Chris MORAN

Born and raised in Fairmont, West Virginia, Chris Moran is the Founder and Co-Director of the Fairmont Community Symphonic Band. A lifelong musician, Chris began playing piano by ear at the age of five and studied privately throughout his childhood. During his time at East Fairmont High School, he performed on trumpet and horn with the Busy Bee Band and Honeybees under the direction of Earl W. McConnell, Jr., experiences that would lay the foundation for his lifelong passion for ensemble performance.

Chris began formal trumpet studies with John Ashton at Fairmont State University during his sophomore year of high school and went on to study music education there as a trumpet major on full scholarship. Although his career path later led him into the fields of broadcasting and software development, his dedication to music remained constant. More than two decades after college, Chris returned to active performance with the MCPARC Community Band, where he currently serves as Assistant Director.

In 2023, Chris envisioned creating an advanced, audition-based community ensemble dedicated to musical excellence and lifelong participation. His collaboration with Dr. Alyssa Schwartz led to the founding of the Fairmont Community Symphonic Band, where he serves as Co-Director and performs regularly on horn. He has also performed with the Morgantown Community Orchestra and the Monongalia Symphony Orchestra, and is currently studying oboe.