Mr. Christopher J. Sacco grew up in DeSoto, MO, and graduated from DeSoto High School in 1999. After high school, Chris studied and played trumpet under Dr. Matthew McCready and Joseph Pappas while attending Jefferson College in Hillsboro, MO. Before completing his degree, he was selected to perform with the All-State Collegiate Band, under the direction of Frank Ticheli. In 2004, he received an Associate of Arts degree with an emphasis on Instrumental Music.

Mr. Sacco then began working on a Bachelor of Music Education at Missouri State University. While in attendance, he studied trumpet under Dr. Grant Peters, was section leader of the PRIDE trumpets, and performed in several ensembles, including Jerry Hoover’s Jazz Band and the University Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Belva Prather. While in the Wind Ensemble, Chris was fortunate enough to perform at the CBDNA (College Band Directors National Association) Conference at Baylor University in Waco, TX, as well as at the MMEA (Missouri Music Educators Association) Conference. During his time at Missouri State University, he was an active marching and brass technician for several high schools in and around the Springfield area. He graduated summa cum laude in 2007.

In 2013, while serving as the Associate Director of Bands for the Ava R-I School District, Chris completed his Master's in Secondary Education through Drury University. He is currently in his 14th year at Ava, where he co-directs with his wife Sarah. His duties include Beginning Band, Intermediate Band, Middle School Concert Band, Middle School Jazz Band, High School Jazz Band, and assisting with the High School Symphonic and Marching Bands. His Middle School Concert Band and High School Jazz Band have received superior ratings every year at various festivals. Mr. Sacco’s applied students have consistently received Honor I Ratings at both the District and State level since his arrival. The overall program has more than doubled in size and success since Chris and his wife arrived in 2008. Since then, they have had students perform in the All-District Bands, All-State Band, Missouri Lions Band, Macy’s Great American Marching Band, Army All-American Marching Band, and the Bands of America Marching Band. 

In January of 2019, Chris was selected as a recipient of the John East “Spirit of Orpheus” Mentor Award for his work with young music educators throughout the South Central region of the state. He is a two time recipient of the National Citizenship Education Teacher Recognition Award as well as the Loyalty Day Award by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. He has also been “spotlighted” by the Ava R-I Board of Education on numerous occasions for his work with his students.

Mr. Sacco’s professional affiliations and memberships include MMEA (Missouri Music Educators Association), NAfME (National Association for Music Education), MBA (Missouri Bandmasters Association), MOAJE (Missouri Association for Jazz Education), Phi Beta Mu (International Bandmasters Fraternity) and Phi Theta Kappa. Chris currently serves as the Jazz Vice President for the Missouri Music Educators Association, the Band Vice President of the South Central District of the Missouri Music Educators Association, the Event Coordinator for the South Central Association All-Conference Honor Band, and is also an active certified adjudicator with the Missouri State High School Activities Association. 

Outside of music education, Chris enlisted in the Missouri Air National Guard in March of 2000, where he completed an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. He also served as the Drum Major of the Drum and Bugle Corp at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, TX. While serving 12 years in the 131st Civil Engineering Squadron, he was active during Operations Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, where he served in various locations throughout the Middle East.