Chris Brunelle, ’85
After his time playing in Philharmonia and Symphony, GTCYS percussionist Chris Brunelle went on to build a remarkable career at the intersection of music, scholarship, and service.
After college, Chris spent several years as a Choral Scholar with the King’s College Choir in Cambridge, England. Since 2003, he has served as Director of Music at First United Church of Christ in Northfield, Minnesota and as a professional collaborative pianist and faculty member for fifteen years in the Classics Department at St. Olaf College. Today, in addition to his work as a music director, Chris also works as an Alumni Relations and Development staff member at Carleton College.
Chris fondly recalls Philharmonia rehearsals with conductor James Berg and the musical lessons he still carries with him to this day like caring about the little details, paying close attention, and holding yourself to a higher standard of preparation and excellence. Another GTCYS highlight for Chris was Symphony’s tour to Great Britain in the summer of 1984 – he still keeps in touch with some of his friends from GTCYS from that tour to this day!
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