the French government. During this artist-residency, he formed his current groups, the JazzTraditions PROJECT and Django à la Créole. The latter, fusing Gypsy Swing with New Orleans grooves and rhythms of “le monde Créole,” released their debut CD, “Django à la Créole” in 2008 and a second outing, “Finesse,” in 2010 (Fremeaux & Associés). As a composer, his original songs are the high point of critically acclaimed CDs such as “Delta Bound” featuring pianist Dick Hyman (Arbors, 2007), “The Remembering Song” featuring guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli (Arbors, 2010), and the Grammy-winning New Orleans Jazz Orchestra’s “Book One.” In July 2010, he had the honor to debut his “Treat It Gentle Suite,” the first concerto written for clarinet and jazz band in the New Orleans style, with the Minnesota Orchestra.Mr. Christopher began his musical training on clarinet at age 11. In high school, he received the Louis Armstrong National Jazz Award and was one of the first graduates of the prestigious Idyllwild Arts Academy. He continued studies at the University of Southern California and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Long Beach. Published research and presentations on the New Orleans clarinet style initiated pursuit of a Masters degree in Musicology at Tulane University. Having returned to New Orleans in 2008, Christopher is an advocate for the cultural workforce and jazz-based music education. He even taught part-time at the University of New Orleans where he coached a “New Orleans Music Ensemble” that performed with guest mentors such as Lucien Barbarin and Marcus Roberts. When not touring, he appears as as a guest with groups such as the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and is a charter member of jazz composer guild, NOLA ArtHouse Music.