freedom in Jan 2017 after relocating from Dallas TX in Fall 2016. I was an HS Band Director in Texas and moved to FL to represent Fruhauf Uniforms in the state.
In January 2017, Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band and Color Guard, Orlando’s own LGBT+ concert and marching band, appointed their new artistic director, Chris Green. Mr. Green brings a wealth of experience and knowledge with him to the task of growing Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band and Color Guard, both artistically and in membership with over 25 years’ experience in bands, drum, and bugle corps, pageantry, and winter guard. He has been an adjudicator, arranger, and clinician for marching, concert, jazz bands, winter percussion, and winterguards across the country. Chris most recently served as the Director of Bands for Adamson HS in Dallas TX from 2010 – 2016 taking the program from 12 to over 200, winning accolades in USBands, Bands of America, and North Texas Colorguard Association. He won the Dallas Rotary Club Teacher of the Year in 2014 and was the Adamson HS Teacher of the Year through the Distinguished Teacher Review in 2015. He also won the Farmer’s Insurance Dream Big Teacher of the Year grant to provide $100,000 worth of new equipment for the Band Program. “Chris’s proven commitment to LGBT+ issues as well as his experience in creating and growing community music programs made him a natural fit for our expanding organization” says band President, Joseph Kennedy. Currently Mr. Green works with Bands, Corps, and Soundsport Groups all over the United States.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Non-profit performing arts is always a challenge, and I am always ready for what that might bring. Although no one was truly prepared for the pandemic. We initially shut down operations and did a virtual performance as individuals spliced to together. The development of performing masks and bell covers allowed us to return to the rehearsal and performance hall.
June 2020 – Virtual performance only – individuals recorded music to be combined into a video performance
October 2020 – Individual and small ensembles performed in an airport hangar with the Orlando Gay Chorus for a virtual Pride Concert
December 2020 – 25 members of the band performed on stage LIVE at the Orlando Repertory Theater. While an in-person audience was not permitted, we live-streamed the concert for free. All musicians used Performance Masks, Bell Covers, and increased distancing to keep everyone involved in the concert safe.
March 2021 – 40+ members of the band and guest performers provided an outdoor benefit concert for the Orlando Youth Alliance, raising more than two thousand dollars for the cause. All musicians used Performance Masks, Bell Covers, and increased distancing to keep all performers safe. The live outdoor audience was spaced so that everyone could enjoy the free concert.
June 2021 – A live indoor concert, socially spaced, reduced capacity, and performers utilizing the performance masks, bell covers, and appropriate distancing as suggested by the CDC. Many band members have been vaccinated, so in combination with the previously mentioned guidelines, CFSOF feels safe in returning to the stage in grand fashion. We did with nearly 75 performers and live-streamed the concert.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Outside of CFSOF, I run a company called Virtual Assistant Director, which represents Fruhauf Uniforms, Guard Closet, TeamIP, and Cousin’s Concert Attire.
I have worked in non-profit performing arts for over 25 years, including spending 3 years as the Special Projects Manager of the St Petersburg Opera Company.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I have driven from St Petersburg to Orlando almost every week for nearly 6 years to conduct this ensemble.
Pricing:
- Tickets range from $0-25 depending on venue
Contact Info:
- Email: director
- Website: www.cfsof.com
- Instagram: cfsofband
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CFSOF
- Twitter: cfsofband
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ04ZRq5ehVUGfMLaUG4h-Q
Image Credits
Sea Terri
