Christopher Artau (b. 2004) is a composer, arranger, sound designer, and educator living in Miami, Florida. Composing and arranging for groups since the early age of 14, his works are now played by an eclectic range of ensembles from wind bands and jazz ensembles to marching bands and indoor winds groups. Chris is also an ASCAP-registered writer with recognition from the J.W. Pepper and Son Editors' Choice program, the Florida Bandmasters Association, and the Florida Music Education Association. Additionally, Chris had the honor of participating in the 2023 Bluecoats Fellowship as a Music Composition and Arranging Fellow under the mentorship of Douglas Thrower.

During the outdoor and indoor pageantry seasons, Chris works closely with various ensembles to design, write, and teach competitive marching arts productions, both in the marching band and indoor winds medium. Many of these programs have been able to place favorably in finalist positions within their respective circuit. Circuits in which Chris currently designs and teaches include the Florida Marching Band Coalition, the Florida

Federation of Colorguards Circuit, and Winter Guard International. Chris also has the pleasure of being closely tied to two WGI World Independent Winds groups: Legacy (Member 2022, Staff 2024) and STRYKE Wynds (Member 2023); as well as The Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps (Fellow 2023).

For his wind band, jazz ensemble, and chamber ensemble works, Chris consults and holds clinics with groups playing his music nationwide. Chris primarily publishes concert music through Excelcia Music Publishing and Randall Standridge Music; however, he also enjoys independently collaborating with various schools, colleges, and organizations such as the Miami Wind Symphony, the South Florida Youth Symphony, and the Brass Institutes of America to

premiere commissioned pieces and release original works of music. Chris looks forward to continuing crafting and creating a safe space for the art of music.