Welcome back UHS graduate Class of 2004, Chris Van Leeuwen.  Chris will be the featured guest soloist with the jazz bands on May 5th, 2016 in the UHS PAC.

After crossing the stage with his UHS Diploma, Chris earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from Indiana University.  A lifelong learner, he is currently working on a Master of Music in Jazz Performance & Pedagogy at the University of Missouri – Columbia.  Chris’ music career has varied from performing a solo piece at the Kennedy Center to playing split-lead with the Buddy Rich Big Band. He is also an active composer/arranger for small group, big band and indie-rock groups. Chris currently freelances in Kansas City, St. Louis, and all over Iowa.

Chris was an exceptional leader in the band program during his time here.  We’re honored to have him back – even if only for a couple days!