Christopher Reaves, 2025 Alumni Award Recipient
Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Reaves
Lutheran Summer Music is proud to announce Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Reaves (LSM 2002) as the 2025 LSM Alumni Award recipient. A trombonist with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, Reaves has built a remarkable career marked by musical excellence, service, and a passion for education and community engagement. The award will be presented during LSM 2025 at the annual Board of Directors Reception on Saturday, July 19, at 5 p.m.
Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, Reaves began his musical training on piano at age nine and trombone at age eleven. After attending LSM in 2002, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in music from The Juilliard School, studying under Joe Alessi of the New York Philharmonic. He later continued his studies at the University of North Texas with Jan Kagarice while pursuing an artist certificate in 2010.
Before joining the Marine Band in 2013, Reaves performed with the Harlem Symphony Orchestra and Manhattan Symphony in New York, and freelanced across Colorado, New York, and the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Today, he performs regularly with both the Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra at the White House, throughout the Washington, D.C. area, and on national concert tours.
Beyond his duties with the Marine Band, Reaves is committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians. He coaches trombone students in the Prince George’s County (Md.) Public Schools’ Center for Visual and Performing Arts magnet programs and performs locally with ensembles such as the Avenue 66 Band and the Dominion Brass Quartet.
Reaves credits his time at Lutheran Summer Music with planting important seeds early in his musical journey. “My time at LSM feels like so long ago now,” he reflects, “but when I reflect on my experience there—working on music and concepts that were new to me at the time, making friends and connections that have had lasting effects—I have nothing but warm feelings and reverence for the program.”
Since LSM, Reaves’ path has included a wide range of experiences. “My journey has been far and wide since LSM, from pursuing college degrees in classical trombone, to working and maintaining Voice over IP phone systems, to performing in ensembles around the world, to serving my country doing what I love most,” he said. “My experience at LSM built on my core values and musicianship, and I'm better because of my time there.”
To young musicians participating in LSM today, Reaves offers this advice: “Embrace the moment, let the music, the people, and the experience shape you towards your goals and dreams, and try not to dwell too long on small setbacks or mistakes. The future holds so much for us all!”
Lutheran Summer Music is honored to recognize Christopher Reaves for his distinguished musicianship, his service, and the enduring inspiration he brings to students and audiences around the world.
LSM Annual Alumni Award
The purpose of the LSM Annual Alumni Award is to recognize those alumni who have made significant contributions to their community, church, or society at large, and whose accomplishments, affiliations, vocations, or careers have positively shaped our world and reflect the spirit of LSM.
Previous Recipients
2024: Rev. Michael D. Costello (LSM 1993 to 1996)
2023: Dr. Sangeetha Rayapati (LSM 1990-1991)