Chris Vale, Battery Instructor

Chris Vale is no stranger to marching percussion. He began his drum corps career back in 1995 and marched nine seasons through 2003. In his early marching years, Chris was a member of the Royal Columbians, Spartans, and Boston Crusaders. He spent his final five seasons as a member of the snare line with the Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps from Allentown, PA. He served as section leader from 2001-2003, helping the Cadets to three consecutive high percussion trophies.

 

Chris attended the University of Massachusetts – Amherst where he was a member of the snare line from 2000-2003. In his studies at UMass, Chris learned under Thom Hannum and Colin McNutt and served as section leader for the 2002 and 2003 seasons.

Chris began his teaching career working as the snare tech for the Madison Scouts in 2004. Chris rejoined the Cadets in 2005 as the snare tech and continued to work with the battery percussion section through the 2012 season. In his time with the Cadets, as a member and as an instructor, Chris was a part of three DCI World Championships during the 2000, 2005, and 2011 seasons. In addition, Chris assisted in capturing four High Percussion Awards during the 2001-2003 seasons as well as the 2005 season. Currently, Chris is part of the Boston Crusaders percussion staff.

In addition to his work with drum corps, Chris is currently the percussion director at King Philip Regional High School. He also served as the percussion director at Blackstone-Millville Regional High School from 2013-2017.

Currently, Chris teaches science at Holliston High School and resides in Hopkinton, MA with his wife, daughter, and son.