Christopher Rosas
Mr. Rosas is currently the newest Director of Percussion at Tomball High School in Tomball, TX. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, he holds a Master’s of Music degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Tennessee—where he served as the Graduate Teaching Assistant for the UT Percussion Studio—and a Bachelor’s of Music degree in Music Education from Texas Lutheran University.
Prior to his time in Tennessee, he served as the full-time percussion specialist for William H. Taft High School under Jeremy Chapman, a 6A school in San Antonio. In this role, he provided daily masterclass sessions, taught private lessons, led a 6th-grade beginning percussion class, coached percussion ensembles, and served as the Front Ensemble Coordinator for the Raider Marching Band.
An accomplished performer from his early years, Mr. Rosas earned gold medals with 5points Independent Percussion at TCGC and TECA Championships, while also competing as a WGI World Finalist at the prestigious Dayton Arena. It is also notable to mention his high-level competitive marching history in the Wagner High School Band receiving gold medals in the US bands circuit and having received a 1st place medal as a Bands of America competitor at the Super Regional level.
His impressive collegiate career included roles as Principal Percussionist and Timpanist in top ensembles at multiple universities. One of the most moments pinnacle of his achievements came in 2021 when he was selected for the National Intercollegiate Band, performing Alex Shapiro’s “SUSPENDED” at the DeVos Performance Hall alongside the nation’s most elite collegiate musicians ranging from the undergraduate level to Doctoral candidate students.
Prior to his time in Tennessee, he served as the full-time percussion specialist for William H. Taft High School under Jeremy Chapman, a 6A school in San Antonio. In this role, he provided daily masterclass sessions, taught private lessons, led a 6th-grade beginning percussion class, coached percussion ensembles, and served as the Front Ensemble Coordinator for the Raider Marching Band.
An accomplished performer from his early years, Mr. Rosas earned gold medals with 5points Independent Percussion at TCGC and TECA Championships, while also competing as a WGI World Finalist at the prestigious Dayton Arena. It is also notable to mention his high-level competitive marching history in the Wagner High School Band receiving gold medals in the US bands circuit and having received a 1st place medal as a Bands of America competitor at the Super Regional level.
His impressive collegiate career included roles as Principal Percussionist and Timpanist in top ensembles at multiple universities. One of the most moments pinnacle of his achievements came in 2021 when he was selected for the National Intercollegiate Band, performing Alex Shapiro’s “SUSPENDED” at the DeVos Performance Hall alongside the nation’s most elite collegiate musicians ranging from the undergraduate level to Doctoral candidate students.
Frame Drum FUNdamentals: Exploring the Rich Heritage and Techniques of the Riq
Session Description:
In celebration of PASIC's 50th anniversary, this session introduces participants to the fascinating world of frame drums, with a special focus on the Riq. This interactive workshop will focus on practical instruction to empower educators and students alike with practical knowledge they can immediately implement, whether in classroom settings or personal practice.
This session addresses a significant gap in percussion education – the underutilization of frame drums in primary school settings. Despite being one of the most affordable and portable percussion instruments, frame drums remain largely untaught in school music programs. Beyond technical skills, participants will discover how frame drums can foster creative expression, cultural understanding, and collaborative music-making without the barriers of cost or transportation often associated with larger percussion instruments. Comprehensive handouts including rhythm charts, resource lists, and suggestions for building inclusive percussion programs will be provided to all participants for digital download.
Learning Objectives:
– Understand cultural context of frame drums
– Master proper holding techniques/playing positions
– Learn essential tones/fundamental playing techniques
– Gain practical teaching strategies for introducing frame drums in educational settings
Session Outline:
1. Opening Performance (3 min)
– Brief solo demonstration highlighting the Riq's versatility/sonic possibilities
2. Context and Background (7 min)
– Overview of frame drums in various cultures
– Introduction to the Riq's role in traditional/contemporary music
3. Fundamental Techniques (20 min)
– Proper holding positions/posture
– Tone production
– Essential playing techniques
4. Interactive Rhythm Workshop (20 min)
– Group exercises using rhythm charts
– Progressive skill-building activities
– Ensemble playing opportunities
5. Q&A Session (10 min)
– Open discussion and technique clarification
This session addresses a significant gap in percussion education – the underutilization of frame drums in primary school settings. Despite being one of the most affordable and portable percussion instruments, frame drums remain largely untaught in school music programs. Beyond technical skills, participants will discover how frame drums can foster creative expression, cultural understanding, and collaborative music-making without the barriers of cost or transportation often associated with larger percussion instruments. Comprehensive handouts including rhythm charts, resource lists, and suggestions for building inclusive percussion programs will be provided to all participants for digital download.
Learning Objectives:
– Understand cultural context of frame drums
– Master proper holding techniques/playing positions
– Learn essential tones/fundamental playing techniques
– Gain practical teaching strategies for introducing frame drums in educational settings
Session Outline:
1. Opening Performance (3 min)
– Brief solo demonstration highlighting the Riq's versatility/sonic possibilities
2. Context and Background (7 min)
– Overview of frame drums in various cultures
– Introduction to the Riq's role in traditional/contemporary music
3. Fundamental Techniques (20 min)
– Proper holding positions/posture
– Tone production
– Essential playing techniques
4. Interactive Rhythm Workshop (20 min)
– Group exercises using rhythm charts
– Progressive skill-building activities
– Ensemble playing opportunities
5. Q&A Session (10 min)
– Open discussion and technique clarification
- Education
Date:
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time:
12:00 PM
Location:
Room 205
Session Type:
FUNdamentals
Session Format:
Live
