Chris Teal is a drummer & percussionist currently residing in Rochester, New York.
He currently leads the progressive jazz group "Quintopus", featuring group originals as well as interpretations of recent popular artists including Bjork, Radiohead, Ben Folds and others.
An active sideman, Chris performs regularly with the Po' Boys Brass Band, DubbleStuff, The Nick Finzer Quintet, and the Katie Ernst Trio, as well as freelancing with other local artists and theater companies.
Originally from Spokane, Washington, Chris graduated with a BA in Jazz Performance from Whitworth University in 2005. Moving to Rochester, NY in 2007, he completed a MM in Jazz and Contemporary Media at the Eastman School of Music in 2009. While at Eastman, Chris was given the prestigious Rayburn Wright Award.
Chris has had the fortune to perform with notable artists including the Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra, Dayna Stephens, Dan Balmer, Brent Edstrom, Danny McCollim, Brian Ploeger, Hal Galper, Sax Alive!, and Wycliffe Gordon.
Throughout his educational career Chris has performed and/or played in masterclasses with Jeff Biel, Snooky Young, Rich Perry, Roland Vasquez, Walt Weiskopf, Nicholas Payton, Eric Reed, John Clayton, Jeff Clayton, Ed Neumeister, and the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. Other cross-country endeavors include playing for Carnival Cruise Lines beginning in 2003.
Chris has maintains a private lesson studio, and teaches a Jazz Performance Workshop at the Eastman Community Music School.