Director of Jazz Ensembles and Facilities
Mr. Christopher Hollar is the Director of Jazz Ensembles at Texas A&M University. In this role he oversees all aspects of teaching, performance, and administrative duties of the university jazz program, which includes two studio big bands and small ensembles. He also manages all the percussion needs for Music Activities and is the facility manager of the White-Walker Music Activities Center. Mr. Hollar is an accomplished drummer and music educator from Knoxville, TN. He holds a Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Studio Music and Jazz from the University of Tennessee where he was awarded undergraduate scholarship in jazz performance and a graduate teaching assistantship in percussion for the concert and Pride of the Southland Marching Band programs. Before coming to A&M he previously taught percussion at Anderson County High School and Maryville College in Tennessee and at Mars Hill University in North Carolina.
When Mr. Hollar arrived in College Station in 2004, he was named the first appointed director of jazz and athletic bands. He was tasked with instituting and a jazz ensemble program for the department of University Bands and created a highly successful pep band program for the university’s Athletic Department which he directed until 2019.
In addition to teaching, Mr. Hollar also has a notable resumé as an accomplished and versatile drummer with a history of premier performances backing many well-known Jazz, Orchestral, Broadway and Country artist, and continues to maintain an active professional playing career in the Central Texas area.