Chris Burkholder

Baritone :

The son of a music major and a piano teacher, Chris' home has always been full of music. At age four he started piano lessons, which have provided a solid foundation for the rest of his musical career. Chris’ vocal career took flight when he performed his debut, at age seven, as young David in the musical David the Shepard Boy, which was presented by his church. At age eight Chris started taking lessons on the cello. During High School his interests in piano and cello petered out while his vocal interests stayed strong. He was highly involved with numerous vocal ensembles throughout High School. He continued singing at Hesston College from 2005-07, where he received vocal instruction from Matthew Schloneger, and sang in the vocal chamber ensemble, Bel Canto, under the direction of Jake Rittenhouse. When Chris enrolled at Eastern Mennonite University, he continued vocal instruction with Jennifer Cooper, and sang in the Chamber Singers under the direction of Ken Nafziger. He is currently a student at Eastern Mennonite University, planning to graduate in the fall of 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts.

Chris was born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing soccer and volleyball, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping… pretty much anything in the outdoors. Chris is an avid member of Weavers Mennonite Church.