Christopher Whyte (b. 1983) is known for his wide-ranging artistry as a percussionist, timpanist, collaborator, composer, and educator. He has presented recitals, concerts, and masterclasses internationally in Asia, Europe, Canada and throughout the United States. He currently Instructor of Percussion at Portland State University, and has served on the faculty of Western Oregon University. As an original member of the Portland Percussion Group, he is dedicated to fostering percussion performance through dynamic concerts, engaging collaborations, and the creation of new music. He is resident percussionist with Third Angle Ensemble, and performs regularly with the Oregon Symphony, Portland Opera Orchestra, Oregon Ballet Theater, fEARnoMusic, The Bach Cantata Choir, Portland Symphonic Choir, and the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus. He has an extensive background in marching percussion, having performed with the Blue Devils, Bluecoats, and Seattle Cascades, and has served as an instructor and designer for the Madison Scouts, Cascades, and Oregon Crusaders. Whyte holds degrees from the University of Oregon (B.M., M.M.), and Boston University (D.M.A.) and his former teachers include the late Charles Dowd and Boston Symphony Principal Timpanist Timothy Genis. He is a Yamaha Performing Artist, and proudly endorses Vic Firth Drumsticks, Remo Drum Heads, Zildjian Cymbals, and Black Swamp Percussion Instruments. He currently serves as President of the Oregon Percussive Arts Society.
