Chris Benedetti

Chris Benedetti serves as Assistant Director of Bands at Jacksonville State University. A native of Peachtree City, Georgia, he holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Instrumental Music Education from Jacksonville State University and is currently completing his Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education at William Carey University.

Prior to joining the faculty at Jacksonville State University, Mr. Benedetti served as Director of Bands at Gadsden City High School in Gadsden, Alabama, from 2021–2026. During his tenure, he led the Symphonic Band and Gadsden City Marching Titans while assisting with the Concert Winds and Freshman Band. Under his direction, the ensembles consistently earned superior ratings at marching festivals and Music Performance Assessments and received honors at the Alabama State Marching Band Championship. His ensembles also performed at numerous prestigious events throughout the country, including the Fiesta Flambeau Parade in San Antonio, where they earned second place among out-of-state bands; the 6ABC Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia; the Magnificent Mile Parade in Chicago; Universal Studios; and the Birmingham Veterans Day Parade. The Gadsden City program was also selected to perform at the 2020 National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., prior to the festival’s cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Benedetti served as District Chair for the Alabama Bandmasters Association from 2024–2026. Previously, he served as Director of Bands at Ohatchee High School, where he also served as President of the Calhoun County Band Directors Association. In 2017, he was honored as Calhoun County Teacher of the Year.

An active clinician and adjudicator, Mr. Benedetti has worked with music programs throughout the region and has served as a guest clinician for Georgia Music Educators Association Honor Bands. He remains active as a performer, playing trombone regularly in church settings and with Alabama Winds.

A first-generation American with family roots in Cartagena, Colombia, Mr. Benedetti is passionate about the transformative role of music education in building community, fostering belonging, and expanding access to the arts. His commitment to the marching arts extends beyond the classroom. He is an alumnus of the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps and has served on the brass staff of Spirit of Atlanta. He has also directed and overseen multiple winter guard programs competing in the Southern Association of Performing Arts (SAPA).

Mr. Benedetti’s professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, Alabama Music Educators Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and the Jacksonville State University LatinX Alumni Chapter.

Returning to Jacksonville State University represents a meaningful continuation of Mr. Benedetti’s personal and professional journey. Having earned both of his music education degrees from JSU, he is honored to now serve on the faculty and contribute to the university community that played such an important role in his development as an educator and musician. He and his family are deeply grateful for the opportunities and support they have received from the Jacksonville community and are excited to give back to a place that has had such a lasting impact on their lives.

Mr. Benedetti resides in Jacksonville, Alabama, with his wife, Maegan, their sons, Lucas and Alejandro, and their dog, Penelope.