Chris Pinder is a music director and musician based in Annapolis, Maryland. He is currently attending Shenandoah University, where he is working towards a Masters of Music in Musical Theater Conducting.

 

While fulfilling the requirements for the Masters of Music degree, Chris is also studying music direction under Broadway legend Patrick Brady.

 

Chris formerly attended Anne Arundel Community College, where he studied general studies with a concentration in music. While at Anne Arundel Community College, he studied conducting under Dr. Anna Binneweg. He transferred to Shenandoah Conservatory where he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor's of Music in Musical Theater Accompanying. 

 

Chris works as a music director, vocal coach, conductor, percussionist, pianist, and reed player throughout the East Coast and Midwest. Chris has worked at every level of theater from professional to collegiate to children's theater. Chris has won four different Ruby Griffith awards for best musical with his work as music director for THE PRODUCERS (Annapolis Summer Garden Theater 2017), IN THE HEIGHTS (Annapolis Summer Garden Theater 2018), INTO THE WOODS (Heritage Players 2018), and RAGTIME (2nd Star Productions 2019). Chris has also received a watch nomination for best ensemble for his work as a vocal coach.  Chris has worked as a music director, vocal coach (or consultant) for over 35 musicals. Chris has performed in the pit for over 30 musicals as either a percussionist, pianist, synth player, or reed player. Chris additionally performed as a percussionist/timpanist for more than 10 operas.

 

When not doing musicals Chris has performed with numerous orchestras; the Londowntowne Symphony Orchestra, the Prince George Philharmonic, and with the Anne Arundel Community College Symphony Orchestra as the principal timpanist and percussionist