Chris Willis

After having served for nine years as an army musician, followed by an interlude as an instrumental brass teacher, Chris commissioned into the RAF in 1986, serving as an administrative officer and military interpreter. He returned to military music in 1991 when, after gaining the LRAM and ARCM conducting diplomas, he completed the RAF Bandmaster’s course at Uxbridge followed by a tour as Assistant Director to the RAF Central Band.

Since leaving full-time service Chris, in addition to directing the Salamanca Band and Bugles of the Rifles in the rank of Major, has gained his first degree in Contemporary World Jazz followed by an MA in Composition for Film and TV at Bristol University. In addition to lecturing in the South West of England, he is progressing a PhD research program as well as collaborating on projects with a documentary filmmaker.

Top of page