Chris Hammond
Lead Trumpet

Whether bandleaders need a lead trumpet in Concert Bands, Pop Bands or Swing Bands, Chris Hammond is considered the best Kingston has to offer.

Most musicians get their start and inspiration in high school, and Chris was fortunate to be schooled in a great program at Glebe Collegiate Institute in Ottawa under the tutelage of Mr. Stanley H Clark and Mr. John Nichols.

There were three Concert bands plus a Junior and Senior Stage Band which would rehearse two or three times a week. The Senior Bands travelled to places as far away as England and Guyana and some places closer to home like Buffalo and Kaslo B.C.

After high school, Chris went to Queen’s University where he received a B.Sc. (Hons.) and his M.Sc. Then he went to McGill for Dentistry. While at University he continued to play with the Don Morrell Orchestra (a dance band in the Ottawa South area) and while at Queen’s, joined the local Frontenac Community Band.

After university, Chris returned to Kingston and re-joined the Frontenac Community Band. He later joined the Don McCallum/Paul Chabot Big Swing Band. Currently, he plays with Ed Thompson and the Dixie 6 plus 1, the Nostalgic Sounds Swing Band, Heatwave as well as the Big Phat Horn Band.

Chris seems to have a boundless energy, holding down a full-time professional practice, playing in various bands and having a rich family life. In his ‘spare time’? Chris likes to rebuild vintage automobiles in his barn and also produce gallons of maple syrup from his sugar bush, fish and spend time with friends.

He’s an original member of The Big Phat Horn Band and maybe its most dependable member, as he’s never missed a single rehearsal. His exciting style of trumpet playing helps make the music sparkle and is guaranteed to bring applause from the audiences several times a night.