Chris Hollar

Christopher Hollar is the director of jazz ensembles at Texas A&M University. In this role, he is responsible for all aspects of teaching, performance and administrative duties for the university’s jazz program, which comprises two studio big bands and small ensembles. Additionally, Hollar manages all percussion needs for Music Activities and serves as the facility manager of the White-Walker Music Activities Center. Hollar is an accomplished drummer and music educator originally from Knoxville, Tennessee.

Upon arriving in College Station in 2004, Hollar was named the first appointed director of jazz and athletic bands. He was tasked with instituting a jazz ensemble program for the Department of University Bands and he created a highly successful pep band program “Hullabaloo” for the university’s athletic department, which he directed until 2019. 

In addition to teaching, Hollar is a versatile and accomplished drummer with a history of premier performances backing many well-known jazz, orchestral, broadway and country artists, and he continues to maintain an active professional playing career in the central Texas area.

Mr. Hollar holds two degrees from the University of Tennessee.

• Bachelor of Music in Studio Music and Jazz (1998)
• Master of Music in Studio Music and Jazz (2003)

During his studies at Tennessee, he was awarded an undergraduate scholarship in jazz performance and held a graduate teaching assistantship in percussion for the Pride of the Southland Marching Band and concert ensembles.