CHRIS FARR -- Master Saxophonist, Arranger and Composer

I am thrilled beyond thrilled to be able to speak with Chris Farr in today’s interview!
For those who know mummers string bands and for those who know the top sax players in the greater Philadelphia area and beyond, Chris hardly needs an introduction.
An immensely talented saxophone player, arranger and composer, Chris has performed worldwide with some of the most famous musicians in the industry and serves on the saxophone faculty at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.
Despite his immense talent and impressive accomplishments, Chris is an exceptionally down to earth guy - extremely affable and approachable and a wonderful teacher respected by all.
With regard to his involvement writing for string bands, Chris began arranging music for the Quaker City string band in 2006 when he took over for their extremely accomplished arranger, Fran Rothwein.
In the time since, Chris has revolutionized the art of mummers string band arranging and has become one of the winningest and most sought after arrangers ever to be involved with the string bands!
I so enjoyed my conversation with Chris - we covered a lot of ground beginning with his early days in music and his early education. We talked about his time on the road with many bands including Maynard Ferguson and Jill Scott. And we of course really got under the hood with his time arranging for string bands and discussed some of his techniques and tricks of the trade.
Note that at the time of our interview, Chris was arranging for the Quaker City and South Philadelphia string bands and had written for many other bands before that. But in the time since our discussion, Chris has also taken over as arranger for the Fralinger string band.
I’m so excited to present to you my conversation with Chris Farr!
Interview conducted 6-9-2020

[@lidiaanoushmusic]

So proud! 🥰

[@IrishICould]

The best in the business

[@TainoBaldRican]

Amazing!!!

[@christopherdamore1993]

Chris Farr has written:
2 Viking Themes
2 Rio Carnival Themes
2 Haunted Barnyard Themes (2016 and 2023)
2 Clown Themes
2 Pirate Themes
2 Space Themes