Chris Andersen

Vocals/Alto Sax/Bari Sax/Trumpet/Keyboards/Sound


 Sound Clip 1
 Sound Clip 2

Behind every band is a great leader. Or is it… in front of every band is a great leader. Whatever the case, Chris Andersen is hardly in front, often behind (by a step or two), and generally all around as the unequivocal leader of Fat Brass Inc., although Tony will tell you different.

Chris Andersen, Vocals/Alto Sax/Bari Sax/Trumpet/Keyboards/Sound is from…jeez…I don’t even know! Wherever he is from, Chris fills the role of leader to a T for Fat Brass. Chris does the booking, arranges the rehearsals, owns and hauls the PA (so if you don’t like the sound… blame Chris), plays 4 different instruments, sings, runs sound all while being a father to 2 wonderful children and a husband to the most understanding wife on the face of this planet. Whew (dude you owe me for saying that)!

Chris started out in music taking piano lessons from his mother who studied as a concert pianist. He joined band in 5th grade as a percussionist and in the 8th grade, switched to alto sax. “Make up your mind already” was a popular saying of the band teachers for Chris at a young age. Wait… I fear there is more change to come! In high school, Chris continued on saxophone, and was drum major sophomore thru senior year… there he goes again… being a leader! What some guys do for attention. Although I suspect that being the Drum Major didn’t help Chris find a girlfriend! (I'll get you Tony for that comment)

Chris attended St. Norbert College and UWGB. During his undergrad days, Chris was a business major, and then switched to music education/performance (see… I told you… dude can’t make up his mind!). Chris started his professional career in music with a wedding band called Jumpstreet. Later, he joined another called Celebrate Show band. He eventually ended up buying Celebrate Show band and became the leader/booker and all the other stuff that goes with owning a band. Chris has performed with the Green Bay Packer Band, Lakeshore Big Band, Bay City Swing, Appleton's Big Band Reunion Band, and the Groove Hogs. Chris has had opportunities as a professional to back-up Bob Hope, Pat Boone, Engelbert Humperdinck, Ellis Marsalis, The Temptations, and Myron Floren (from the Lawrence Welk Show… dude, you sure you want to admit the last one?).

Chris has a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and Performance from UW-Green Bay 1991 and a Masters in Arts of Education, Viterbo College, La Crosse, WI 1997. He currently serves as Band Director at De Pere High School with Casey Schmidt (the better sax player in Fat Brass!) (I'm gonna give you a knuckle sandwich Tony!)

When away from the band Chris enjoys playing all different kinds of sports and spending time with his family. He also enjoys basketball, riding motorcycles (although Tony will never let him ride his), motocross, go-kart racing and skiing, and currently working on his black belt in karate (lookout Tony, I'm coming for you)!