Chris Shanks

Chris is a product of the Salvation Army at Bellshill, Scotland having started playing tenor horn in the junior band aged 6 before moving to euphonium aged 14. Further study continued at the then Royal Academy of Music and Drama (now Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) where Chris studied euphonium under Dr David Thornton and Anthony Swainson as well as conducting under Nigel Boddice MBE. Chris has a real passion for music and education and has been teaching since 2009 and is currently Faculty Head of Music and Drama at John Paul Academy in Glasgow.

Within the Salvation Army, Chris has been Principal Euphonium of Bellshill Band since 2006 as well as being YP Band (junior band) Leader since 2013 having served as Assistant from 2005. He has featured as guest soloist around the UK & Ireland as well as having toured all over Europe and USA with SA groups. Chris also has the privilege of being the conductor of the West Scotland Divisional Youth Band and is a member of the renowned Household Troops Band. Chris is also currently involved in the Territorial Music School staff team having been a previous Principal Euphonium of the A Band as a student and has been involved at both Territorial Youth Band courses and Scotland Music Schools as a student and staff member respectively over the years. Chris is due to attend the renowned Star Lake Music School as a conductor/tutor in the USA in 2021.

Whilst at the RSAMD, Chris embarked on playing on the contesting scene. Chris currently plays euphonium for the renowned Whitburn Band having previously played for the Co-Operative Funeralcare, Kirkintilloch, Barrhead Burgh and Kirkintilloch Kelvin Bands respectively.  Chris also played Principal Euphonium at the European Youth Brass Band course in 2009. As well as playing, Chris also loves conducting and is currently Resident conductor of the Unison Kinneil Band and Musical Director of the Langholm Town Band having also conducted many other bands in rehearsals, workshops and concerts in Scotland including Whitburn. Chris is also an Adjudicator for the Scottish Concert Band Festival as well as having played with many of the top concert bands in the UK.

Chris is delighted to join the Besson team and looks forward to a new adventure as a Besson Artist. Chris performs on a Besson Prestige Euphonium 2052.