Christopher A. Wolfe was the Music Director of the Baltimore Symphonic Band (BSB) from its founding in 1981 until his retirement in 2020. A lifelong resident of Baltimore, Mr. Wolfe studied clarinet and conducting at the Peabody Conservatory of Music, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music. He holds a master’s degree in music education from Towson University as well. His conducting teachers have included Haszlo Halasz, Leon Barzin, and Anthony Gigliotti. In 1982, Mr. Wolfe took second prize in the National Conducting Competition in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. He has also won the C.D. Jackson and Albert Spaulding “Outstanding Musician” awards at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts. Among the artists he credits as having shaped his musical style and understanding is jazz musician Benny Goodman.
The BSB is affiliated with The Community College of Baltimore County Essex, where Mr. Wolfe was a professor of music in the School of Liberal Arts. Mr. Wolfe feels very strongly that the band exemplifies the essence of the community college concept, fostering the education of local residents as performing musicians and through the band’s musical programs.
In addition to his leadership of the BSB, Mr. Wolfe held the position of assistant principal clarinetist of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra until retiring in 2015 and played E-flat clarinet with that world-renowned musical institution. An advocate of music education and outreach programs, Mr. Wolfe participated in the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Master Class Program, which offers personalized instruction for local student musicians. He also is the founder of the Greater Baltimore Youth Orchestra and has served as its artistic director.