Chris Branam

Bio

“Chris Branam is a Senior Lecturer, Director of the Symphonic Band and Summer Music Camps in the department of performing arts and technology at North Carolina State University. He previously served as the Assistant Director of the Athletic Bands 2010-2019.
Early in Chris’ career, he had many influences that continue to shape his teaching/conducting experiences. While serving as the Drum Major of the 27th Lancers Drum and Bugle Corps he auditioned and was accepted to study conducting privately with composer/conductor Dr. Frank Battisti at the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music. Mr. Branam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Campbell University while studying with conductor/composer Dr. Jack Stamp. Mr. Branam also attended Southern Oregon University for graduate studies, focusing on conducting, jazz, and instrumental pedagogy.
Chris has been an active visual/musical coordinator, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the region. He has conducted the North Carolina Baptist Instrumental Orchestra at Fort Caswell, North Carolina and has been a guest conductor for numerous honor bands in North Carolina.

Prior to his appointment at NC State, Chris has served the NC Public School System for over 25 years directing successful high School and middle school bands. Chris is the former Director of Bands at Sanderson High School, where he led all ensembles to become one of the state’s finest performing bands in all genres: classical, 20th-century wind band literature, jazz, and marching band. He was also the director of the award-winning Durant Road Middle School Band. While there, he and Sallee Nelson built a year-round band program of over 500 students, performed for President Bill Clinton and became the first year-round middle school to receive superior ratings at MPA for Central District of North Carolina. Mr. Branam was also the director of bands at Garner Senior High, Louisburg High and East Cary Middle School. Chris is still teaching and has even started a beginning band for college students at NC State. He continues to motivate and inspire students with his teaching and sharing the gift of music with his students.