artists
Sneed, Chris
Chris first became interested in playing the trumpet when he was eight,
after a brass quintet visited his Cambridgeshire school. Although drawn by
the trumpet's unique sound, he was more fascinated by his new-found ability
to shoot water from it. Nevertheless, he immediately started lessons with
Anthony Aarons, and later became a member of the Royal College of Music
Junior Department in London, where he was awarded the Constance Farrington
Brass Prize. In 2006, Chris graduated from the Royal Northern College of
Music with honours. A particularly versatile player, he enjoys playing
classical and period baroque music, but his main passion is jazz trumpet. As
leader of the RNCM Big Band's trumpet section, Chris played alongside such
well-known jazz musicians as Julian Argüelles, Matthew Herbert, Julian
Joseph, Bob Mintzer, Victor Mendoza, Ken Peplowski, Andy Sheppard and Jiggs
Whigham. In July 2006 Chris was placed first in the RNCM's Bruntwood Jazz
Improvisation Prize. He is also a member of the Dave Pearce Orchestra, a big
band which showcases many of Britain's best young players.
