Hello
I’m Chris, Brass Caption Head
A native of Southern California, Mr. Christopher Estrada grew up in East L.A. He started playing the trumpet in 4th grade and then did not touch another instrument until college.
He attended East Los Angeles College (ELAC) and joined the band on the Sousaphone, then transferred to Cal State Los Angeles (CSULA) after earning his Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts degree (2003).
After graduating from CSULA with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education (2006), he began studies towards the teaching credential (earned in 2013) and Masters degree (achieved in 2018). During this time, Mr. Estrada became a marching/brass instructor for the ELAC Marching Band program and started working with the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band (TMB). He wrote drills, arranged music, played with, and conducted the band at ELAC for three years under Band Director Jesus “Chuy” Martinez. From the Spring of 2007 through the Spring of 2021, Mr. Estrada had many roles within the TMB, including Squad Leader, Marching Teaching Assistant, Senior Teaching Assistant, and 2016 Assistant Director. Primarily working with the Sousaphone section, Mr. Estrada helped develop the sound of the section into one of the strongest in the band. As an Assistant Director, he helped plan the shows, training camps and taught the reserves section. With the reserves, he helped beginner-level members to develop their musicianship and marching skills to earn a spot on the field. Mr. Estrada also has been a Band Director in South Los Angeles at George Washington Preparatory High School (WPHS) in the Los Angeles Unified School District since 2013. He teaches beginner instrumental classes, music technology, advanced band, the marching band, indoor ensemble, and jazz combo. Mr. Estrada is excited to bring his experience and energy to Impulse Drum and Bugle Corps as the new Brass Caption Head for the 2022 season.