Christopher Ward, Music Director and Conductor

Five Lakes Silver Band is pleased to introduce Christopher Ward as its Music Director and Conductor.

Christopher moved to Michigan from New York 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 currently is the conductor of the Eastern Michigan Divisional Band, and is the founder and conductor of the Eastern Michigan Divisional Chorus.

Prior to his appointment in Michigan, Christopher served as an Assistant Music Director for the Salvation Army 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. He has also performed with the New York Philharmonic, The Canadian Brass, The Brass Band of Battle Creek, and Sir Elton John.

Christopher received his formal music training at New York's Mannes College of Music, where he studied Trumpet Performance, and The State University of New York - Purchase, where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts.