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BIO Christopher J. Wills began playing the piano at an early age while growing up in Cerritos, CA. In junior high and high school he was involved in all of the musical ensembles either as a woodwind player or pianist. He arranged several of John Williams’ film scores for the high school orchestra and band, spurred on by the director, hornist Gene Sherry. As a result he won all of the existing awards and honors, including the Herb Alpert Scholarship and Who’s Who in America recognition. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Music from CSU Northridge, studying with Aurelio de la Vega and Daniel Kessner, as well as a Masters of Music from CSU Long Beach, studying with Martin Herman and Justus Matthews. While working on his Masters degree, Mr. Wills won several national and Hollywood awards in composition, including the Kenneth Davenport National Competition for Orchestral Works, premiered by the Hudson Valley Philharmonic in several venues including the Bardavon Opera House, reviewed in newspapers and aired on radio stations in New York. He served as composer-in-residence with SUNY New Paltz, delivering lectures, teaching masterclasses and conducting workshops. He also twice won the Irwin Kostal Memorial Award, presented at the Golden Score Awards in Beverly Hills with composers John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, Dave Grusin, Randy Newman and Thomas Newman. In 2008 he was commissioned by Biola University to compose an orchestral work entitled A Centennial Tribute to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the university’s founding. Mr. Wills developed relationships with student directors at USC, and subsequently scored a number of short films, thesis films, documentaries, industrials, family and animated films, as well as music for HCJB World Radio broadcasts, hosted by Eric Skattebo (HCJB is one of the largest radio stations in the world). In addition, Mr. Wills wrote arranged and orchestrated for composer, guitarist and “papa of the wah-wah” Del Casher. One of the works, the Americana Suite, was commissioned and premiered by the Capistrano Valley Symphony, and also performed by the Glendale Symphony at Alex Theatre. For several years Mr. Wills has written symphonic film score arrangements for the Nights of Music from Film at Haugh Performing Arts Center. He also provided music preparation services for artists such as Abraham Laboriel, Justo Almario, Alex Acuna, Chris Walden, Marsha Skidmore, and David Bowie tribute artist David Brighton. As a keyboardist Mr. Wills continues to tickle the ivories for concerts, musicals and recording sessions. He played keyboards on Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2 with composer/singer Vic Mizzy and drummer Hal Blaine, as well as for various films and commercials. He has also performed on tour with Lorna Luft (daughter of Judy Garland), cast members from Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables, Gospel artists Lillie Knauls and Buddy Greene, and members of the LA Philharmonic. Mr. Wills regularly performs John Denver Tribute Concerts with artist Jim Curry in Las Vegas, Aspen, and other venues with symphonies all over the country, including the Pacific Symphony, Kansas City, Greensboro, Toledo, Santa Rosa, Phoenix, Cincinnati, and Indiana symphonies, and the original members and contributing songwriters of John Denver’s band. Mr. Wills has frequently performed for musicals with Musical Theatre West and 3D Theatricals at venues such as the Carpenter Center, Orange County Pavilion for the Arts, and the Haugh Performing Arts Center. Mr. Wills has also been involved in music ministry as staff pianist for the Celebration Choir and Orchestra at First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton for nearly a decade, and for 16 years before this he contributed his talents to Mosaic in Los Angeles, working with Erwin McManus. Mr. Wills has taught a number of musical disciplines as Professor of Music at Azusa Pacific, Biola and Vanguard Universities for many years, helping his students master the tough but valuable subjects of theory, composition, arranging, orchestration, counterpoint, form and analysis, sight singing and dictation, music technology (sequencing and notation), improvisation, and keyboard skills. He frequently accompanies the chorale, women’s chorus, and vocal jazz ensembles in these universities. He has also authored and published five books to date dealing with musical disciplines: See With Your Ears, Hear With Your Eyes (sight-singing and dictation) Parts I and II, Keyboard Proficiency, Understanding the Art and Science of Music (music appreciation), and The Art and Science of Orchestration.
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS: BOOKS AUTHORED/PUBLISHED (INJ Publications): Four books: See with your Ears, Hear with your Eyes (sight-singing and dictation) parts one and two, Keyboard Proficiency and Understanding the Art and Science of Music (music appreciation) for use at Biola and Azusa universities. MUSICAL AND CONCERT PERFORMANCES Performed as keyboardist for the 3D Theatricals productions of All Shook Up and Peter Pan (Cathy Rigby production) at Orange County Pavilion, as well as Meet Me in St. Louis at the Carpenter Center, Chicago, Hello Dolly! and the Nights of Music from Film at the Haugh Center. Served as pianist for several John Denver Tribute Shows with Jim and Anne Curry and original band members Richie Garcia and Pete Huttlinger and the Kansas City Symphony under the baton of composer Lee Holdridge, as well as with the Greensboro Symphony in North Carolina under the direction of Bruce Kiesling. Also performed in recitals with San Antonio Symphony trombonist Ilan Morgenstern at UCLA and Biola universities. FILM SCORING Completed the score for Cat Nap, an animated USC thesis film directed by Melissa Fontanini about a cat with delusions of grandeur. BROADWAY CONCERTS WITH DALE KRISTIEN, JORDAN BENNETT and LORNA LUFT Performed with Dale Kristien (role of Christine Daae in LA's "Phantom of the Opera") and Jordan Bennett (role of Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables") in concert at the Smothers Theatre (Pepperdine University) and Haugh Performing Arts Center (Citrus College), as well as Lorna Luft (daughter of Judy Garland). Recent musicals include Centre Stage's production of "All Shook Up". DR. CLYDE COOK'S MEMORIAL SERVICE Accompanied for the memorial service of Clyde Cook, president emeritus of Biola University, at First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton. Chuck Swindoll, Dennis Dirks, new Biola president Barry Corey and others gave fitting tributes to this great man of God. Dr. William Lock led the worship. Video can be streamed at www.biola.edu. CONCERTS IN ASPEN Played keyboards and sang for John Denver Tribute Concerts (Windstar events) at the Harris Center in Aspen, Colorado, joining up with Jim Curry, John Stewart (songwriter, "Daydream Believer"), Jim Burton (Elvis Presley's guitarist of 20 years), and others for a memorable concert in picture-perfect Aspen (John Denver's mother and brother also joined us). BIOLA UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRAL COMMISSION AND ARRANGEMENTS Commissioned to compose a work for orchestra and speaker for Biola's Centennial Celebration in 2008 (to be conducted by Mr. Marlin Owen, and spoken by Dr. William Lock). Also arranged the hymn "Be Thou My Vision" for string quartet which was performed in Canada and in other venues by the Biola Honors Quartet under the leadership of Kangwon Lee Kim. Lastly, recorded instrumental tracks for use in Barry Liesch's and John Browning's Improvisation course. NIGHTS OF MUSIC FROM FILM (CITRUS COLLEGE) Arranged a 10-minute medley of macabre moments from Danny Elfman scores as well as an orchestra/choral arrangement of Ennio Morricone's "The Mission" for the Sierra Wind Symphony under Bill Hoehne at the Haugh Performing Arts Center, complete with projection on big screen, episodes with acting in costume, accompanied by the orchestra. "AMAZING GRACE" PRODUCER KEN WALES INTERVIEWED ON HCJB WORLD RADIO Recently composed radio theme music for the HCJB World Radio station (in Melbourne, Australia), a program which is hosted by Eric Skattebo that broadcasts to millions in Asia. Recently Eric interviewed Ken Wales, one of the producers of the recent "Amazing Grace" film, and the upcoming "Chariots of Fire" sequel; he also introduced the "Christy" series to television and worked for 15 years with Blake Edwards on "Pink Panther". A few weeks ago Eric also interviewed theologian Ravi Zacharius. SPIDERMAN 2 THEME SONG ON DVD Not long before "Spiderman 2" was released I was called in by Sony/Columbia Pictures to lay down some keyboard parts for a recording session of a new song for the DVD release. The song was written by Vic Mizzy, the composer of the "Addams Family" and "Green Acres" songs. Worked with Hal Blaine (the "Wrecking Crew" drummer for Frank Sinatra, John Denver, Carpenters, Beach Boys), Don Bagley (bassist and arranger with Stan Kenton), Del Casher (inventor of the "Wah Wah Pedal" and composer of NBC Nightly News Theme, The New Zoo Revue and Chico and the Man) and, of course, Vic Mizzy, who sang the song. An article was featured in Vanguard Magazine and website. I'm happy to say that you can now hear the song on the "Spiderman 2" DVD!
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TEACHING Assistant Professor, Theory and Composition, Biola University, La Mirada, CA 2005 - present
Taught Theory I and II, Sight Singing and Dictation I and II, Form and Analysis I and II, Arranging, Improvisation, Composition, Music Appreciation, Keyboarding, and Jazz Piano; also accompanied the Biola Women’s Chorus, Vocal Jazz and Chorale; served as Composer’s Forum coordinator and composition and piano adjudicator; presented to Journalism Dept. on behalf of Conservatory Director George Boespflug. Adjunct Professor, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA 2004 - present
Taught Counterpoint, Practical Musicianship I and II (ear training and sight-singing with Kodaly method), Class Piano (beginning to advanced), and Music Fundamentals (theory), administered Keyboard Proficiency Exams, and served as piano adjudicator with Joel Clifft and Dean of Music Duane Funderburk. Adjunct Professor, Vanguard University of Southern CA 2002 - present
Taught Introduction to MIDI and Advanced MIDI courses
(Finale notation and Performer sequencing), and Orchestration. Composer in Residence, State University New York, New Paltz, 2001
Composer-in-Residence, gave lectures and taught master classes and workshops in composition, counterpoint and electronic music
Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY, 2001
Guest Instructor for music appreciation class
Cal State University, Long Beach, 1996-2000
Tutor, music theory, counterpoint, and harmonic/Schenkerian analysis
Mosaic Church, 1993-96
Instructor, "Fundamentals of Music Theory" 15-week courses
Private Tutor
Students from CSU Northridge, Los Angeles, and Long Beach State University New York, New Paltz
EDUCATION/AFFILIATIONS
Masters of Music in Music Composition, CSU Long Beach, June 2000; studied with Drs. Martin Herman, Justus Matthews and Kristine Forney.
Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition, CSU Los Angeles, June 1995; studied with Dr. Byong-kon Kim. Most of undergrad work completed at CSU Northridge; studied with Drs. Aurelio de la Vega, Frank Campo, and Daniel Kessner.
C-BEST Certification, CSU Los Angeles, August 1994
Kodaly Solfege Certification, studied with Nike St. Clair, Azusa Pacific University, July 2004
Member, American Federation of Musicians (Professional Musicians), Local 47, 2004
Member, American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), 2000
Member, American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC), 1998
Member, American Music Center (AMC), 1998
OTHER COMPOSITION/ARRANGEMENT PROJECTS:
Composer, score for "Estudiantes Unidos" (Students Unite), USC film directed by Estaban Rael and premiered at the Norris Cinema Theatre in April 2004.
Composer, score for "Candy Saves Christmas", family film for Meysen Productions, December 2003.
Composer, score for "Fly," USC thesis film directed by Jason Russell, premiered at the Norris Cinema Theatre on May 2002 (for this score Mr. Wills conducted a group of Thornton School and Azusa Pacific University players at the Spielberg Scoring Stage, USC).
Arranger/producer for Bob Jones University Press/CHEA Japan "Hiro and Rie" childrens educational recordings (jazz and classical styles), working with Hiro and Rie Kagami and Hiro Inaba, March 2002.
Composer, score for "Patriocity," directed by Esteban Rael, premiered at Lucas Screening, USC in March 2002.
Composer, score for "The Eve of Conviction," directed by Kiri and Anya Thomas, premiered at Lucas Screening, USC in Dec 2001.
Arranger/orchestrator of "Americana Suite" (themes of Del Casher), commissioned by Capistrano Valley Symphony in summer of 2003 by Maestro Carlo Spiga for "Dance, Dance, Dance" at the Riviera Pops Series at Mission San Juan Capistrano, and also performed by the Glendale Symphony under the baton of Olivia Tsui.
Composer for "Love Hina" Japanimation episode, working with American Music Industries.
Arranger/keyboardist for "Elemental Faith" song album for Mosaic Church, working with Erwin McManus/Marcus Gerakos.
Composer of MP3.com "top 40" track entitled "Mountain Splendor" in Feb 2001.
Composer for "E-vent Horizon.com" global government review website theme.
Composer, "Cinematic Moods for Orchestra," CSU Long Beach Symphony, conducted by Richard Rintoul.
MIDI orchestrator for Painter Avenue School drama "Much Too Busy."
Composer/arranger/keyboardist for OBK's rock album "Into the Fire", with Phil Lugo and Gary Wilson.
Composer for Caleb Project film "The Hunanese Are Waiting", directed by John Nugent.
Music Director at Mosaic Church: responsibilities included composing, arranging, transcribing, performing, accompanying, teaching, and leading band and choir rehearsals.
Composer/arranger/keyboardist for Marie Espinoza's "No Matter Who You Are", and Myrna Emata's "Stand Out" album (Jesus Jams Records).
MUSIC PREPARATION:
"The Gospel According to Latin Jazz" concert for recording artists Justo Almario and Alex Acuna of “Tolu”, Nov. 2003 (www.tolu.org)
"Tribute to David Bowie" Concert with David Brighton, May 2002 (www.davidbowietribute.com)
"Pescador", album by Marcos Vidal with Abraham Laboriel, March 2001
Takedown charts for Varetta Heidelberg's "Light in the Midst of Darkness," recorded with bassist Abraham Laboriel and drummer Bill Maxwell, produced by Justo Almario (www.varettaheidelberg.com), June 2000
Chris Walden Big Band arrangements, September 1999 (www.chriswalden.com)
Universal Studios Florida theme music for William Kidd, June 1999
Copyist for "Elemental Faith" jazz/rock album for Mosaic, working with Erwin McManus/Marcus Gerakos (www.mosaic.com)
MIDI file editing for William Kidd sessions, Universal Studios Florida, working with Mark Lundquist.
Gospel charts for Marsha Skidmore of Maranatha! Singers/Franklin Graham Crusades and for recording artist Roby Duke.
PERFORMANCE:
Keyboardist and singer for John Denver Tribute Concerts in La Mirada and La Palma with Jim and Anne Curry (www.jimcurrymusic.com)
Keyboardist for "Spiderman 2" song released on DVD, composed by Vic Mizzy ("Addams Family", "Green Acres"), recorded with Hal Blaine (drums), Don Bagley (bass), and Del Casher (guitar)
Keyboardist with Lauren Kitchens of 95.9 "The Fish" for Christmas Repast event, December 2003 (www.the fish959.com)
Staff Accompanist for First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton (www.evfreefullerton.com)
Keyboardist with Latin jazz group Escenas, opening act for Acoustic Alchemy at Coach House, San Juan Capistrano (www.marcusgerakos.com)
Keyboardist in concerts with saxophonist Justo Almario (whom you can hear on KKJZ) and Marsha Skidmore of the Franklin Graham Crusades/Maranatha! Singers
Keyboardist with Stephen Newby (Promise Keepers), Oct. 2002
Keyboardist with artists Ric Flauding (guitarist), www.ricflauding.com and Ric Blair (singer), www.ricblair.com
Pianist for CSULB Composers Guild/orchestra concerts and recitals, working with Dr. Martin Herman, Richard Rintoul, and Doug Shabe
Pianist for Easter and Christmas masses at Saints Simon and Jude Parish and Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and for Mosaic
Oboist for CSU Northridge New Music Ensemble (under Daniel Kessner) and clarinetist for Wind Symphony
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