Chris McCarthy is originally from Binghamton, NY, and has been immersed in the marching arts for over two decades now. He discovered his passion for color guard as he was entering middle school, which has led him down a path of performance, creativity and education.

Chris has been staging and writing for numerous ensembles since he was a teenager. He has produced band choreography, color guard choreography, marching band drill, winterguard staging, programming, and consultation to numerous clients across Texas and throughout the country. Some of his clients include: Cedar Park HS, Dripping Springs HS, Ronald Reagan HS, Cedar Ridge HS, and Cypress Woods HS.

Chris resides in Austin, and is the Color Guard Coordinator for The University of Texas Longhorn Band. Prior to UT, he served as the Color Guard Director at McNeil High School from 2013 - 2025. Chris is also a design team member at The Troopers where he serves as Visual Coordinator and choreographer for the Drum Corps. Before that, Chris was a Color Guard Caption Head for the Phantom Regiment, and previously taught at The Crossmen and Genesis. 

Outside of colorguard, Chris has an affection for nature, art and music. He has two dogs, Charlie and Marzipan, who he adores, and also enjoys coffee with his friends. He believes that laughter truly IS the best medicine, and enjoys making human connections both in the realm of pageantry and out.