Christopher
Navarrete
Trumpet
Education
Christopher Navarrete is a trumpeter, teacher, and composer from Northern California. He currently serves as the Director of the Instrumental Music Program at Kirkwood Community College, with a passion for music education, classical and jazz performance, interdisciplinary studies, and music scholarship. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education, Performance, and Jazz Studies from California State University, Chico, and a Master of Music Degree in Music Performance and Jazz Studies from the University of Northern Colorado, where he is currently ABD in his Doctor of Arts Degree in Jazz Studies with a secondary on Jazz Composition.
Performer
Mr. Navarrete has performed with the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra and the Colorado Bach Ensemble, and has freelanced in the Colorado and California regions. In 2022, he released his jazz album Stepping Forward and has contributed to various records, including releases with the Walter Jazz Orchestra, David Caffey Orchestra, Cassio Vienna Jazz Orchestra, and the University of Northern Colorado Lab Band I. He has had the opportunity to perform internationally in China and collaborate with renowned artists such as Joey D. Francesco, Benny Golson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Chris Potter.
Educator
Prior to his position as the Director of Instrumental Music at Kirkwood Community College, Mr. Navarrete held the position of Director of Bands at California State University, Chico, from 2019 to 2024. He has served as a clinician and adjudicator at various jazz festivals and honor bands, and has extensive experience in the educational field, including over 10 years with the Jazz in the Sangres Summer Camp. He has studied under notable instructors including Greg Gisbert, Clay Jenkins, Bill Phund, and Erik Applegate.
