Big Band of the Blue Ridge

Description

Join us for an evening of Big Band Jazz!  The Big Band of the Blue Ridge is a sixteen-piece big band based in Bedford, Virginia, dedicated to the performance of classic and contemporary big band jazz. The BBBR was originally founded as the University of Lynchburg Community Big Band in 2014 by Dr. Chris Magee. Following the closure of the UL Music Department in 2025, the band regrouped as the Big Band of the Blue Ridge and found a new home at The Bower Center for the Arts in Bedford. Dr. Magee continues as director and lead trumpet, and the band’s membership is drawn from the best jazz musicians in the region. 

Bio-Chris Magee, D.M.A. 

Dr. Chris Magee is a professional trumpeter and music educator in central and southwest Virginia. From 2013 to 2025, Chris served as Associate Professor of Music at University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, VA. At UL, Dr. Magee was Director of Jazz Activities, taught trumpet, and courses in music appreciation, music history and music technology. He received the doctor of musical arts degree from the University of Iowa and bachelor and master of music degrees from James Madison University. Chris is in demand as a clinician and guest conductor around the east coast, including guest director of the VBODA District 16 All-District Jazz Ensemble (twice) and the Delaware All-State Jazz Ensemble. A busy free-lance trumpeter, Dr. Magee is principal trumpet with the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra and is co-leader and lead trumpet with the Vosbein Magee Big Band (vosbeinmageebigband.com). Chris has played lead trumpet for artists such as Aretha Franklin, Wayne Newton, The Temptations, The Four Tops and the O’Jays. Previously, he was staff trumpeter and arranger at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.