Christopher Badgett is an educator, clarinetist, and vocalist from Southwest Virginia whose work spans K–12 music education, symphonic performance, and operatic artistry. With more than a decade of teaching experience, he currently serves as Band Director at Lucy Addison Middle School in Roanoke, Virginia, where he leads a growing program centered on musical excellence and inclusive artistry. A versatile performer, Badgett is a Young Artist with Opera Roanoke, appearing in special projects, community performances, and featured solos in Handel’s Messiah, and a clarinetist with Winds of the Blue Ridge, one of Southwest Virginia’s premier wind ensembles. He has also performed with the Albemarle Symphony Orchestra and in multiple musical theatre productions across Central Virginia. 

Badgett earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Lynchburg College (now University of Lynchburg), where he served as principal clarinetist Con Brio Woodwind Quintet, clarinet choir, wind symphony, and orchestra. His undergraduate honors include third place in the 2011 Concerto Competition, state runner‑up in the 2012 MTNA Competition with the Con Brio Quintet, and the Helen Pesci Wood Award in Music Performance and Mu Phi Epsilon Senior Achievement Award. He is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Music Education from Boston University, expected in 2026. Beyond the classroom and stage, he has taught ukulele workshops, color guard camps, private lessons, and instrumental master classes. His dedication to student growth and well‑being has earned him the Amherst County Profound Educator Award (2022) and the WSLS & Blue Eagle Credit Union Educator Impact Award (2025). 

When asked why he wanted to become a Copeland Artist, Badgett replied, “The Copeland proves that a high-quality, hand-crafted instrument shouldn’t have to cost a fortune to produce quality musical experiences. As someone who has never been able to afford a quality instrument due to many life circumstances, I want to represent a brand that gives everyone the chance to own and play a high-quality, affordable instrument. Also, the people of Copeland clarinets have been nothing but kind and helpful in rediscovering my love for my clarinet playing and classical music, and I would hope to be able to share that with other people.” Badgett currently plays on our Copeland Willow Bb clarinet.

You can follow Chris on Facebook, as well as Instagram at @thecurlyclarinet and @misterblkmagic, and on his website at www.chrisbadgettmusic.com!