Meet Our Director

Mr. Chris Mallory, a native of Central Square, New York, received his Bachelors of Music degree from The Crane School of Music, State University of New York at Potsdam.  At Potsdam, he studied under world renowned percussionist Mr. James Petercsak and conducting under Dr. Timothy Topolewski.  He also studied percussion under Mr. Gary France at the Western Australian Conservatory of Music and conducting under Dr. David Waybright at the University of Florida.

Under his leadership, the North Stafford Band program has flourished as a 25 time Virginia Honor Band and Hall of Fame Band.  In 2023, NSHS was honored as a Blue Ribbon School as the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble received straight Superior scores at Assessment, along with the Choir and Orchestra programs.  The Big Blue Marching Band has consistently received Superior scores at VBODA Marching Assessment and competitions.

Prior to his time at NSHS, Mr. Mallory served as Director of Bands at James Monroe High School in Fredericksburg, VA.  In his tenure, the James Monroe Band Program received several Superior Ratings at VBODA festivals, leading the program to its first ever designation of Virginia Honor Band in 2008.  Prior to his time at JMHS, he served as Director of Instrumental Music at Freedom High School in Prince William County,  Director of Bands at Estero High School in Estero, Florida, and Director of University Sports Bands at Gulf Coast University.

In addition to teaching, Mr. Mallory has kept a busy performance schedule as a professional percussionist, jazz drummer and trombonist.  He has played with the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, the Prince William Community Band, the Capital Wind Symphony, the Fredericksburg Community Band, and the Rappahannock Pops Orchestra, and performed at the Castleton Festival under Director Emeritus Colonel John R. Bourgeois.  He has worked closely with jazz pianist Doug Williams for many years, recording three albums together.

Mr. Mallory has extensive marching experience, having marched in DCI, DCA, and marching baritone for the World Champion Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps.  He also has a love for musicals, and has played or conducted such shows as Guys & Dolls, 1940’s Radio Hour, Shrek, Young Frankenstein, and Sweet Charity among others.

He has received several Teacher of the Month and Rotary Teacher of the Month awards, and was a Golden Apple nominee every year during his tenure at Estero High School where he was honored as Teacher of the Year in 2003.  Mr. Mallory is a member of Music Educator’s National Conference, Percussive Arts Society, Virginia Music Educator’s Association, Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association and International Association of Jazz Educators.