Chris McCormick is Professor of Jazz Studies at Tennessee Tech University where he directs TN Tech’s two jazz ensembles.  In addition, he teaches jazz improvisation, Jazz Arranging, Jazz History, Harmony, Ear Training, and Computer Applications in Music.  Mr. McCormick is an active clinician and has adjudicated at festivals throughout the United States, Canada, and the Bahamas. 

As a trumpet player, Mr. McCormick is an active performer in both jazz and classical styles.  He has performed all over the United States as well as Canada and Mexico.  While on tour in Russia, he performed and taught with a brass quintet in St. Petersburg and Moscow. This included soloing at the prestigious Moscow Conservatory.

At TN Tech he is a member of the Bryan Symphony, Brass Arts Quintet, and leads the Faculty Jazz Group.  In addition to performing with groups such as The Columbus Symphony, Jamey Aebersold Quartet, Jack Daniels Silver Cornet Band, the Southern Stars Symphonic Brass, the Kadillacs, Jazz Arts Group, The Murfreesboro Symphony, Paul Ross Orchestra, Top Brass, Jimmy Dorsey Band, and the Guy Lombardo Band, he has worked on cruise ships and backed such artists as Dennis Deyoung, The Temptations, The “Four Tops, Trace Adkins, Jens Lindemann, Duffy Jackson, Susannah McCorkle, Gerry Mulligan, Allen Vizzutti, and The Blues Brothers. He has played in the pit Orchestra for many shows.

As part of the Brass Arts Quintet he has recorded a number of CD’s including The Spirit of America, Shazam!, Serengeti, Suites and Treats: Celebrating 50 Years with the Brass Arts Quintet, Christmas Brass: Suites and Treats for the Holidays, and The Brass Arts Quintet Plays Chicago.

Mr. McCormick is an active composer and arranger.  His compositions include works for small and large jazz ensembles, and for brass quintet. 

Mr. McCormick holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Capital University and a Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music.