
Christopher Bassett
About Chris
St. Louis based trombonist Christopher Bassett currently holds the Bass Trombone chair of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (acting) and The Santa Fe Opera. Prior to moving to St. Louis, he held the Bass Trombone chair of the Jacksonville Symphony from 2017-2022. A passionate educator, he is a co-founder of the Santa Fe Trombone Summit and maintains a select-sized private studio.

Teaching

As an educator, Chris maintains a high-level private studio and is co-founder of the Santa Fe Trombone Summit. Chris's students have consistently won leadership roles in All-State ensembles, earn scholarships to study at top-tier colleges, and have earned principal chairs in Carnegie Hall's National Youth Orchestra program. Chris has presented masterclasses at several schools across the United States including DePaul University, Cleveland State University, Florida State University, University of New Mexico, University of Florida, Point Lloma Nazarene College, and Bowling Green State University.
Solo
Chris maintains an active solo schedule and is in demand as a guest artist internationally. He has been a part of several consortiums helping to bring new music into the world for the trombone including commissioning a duet by composer Adrienne Albert with former St. Louis Symphony bass trombonist Gerry Pagano in 2022. He has performed recitals at the Trombontepec Festival in Oaxaca, Mexico, and in residencies at the University of Florida, Florida State University, and the University of New Mexico. He will be making his orchestral solo debut in February 2024 with the Coastal Symphony of Georgia performing the Sachse Konzert. Chris will also be releasing his debut solo album in late 2024 or early 2025.


Orchestral
In addition to his positions in the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the Santa Fe Opera, Chris has also performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, The Cleveland Orchestra, the Cincinnati Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, and the Boston Pops. He has also performed multiple seasons as a guest artist with the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. Chris has worked with conductors such as Andris Nelsons, Charles Dutoit, Stephane Deneve, Alan Gilbert, Thomas Sondergard, and more. Before moving to St. Louis, he was a member of the Jacksonville Symphony for 5 seasons from 2017-2022.
Services
Being a musician is about being a well-rounded individual. I'm glad to be able to offer the following assistance should anyone need it along their path.

Private Studio
Looking to study with me? I currently offer regular weekly and bi-weekly private studio positions as well as single lessons. If you'd like to work together just send me an email and I'll get back to you with availability and rates.
Performance Mindset Coaching
While I am not certified in Performance Mindset Coaching, I do offer coaching for those of us who want to gain more control over their ability to excel during high pressure moments such as auditions, recitals, and performances. An integral part of Private Lessons with my students, I'm glad to offer mindset coaching as an independent service to those looking for it.
Web Design
Looking to connect with the world and get yourself out there? A website is the tool. In addition to this website, I have also designed the website for the Santa Fe Trombone Summit. If you've been looking to create a website and connect with the world, reach out to me and we'll create one you're happy to use as your portfolio to the world.
Schedule
Upcoming Appearances
In addition to performing weekly with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra during the main season and the Santa Fe Opera in the summers, here are some other appearances coming up which I am excited to make. Hope to see you there!
September 18, 2023
6:00pm, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO
Recital with the STL Trombones Quartet at Washington University as a part of the SLSO's outreach program.
October 29, 2023
5:00pm, University of Missouri at Kansas City Conservatory, Kansas City, MO
Joint-studio Masterclass with the studios of JoDee Davis and Jarrett McCourt
November 7, 2023
7:30pm, Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, Saint Louis, MO
Performance with STL Trombones on the Ariel Concert Series in Saint Louis, MO. Event details, here
November 12, 2023
7:30pm, Legacy Hall, Columbus, GA
Soloist on Adrian Sims "The Sword of Orion" with the Columbus State University Trombone Choir. Event details, here
January 1-8, 2024
Tour to South Korea with the Columbus State University Trombone Choir
February 5, 2024
7:30pm, Wesley Church at Frederica, St. Simons Island, GA
Ernest Sachse "Konzert fur Bass Posaune und Orchester" with the Coastal Symphony of Georgia. Event details, here
February 7, 2024
5pm, Schwob School of Music, Columbus, GA
Lecture recital in partial fulfillment of the M.M. degree in music performance. This program features works all originally for the voice and piano by Schubert, Messiaen, and Vaughan Williams.
April 15, 2024
5pm, Legacy Hall, Columbus, GA
Recital in partial fulfillment of the M.M. degree in music performance. This program features works by Brahms, Clara Schumann, and Ewazen.
