Christopher Burnett

Christopher Burnett is a critically acclaimed alto saxophonist, educator, leader, and composer who began his professional career with military jazz bands “going pro” directly upon graduating high school at 18 years old. Over the course of a forty plus year career, Mr. Burnett has performed professionally around the world, recorded noteworthy albums as a leader, taught at the college-level and co-founded a significant independent recording label, Artists Recording Collective.

Born in Olathe, Kansas, the middle son of Clifford LeRoy Burnett and Violet Lorraine Jackson Burnett, his family traveled frequently during his youth due to his father being a member of the active US Air Force. He was ultimately raised in his maternal hometown of Paola, Kansas where the family had moved once his father’s military career concluded in 1963.

His mother was a significant influence on his choosing music as a professional career.  And, it was his eldest brother, Richie Pratt, who mentored and encouraged him in the music business as a professional.

Mr. Burnett has released three albums as a leader. His latest, ‘Firebird’, is being released first as singles on the ARC label. Additional credits include performances, and a new recording with the Dino Massa Kansas City Quintet titled, “Echoes of Europe.” See: RECORDINGS

He held adjunct professor of music positions with University of Missouri Science and Technology (10 years) and at Metropolitan Community Colleges (5 years). Mr. Burnett directed the marketing and communications department for then, CEO Greg Carroll, concurrent with other key positions, while working 5 years at the American Jazz Museum (2011-2016).

A writer-affiliate and composer since 1984, Mr. Burnett has over 60 registered works in his Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) catalog. He is also the 1995 “Parade of American Music” 5-Star Award of Merit Winner of the National Federation of Music Clubs as a Composer. See: PUBLICATIONS

Mr. Burnett is an in-demand woodwind instructor, music educator, and jazz clinician, serving as festival adjudicator and conductor for honors ensembles on many occasions. He has conducted student instrumental auditions for honors ensembles in Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas.

The Missouri Arts Council appointed Mr. Burnett to serve on the Advisory Panel for Multidiscipline for one term. Most recently, Mr. Burnett was selected as a clinician for the 2018 Kansas Music Educators Association In-Service Workshop in Wichita.

In addition to performing, composing and teaching privately, Mr. Burnett is currently a teaching assistant for Leavenworth Unified School District 453 working with Dr. Jared Prost in the instrumental music department teaching woodwinds and jazz band.The Christopher Burnett Quintet performance at the 2017 Roots Festival received positive press coverage.

Also see: CAREER TIMELINE AND PORTFOLIO