Staff Colorguard Christopher McCarthy

Chris McCarthy

Instructor

Originally from Binghamton, NY, Chris discovered his love for color guard and the marching activity at age 12. From 2001 to 2007, he attended Susquehanna Valley MS and HS performing with the marching band, color guard, concert band and spending his last two years serving as Drum Major. In 2006, Chris made the jump during his junior year to independent color guard. He spent several years performing with Spectrum Winterguard, primarily in the Independent Open class, as well as the A and World Class. He served as Guard Captain in ’09, ’10 and ’11. Chris has also marched with The DCA finalists Syracuse Brigadiers Drum and Bugle Corps from ’07 – ’08.

At the age of 16, Chris began to choreograph and stage for small programs throughout upstate New York. Following HS, he spent a short time studying at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania and then spent four years as an Operating Room assistant at a regional trauma center. During this time, he served as designer, choreographer and/or director for a number of programs. His experiences led him to transition to Texas in the summer of 2013. Some programs he has worked with include: University of Wisconsin - Whitewater (WI), Spectrum (NY), Greater Johnstown HS (NY), Round Rock HS (TX), Westwood HS (TX), New Braunfels HS (TX), Cedar Ridge HS (TX), North Shore HS (TX), Dripping Springs HS (TX) and Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps (TX). 

Chris currently resides in Austin, TX, where he is spending his seventh year as Colorguard Director at McNeil HS and third year as Co Director of Origins Colorguard. Outside of McNeil and Origins, Chris also designs, stages and choreographs for numerous groups across the country both as a freelance artist as well as working for SperlingDesigns. 

Outside of pageantry, Chris enjoys hiking, kayaking, traveling, coffee with friends and the endless pursuit of craft beer. He is a firm believer that laughter truly is the best medicine and never takes life for granted. Chris is extremely blessed and thankful to be spending another summer with the Bones Colorguard!