Christopher Ward, Musical Director and Conductor

​​Christopher Ward became the Musical Director of the Five Lakes Silver Band in July of 2019. He moved to Michigan from New York with his family in March of 2018 to become the Director of Music and Gospel Arts for the Eastern Michigan Division of the Salvation Army. As part of his responsibilities he is the conductor of the Eastern Michigan Divisional Band, and is the founder and conductor of the Eastern Michigan Divisional Choir. Christopher also serves on the North American Brass Band Association Board of Directors and plays cornet in the Brass Band of Battle Creek. 
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Prior to his appointment in Michigan, Christopher served as an Assistant Music Director for the Salvation Army in Greater New York for 16 years, and concurrently served as conductor for a number of groups, including the Greater New York Youth Band and the Hempstead Citadel Band. He was a member of the New York Staff Band for 23 years, 11 of those as its Eb Soprano Cornet Soloist. Christopher has performed or conducted in 22 different countries, and in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Tabernacle, Royal Festival Hall, The Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace. He has had the privilege of performing with the New York Philharmonic, The Canadian Brass, The Kings Singers and Sir Elton John.
 
Christopher received his formal music training at New York's Mannes College of Music and also The State University of New York - Purchase, where he received degrees in Fine Arts of Music & Trumpet Performance.