Dr. Chris Combest
Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies
By appointment in person and via Zoom.
Global Expertise
Countries and/or Territories of Expertise
Languages Spoken
Areas of Global Specialization
Departments / Programs
Degree Information
- DMA, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2009)
- MM, University of Louisville (2005)
- BM, Eastern Kentucky University (2001)
Areas of Expertise
Tuba, Euphonium, Brass Chamber Music, Music Industry, Graduate Studies
Biography
Dr. Chris Combest serves as Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies on the music faculty at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) where he pursues a dynamic career as a performer and educator. Before joining the faculty at MTSU, Dr. Combest occupied similar positions at the University of Texas-San Antonio, Southern Illinois University, and the University of Illinois.
Combest has performed with various ensembles...
Read More »Dr. Chris Combest serves as Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies on the music faculty at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) where he pursues a dynamic career as a performer and educator. Before joining the faculty at MTSU, Dr. Combest occupied similar positions at the University of Texas-San Antonio, Southern Illinois University, and the University of Illinois.
Combest has performed with various ensembles across the United States, including the Nashville Opera, the Nashville Symphony, the Indianapolis Symphony, the San Antonio Symphony, the Dallas Wind Symphony, and the Louisville Orchestra. His diverse collaborations also extend to work with artists such as film composer John Williams, the Canadian Brass, and Broadway star Audra McDonald. Among his numerous recording credits, he can be heard on broadcasts for National Public Radio, the BBC, Sony, Disney, and recent video game soundtracks for Destiny 2 and Aliens: Fire Team Elite.
Combest has also garnered international recognition as a solo artist for his recording projects. His most recent solo recording: "Mosaic," released in 2022, earned a 3rd Prize Award from the American Prize and a Silver Medal for Outstanding Achievement from the Global Music Awards. “Under Tennessee Skies,” released in 2020, was named a finalist for the American Prize and also received a Silver Medal for Outstanding Achievement from the Global Music Awards. Both recordings were nominated for the Roger Bobo Award for Excellence in Recording by the International Tuba Euphonium Association.
As an educator and clinician, Combest has presented masterclasses and guest recitals worldwide, most recently at the "Euphonios y Tubas Brazil" in Sao Paulo, Brazil, hosted by the Brazil Tuba Euphonium Association. He has paneled international solo competitions, including the Leonard Falcone Euphonium-Tuba Competition, the Asociación Española de Tubas y Bombardios (AETYB), and competitions for the International Tuba Euphonium Association. His dedication to teaching is reflected in the success of his students, who have forged careers in higher education, U.S. military bands, and professional orchestras in the United States. Earlier this year, he delivered an online presentation at the University of Southern California’s “Cochlear Implant Music Hour," an award-winning music appreciation program aiding individuals adjusting to hearing loss through cochlear implants.
A Life Member of the ITEA and a member of the Board of Directors for the Leonard Falcone International Euphonium Tuba Festival, his passion for advancing contemporary musical expressions is evident in his role in commissioning over fifty new works for the tuba and euphonium. Those works include collaborating with composers like Maria Corley, Stephen Rush, Alvin Singleton, Barbara York, John Stevens, Rodney Newton, Robert Litton, James Grant, James Stephenson, and Ethan Wickman.
Dr. Combest holds degrees from the University of Illinois, the University of Louisville, and Eastern Kentucky University. His teachers include Roger Bobo, Mark Moore, John Jones, and Jim Willett.
Chris Combest is a Performing Artist and Clinician for Melton Meinl Weston and B&S instruments.
Publications
AS REVIEWER
Combest, Chris. “Secret Frets: Jim Shearer & Friends with Strings”. Jim Shearer, tuba. [CD Recording Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 49, no. 3, Spring 2022, New Materials.
---. “Whale Songs”. Unaccompanied Tuba by Lynn Blake John. [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 48, no. 4, Summer 2021, New Materials.
---. “Winding Pathway”. David Earll, tuba and Gail Novak, piano. [CD Recording Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 48, n...
AS REVIEWER
Combest, Chris. “Secret Frets: Jim Shearer & Friends with Strings”. Jim Shearer, tuba. [CD Recording Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 49, no. 3, Spring 2022, New Materials.
---. “Whale Songs”. Unaccompanied Tuba by Lynn Blake John. [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 48, no. 4, Summer 2021, New Materials.
---. “Winding Pathway”. David Earll, tuba and Gail Novak, piano. [CD Recording Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 48, no. 4, Summer 2021, New Materials.
---. “Six Etudes for Tuba”. Robert Marstellar edited by Gordon Cherry. [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 48, no. 2, Winter 2020, New Materials.
---. "Sonata" for euphonium and piano by Doug Bristol. [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 48, no. 2, Winter 2020, New Materials.
---. "White Christmas" by Irving Berlin and arranged for tuba-euphonium quartet by Lisa Albrecht. [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 48, no. 2, Winter 2020, New Materials.
---. "Stepping Stones for Tuba, Vol. 2" by Scott Watson. [CD Recording Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 48, no. 2, Winter 2020, New Materials.
---. “Street-Beat” for tuba-euphonium quartet by Mike Forbes. [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 47, no. 2, Winter 2019, New Materials.
---. “New Horizons” by the Houston Brass Quintet. [CD Recording review] ITEA Journal, vol. 46, no. 4, Summer 2019, New Materials.
---. “Movere” for solo euphonium by Chris Dickey. [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 46, no. 4, Summer 2019, New Materials.
---. “Six Album Leaves, from Op. 51” by Rheinhold Gliere. Arranged for euphonium and piano by Ralph Sauer. [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 46, no. 4, Summer 2019, New Materials.
---. “Second Year: FlexDuets” arranged for bass clef instruments by Carl Strommen. [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 45, no. 4, Summer 2018, New Materials.
---. “Dualities” CD Recording with Steven Darling, tuba and Naoko Tanaka, piano with Preston Light, tuba. Emeritus Records. [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 45, no. 4, Summer 2018, New Materials.
---. "Deep Inside the Sacred Temple". Euphonium duet and piano. Georges Bizet. Arr. Noah D. Taylor. ITEA Journal, vol. 45, no. 2, Winter 2017, New Materials.
---. "Agnus Dei 2 from Missa O sacrum convivium". Brass Quintet. Giovanni Palestrina. Transcribed by Michael Brown. ITEA Journal, vol. 45, no. 2, Winter 2017, New Materials.
---. "When it was raining..." John Carbon. ITEA Journal, vol. 45, no. 2, Winter 2017, New Materials.
---. “Ulricht from Symphony No. 2, Resurrection Symphony by Gustav Mahler and arranged for solo tuba and piano by Joseph Caladrise” [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 41, no. 2, Winter 2014, New Materials.
---. “The 32nd Annual Leonard Falcone Euphonium-Tuba Festival” [Article] ITEA Journal, vol. 45, no. 1, Fall 2017, Feature.
---. “Into the Void for brass quintet by Lon W. Chaffin” [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 41, no. 2, Winter 2014, New Materials.
---. “The Summer at Falcone 2014” [Article] ITEA Journal, vol. 41, no. 3, Summer 2014, Feature.
---. “Three Madrigal Fantasias by John Ward (1572-1638) arranged for Brass Quintet by Roger C. Vogel.” [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 38, no. 3, Spring 2011, New Materials.
---. “Echoes of Syros CD Recording by Stuart Dempster, Tom Heasley and Erik Glick” [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 37, no. 3, Spring 2010, New Materials.
---. “18 Preludes for Tuba by Hubert Collinet (c.1797-c.1867) edited by Wesley Jacobs” [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 37, no. 3, Spring 2010, New Materials.
---. “Practice Room Strategies” [Video] Power Lessons with the Pros, ITEA (January, 2010), online video projects.
---. “Magnetics for Two Tubas by Walter Sear” [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 37, no. 3, Spring 2010, New Materials.
---. “Cascades CD recording featuring Carol Jantsch” [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 37, no. 1, Fall 2009, New Materials.
---. “Arabesco IV for solo tuba by Carlos Marques (Balaú)” [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 36, no. 2, Winter 2009, New Materials.
---. “Three Perspectives for Tuba Quartet by Elizabeth Raum” [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 36, no. 2, Winter 2009, New Materials.
---. “Voodoo for Tuba and Piano by Robert Grenier” [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 36, no. 2, Winter 2009, New Materials.
---. “Amalthea by Brett Miller,” [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 36, no. 2, Winter 2009, New Materials.
---. “Ave Verum Corpus by W.A. Mozart arranged by Sabourin” [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 35, no. 3, Spring 2008, New Materials.
---. “Concerto for Tuba by Darrol Barry” [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 35, no. 3, Spring 2008, New Materials.
---. “One Clear Call CD recording featuring Nick Etheridge” [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 35, no. 4, Summer 2008, New Materials.
---. “…And When I Die by Laura Nyro for tuba solo by Dave Bargeron” [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 35, no. 4, Summer 2008, New Materials.
---. “Cathedral Rondeau by Randy Snider” [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 35, no. 1, Fall 2007, New Materials.
---. “Three Moods for Euphonium and Piano by Barton Cummings” [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 35, no. 1, Fall 2007, New Materials.
---. “Were You There? arranged by Randy Snyder” [Review] ITEA Journal, vol. 35, no. 1, Fall 2007, New Materials.
AS EDITOR
Moore, Christopher. “Toccata Marziale by Ralph Vaughan Williams” Edited by Chris Combest. Experts’ Excerpts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 44, no. 3, Spring 2017.
Kline, Louis. “The German CC Tuba” Edited by Chris Combest. Nuts and Bolts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 44, no. 3, Spring 2017.
Williams, Jarrod. “Thunder and Blazes by Julius Fucik” Edited by Chris Combest. Experts’ Excerpts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 44, no. 2, Winter 2017.
Gnagey, Sam. “Building 4/4 CC Horns from Vintage Instruments” Edited by Chris Combest. Nuts and Bolts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 44, no. 2, Winter 2017.
Hersey, JoAnna Ross. “Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa” Edited by Chris Combest. Experts’ Excerpts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 44, no. 1, Fall 2016.
Flaten, Tormod. “Festival Variations by Claude T. Smith” Edited by Chris Combest. Experts’ Excerpts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 43, no. 4, Summer 2016.
Cradler, John. “Rufford Park Poachers from Percy Grainger’s Lincolnshire Posy” Edited by Chris Combest. Experts’ Excerpts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 43, no. 3, Spring 2016.
Cameron, Scott. “Hindemith’s Symphony in B-flat for Concert Band, Mvmt. 1” Edited by Chris Combest. Experts’ Excerpts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 43, no. 2, Winter 2015.
Schultz, Dan. “So…You Want to Add Valves to Your Tuba?” Edited by Chris Combest. Nuts and Bolts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 43, no. 2, Winter 2015.
Lessard, Adam. “The Roman Carnival Overture by Hector Berlioz/arr. Safranek” Edited by Chris Combest. Experts’ Excerpts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 43, no. 1, Fall 2015.
Schultz, Dan and Ricer, T.J. “Frankentuba” Edited by Chris Combest. Nuts and Bolts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 43, no. 1, Fall 2015.
Hicks, James. “First Suite and Toccata Marziale” Edited by Chris Combest. Experts’ Excerpts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 42, no. 4, Summer 2015.
Sellmansberger, Joe. “Advice for young students: Choosing your first tuba” Edited by Chris Combest. Nuts and Bolts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 42, no. 4, Summer 2015.
LaDuke, Lance. “Thunder and Blazes” Edited by Chris Combest. Experts’ Excerpts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 42, no. 3, Spring 2015.
Wilk, Martin. “Brace Yourself!” Edited by Chris Combest. Nuts and Bolts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 42, no. 3, Spring 2015.
Battista, Gregory. “Aegean Festival Overture by Andreas Makris” Edited by Chris Combest. Experts’ Excerpts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 42, no. 2, Winter 2015.
Schultz, Dan. “King Rotary Tubas” Edited by Chris Combest. Nuts and Bolts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 42, no. 2, Winter 2015.
Elliot, John. “An Unusual Reunion” Edited by Chris Combest. Nuts and Bolts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 42, no. 1, Fall 2014.
McBride, Jeremy. “Percy Grainger’s Colonial Song” Edited by Chris Combest. Experts’ Excerpts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 42, no. 1, Fall 2014.
Buckley, Chris. “Schoenberg’s Theme and Variations, Op. 43a Variation V” Edited by Chris Combest. Experts’ Excerpts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 41, no. 3, Spring 2014.
Caputo, John. “Holst’s First Suite in Eb for Military Band” Edited by Chris Combest. Experts’ Excerpts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 41, no. 2, Winter 2014.
Veronie, Lauren. “The Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa” Edited by Chris Combest. Experts’ Excerpts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 41, no. 1, Fall 2013.
Vinson, Daniel. “Pineapple Poll by Arthur Sullivan and Charles Mackerras” Edited by Chris Combest. Experts’ Excerpts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 40, no. 4, Summer 2013.
Veronie, Lauren. “Second Suite in F by Gustav Holst” Edited by Chris Combest. Experts’ Excerpts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 40, no. 3, Spring 2013.
Tropman, Matthew. “Festive Overture by Dimitri Shostakovich” Edited by Chris Combest. Experts’ Excerpts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 40, no. 2, Winter 2013.
Sellmansberger, Joe. “Cleanliness is next to…Musicality” Edited by Chris Combest. Nuts and Bolts Column: ITEA Journal, vol. 40, no. 1, Fall 2012.
Awards
The American Prize: 3rd Place Award for Brass Performance | 2023
Global Music Awards: Silver Medal for Outstanding Achievement | 2023
Nominated, Roger Bobo Award for Excellence in Recording – ITEA | 2023
Nominated, Faculty Student Mentoring Award – Middle Tennessee State University | 2022
Global Music Awards: Silver Medal for Outstanding Achievement | 2021
Nominated, Roger Bobo Award for Excellence in Recor...
The American Prize: 3rd Place Award for Brass Performance | 2023
Global Music Awards: Silver Medal for Outstanding Achievement | 2023
Nominated, Roger Bobo Award for Excellence in Recording – ITEA | 2023
Nominated, Faculty Student Mentoring Award – Middle Tennessee State University | 2022
Global Music Awards: Silver Medal for Outstanding Achievement | 2021
Nominated, Roger Bobo Award for Excellence in Recording – ITEA | 2021
Nominated, Faculty Creative Activity Award - Middle Tennessee State University | 2021
A.A. Harding Award – University Bands, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 2009
Research / Scholarly Activity
| SOLO PERFORMANCES | DATES |
|---|---|
| Adjudicators Recital, Leonard Falcone International Tuba-Euphonium Festival | 08/09/2023 |
| The International Low Brass Festival (Virtual) | 06/29/2023 |
| “Eufonios y Tubas Brazil” Featured International Tuba Artist, Sao Paulo, Brazil | 04/23/2023 |
| U.S. Army Band ... |
| SOLO PERFORMANCES | DATES |
|---|---|
| Adjudicators Recital, Leonard Falcone International Tuba-Euphonium Festival | 08/09/2023 |
| The International Low Brass Festival (Virtual) | 06/29/2023 |
| “Eufonios y Tubas Brazil” Featured International Tuba Artist, Sao Paulo, Brazil | 04/23/2023 |
| U.S. Army Band “Perishing’s Own” Tuba-Euphonium Workshop, Washington, DC | 02/02/2023 |
| Middle Tennessee State University, Faculty Recital | 08/25/2022 |
| Adjudicators Recital, Leonard Falcone International Tuba-Euphonium Festival | 08/06/2022 |
| Midwest Tuba Euphonium Conference, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY | 05/28/2022 |
| U.S. Army Band “Perishing’s Own” Tuba-Euphonium Workshop, Washington, DC | 02/19/2022 |
| Middle Tennessee State University, Faculty Recital | 02/12/2022 |
| Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, AL | 10/04/2021 |
| Middle Tennessee State University, Faculty Recital | 02/23/2021 |
| Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Cincinnati, OH | 10/15/2019 |
| University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY | 10/13/2019 |
| Middle Tennessee State University, Faculty Recital | 10/09/2019 |
| Adjudicators Recital, Leonard Falcone International Tuba-Euphonium Festival | 08/11/2019 |
| International Tuba Euphonium Conference, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA | 05/30/2019 |
| Texas A&M-Commerce, Commerce, TX | 03/04/2019 |
| University of North Texas, Denton, TX | 03/03/2019 |
| Middle Tennessee State University, Faculty Recital | 01/22/2019 |
| Adjudicators Recital, Leonard Falcone International Tuba-Euphonium Festival | 08/11/2018 |
| U.S. Army Band “Perishing’s Own” Tuba-Euphonium Workshop, Washington, DC | 02/02/2018 |
| Middle Tennessee State University, Faculty Recital | 11/29/2017 |
| University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN | 11/19/2017 |
| Kent State University, Kent, OH | 11/05/2017 |
| Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, Cleveland, OH | 11/04/2017 |
| Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY | 10/16/2017 |
| Adjudicators Recital, Leonard Falcone International Tuba-Euphonium Festival | 08/11/2017 |
| Southeast Regional Tuba Euphonium Conference University of Alabama | 03/10/2017 |
| University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI | 03/06/2017 |
| University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL | 03/05/2017 |
| Middle Tennessee State University, Faculty Recital | 10/16/2016 |
| International Tuba Euphonium Conference, University of Tennessee-Knoxville | 06/02/2016 |
| University of North Texas, Denton, TX | 01/31/2016 |
| Texas A&M University Commerce, Commerce, TX | 03/30/2015 |
| Adjudicators Recital, Leonard Falcone International Tuba-Euphonium Festival | 08/09/2014 |
| International Tuba Euphonium Conference, Indiana University, Bloomington | 05/20/2014 |
| Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY | 03/31/2014 |
| WUOL 90.5 FM Live Radio Broadcast Recital, Louisville, KY | 11/13/2013 |
| Wright State University, Dayton, OH | 10/15/2013 |
| University of Louisville, Louisville, KY | 10/13/2013 |
| Midwest Regional Tuba Euphonium Conference, Illinois State University | 05/26/2013 |
| Featured Soloist, Oldham County HS Band, LaGrange, KY (KMEA) | 02/07/2013 |
| Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX | 10/03/2012 |
| International Tuba Euphonium Conference, Linz, AUSTRIA | 06/21/2012 |
| University of Texas at San Antonio Wind Ensemble – Robert Rustowicz, Conductor | 11/07/2011 |
| University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX | 10/21/2011 |
| “The Music of Morgan Powell” with the Tone Road Ramblers | 04/12/2011 |
| U.S. Army Band “Perishing’s Own” Tuba-Euphonium Workshop | 01/26/2011 |
| Marshall University, Huntington, WV | 01/23/2011 |
| Midwest Regional Tuba Euphonium Conference, Central Michigan University | 03/12/2011 |
| University of Memphis, Memphis, TN | 11/07/2010 |
| Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, AR | 10/03/2010 |
| Southern Illinois University, Faculty Recital | 01/21/2010 |
| University of Illinois, Champaign, IL | 01/19/2010 |
| GUEST MASTERCLASSES and PRESENTATIONS | |
|---|---|
| Young Artist Division Masterclass, Leonard Falcone International Festival | 08/09/2022 |
| “Eufonios y Tubas Brazil” Featured International Tuba Artist - Sao Paulo, Brazil | 04/21/2023 |
| Pedagogics Presentation: Mississippi State University Brass Tech Class (Virtual) | 03/06/2023 |
| Grissom High School Honor Band, Huntsville, AL | 02/10/2023 |
| Young Artist Division Masterclass, Leonard Falcone International Festival | 08/08/2022 |
| University of North Texas, Denton, TX (Virtual) | 01/24/2022 |
| Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, AL | 10/04/2021 |
| Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI (Virtual) | 03/25/2021 |
| University of Redlands, Redlands, CA (Virtual) | 02/26/2021 |
| Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ (Virtual) | 01/25/2021 |
| ESMUC School of Music, Catalonia, SPAIN (Virtual) | 11/09/2020 |
| Boston University, Boston, MA (Virtual) | 11/03/2020 |
| Westchester University, Westchester, PA (Virtual) | 10/29/2020 |
| Ithaca College, Ithaca NY (Virtual) | 10/19/2020 |
| University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX (Virtual) | 10/09/2020 |
| Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Cincinnati, OH | 10/15/2019 |
| Young Artist Division Masterclass, Leonard Falcone International Festival | 08/12/2019 |
| University of North Texas, Denton, TX | 03/03/2019 |
| Grissom High School Honor band, Huntsville, AL | 02/09/2019 |
| Young Artist Division Masterclass, Leonard Falcone International Festival | 08/11/2018 |
| Kent State University/Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, Cleveland, OH | 11/04/2017 |
| Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY | 10/16/2017 |
| Young Artist Division Masterclass, Leonard Falcone International Festival | 08/11/2017 |
| University of North Texas, Denton, TX | 01/31/2016 |
| Texas A&M University-Commerce, Commerce, TX | 03/30/2015 |
| Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN | 11/19/2013 |
| Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX | 10/03/2012 |
| University of Memphis, Memphis, TN | 11/07/2010 |
| Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, AR | 10/03/2010 |
| PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE | |
|---|---|
| Nashville Opera, Nashville, TN – Principal Tuba | 2018 – Present |
| Huntsville Symphony, Huntsville, TN – Substitute/Extra | 2017 – Present |
| Nashville Symphony, Nashville, TN – Substitute/Extra | 2016 – Present |
| Chattanooga Symphony, Chattanooga, TN – Substitute/Extra | 2016 – Present |
| Nashville Session Musician, Nashville, TN | 2016 – Present |
| Indianapolis Symphony, Indianapolis, IN – Substitute/Extra | 2013 – Present |
| Dallas Wind Symphony, Dallas, TX | 2014 – 2016 |
| Louisville Orchestra, Louisville, KY – Principal Tuba (Full-Time) | 2012 – 2014 |
| Erie Philharmonic, Erie, PA – Substitute/Extra | 2017 – 2018 |
| Wintergreen Festival Orchestra, Wintergreen, VA – Principal Tuba | 2014 – 2020 |
| Tulsa Symphony and Ballet, Tulsa, OK – Substitute/Extra | 2015 – 2016 |
| Allen Philharmonic, Allen, TX – Substitute/Extra | 2014 – 2016 |
| Longview Symphony, Longview, TX – Substitute/Extra | 2014 – 2016 |
| Ash Lawn Opera, Charlottesville, VA – Principal Tuba | 2012 – 2015 |
| Lexington Philharmonic, Lexington, KY – Substitute/Extra | 2013 – 2014 |
| Orchestra Kentucky, Bowling Green, KY – Substitute/Extra | 2013 – 2014 |
| San Antonio Symphony, San Antonio, TX – Substitute/Extra | 2011 – 2012 |
| Victoria Symphony, Victoria, TX – Principal Tuba | 2011 – 2012 |
| Danville Symphony, Danville, IL – Principal Tuba | 2007 – 2010 |
| Chicago Chamber Orchestra, Chicago, IL – Substitute/Extra | 2010 – 2011 |
| Prairie Ensemble Chamber Orchestra, Champaign, IL – Principal Tuba | 2005 – 2009 |
| Paducah Symphony, Paducah, KY – Substitute/Extra | 2010 – 2011 |
| Lafayette Symphony, Lafayette, IN – Substitute/Extra | 2009 – 2011 |
| Terre Haute Symphony, Terre Haute, IN – Substitute/Extra | 2009 – 2011 |
| Columbus Symphony, Columbus, IN – Substitute/Extra | 2009 – 2011 |
| Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Springfield, IL – Substitute/Extra | 2005 – 2011 |
| Sinfonia Da Camera, Champaign, IL – Substitute/Extra | 2005 – 2011 |
| Champaign-Urbana Symphony, Urbana, IL – Substitute/Extra | 2005 – 2011 |
| Lexington Brass Band, Lexington, KY | 1998 – 2002 |
Creative Activity
PUBLISHED RECORDINGS
“The Artistry of Leonard Falcone” [producer, streaming release] – Leonard Falcone Festival | 2023
• Produced digitally remastered recordings of Euphonium Virtuoso, Leonard Falcone
“Mosaic: Chris Combest, tuba” [solo recording] – Sponsored by Buffet Group USA | 2022
• The American Prize: 3rd Place Award for Brass Performance | 2023
• Global Music Awards: Silver Medal for Ou...
PUBLISHED RECORDINGS
“The Artistry of Leonard Falcone” [producer, streaming release] – Leonard Falcone Festival | 2023
• Produced digitally remastered recordings of Euphonium Virtuoso, Leonard Falcone
“Mosaic: Chris Combest, tuba” [solo recording] – Sponsored by Buffet Group USA | 2022
• The American Prize: 3rd Place Award for Brass Performance | 2023
• Global Music Awards: Silver Medal for Outstanding Achievement | 2023
• Nominated, Roger Bobo Award for Excellence in Recording – ITEA | 2023
“Under Tennessee Skies: Chris Combest, tuba” [solo recording] | 2020
• The American Prize: Finalist | 2021
• Global Music Awards: Silver Medal for Outstanding Achievement | 2021
• Nominated, Roger Bobo Award for Excellence in Recording – ITEA | 2021
“IFC3 & Friends” [CD recording] – Music of Francaix, Gipps, Mackey, Ravel, Self and Strauss | 2018
• The International Fellowship of Collaborators, Conductors, and Composers
“Andres Cardenes - Violin Concertos of Barber, Stock, Copland” [CD recording] | 2009
• Ian Hobson/ Eduardo Diazmunoz, Sinfonia da Camera, Albany Records
"Brass Masters: Vol. XI" [CD recording] The Lexington Brass Band, Polyphonic Label | 2001
"Live from St. Louis” [CD recording] Saxton's Cornet Band, St. Louis, MO, Classics Label | 1998
In the Media
- Kaiser Health News: Musicians Improvise Masks for Wind Instruments to Keep the Band Together https://kffhealthnews.org/news/musicians-improvise-masks-for-wind-instruments-covid-protection/
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Gene Pokorny and pals in a tuba ‘first’ https://cso.org/experience/article/1289/gene-pokorny-and-pals-in-a-tuba-first-edward
- My Practice Sessions – LastRowMusic.com https://www.lastrowmusic.com/my-practice-sessions-chris-combest/
