Chris McCourry

Biography

Chris McCourry is an eclectic trumpet player and educator whose career encompasses a wide range of musical styles. He has served as Artist/Teacher of Music and Director of Jazz Studies and Trumpet at Hillsdale College for 25 years while maintaining an active performing career. As a jazz performer, McCourry has played with the Harry James and Woody Herman Orchestras, collaborating with artists including Allen Vizutti, Vincent DiMartino, Chris Vidalla, Dennis Diblasio, and Tony Monaco. His orchestral experience includes membership in the Jackson, Lansing, Saginaw, and Flint Symphony Orchestras. He has also performed for the Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Columbus, Akron, and Canton Symphony Orchestras.

He holds a Bachelor’s in Music in Trumpet Performance from Ohio State University, a Master’s in Music in Trumpet Performance from the University of North Texas, and a Specialist Degree in Trumpet Performance from the University of Michigan. His principal and most influential teachers include Armando Ghitalla, Vincent DiMartino, Charles Geyer, Charlie Duvall, and Donald “Jake” Jacoby. He has recorded previously unrecorded repertoire, including the Geier Trumpet Concerto and the Szokolay Concerto, with performances available on YouTube.