In addition to supervising clinical teachers for Midwestern State University and Tarleton State University. Chris McLellan currently serves as the Executive Secretary for UIL Music, Region 7. Chris retired from band directing in 2021 after 28 years of successful teaching. As Director of Bands for Springtown ISD (2008-2021), Chris led the Sound of Springtown to five consecutive UIL State Marching Championship appearances and placed in finals in 2012, 2016 and 2018. His concert bands were annual Sweepstakes winners and his students were very successful in All-Region, Area and State competitions.

During Chris’ tenure at Glen Rose ISD (1996-2008) he led the middle school band to annual Sweepstakes and “Best in Class” awards at UIL and invitational concert band competitions. During his time as Director of Bands for Glen Rose ISD (2002-2008), he led the Tiger Pride Marching Band to their first UIL State Marching Championships appearance in over 20 years. His concert bands also earned annual Sweepstakes awards and state recognitions. In addition, his students were very successful in All-Region, Area and State Competitions on an annual basis. 

Chris’ bands have placed at the state level of the Association of Texas Small School Bands (ATSSB) Outstanding Performance Series Competition at the middle school and high school levels. His Jazz Bands have earned “Best in Class” awards at several Jazz Band Festivals and performed at the Texas State Capital.

As a percussionist, Chris’ students have excelled in marching, solo, ensemble and drum set. He taught beginning percussion for 25 years and produced 11 All-State percussionists. He has also had several students earn “Outstanding Soloists” medals at the Texas State Solo & Ensemble Competition. His marching percussion sections have won awards at many Drumline Competitions including HEB, Lone Star, Plano, and placed 5^th at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in 2015.

Chris earned his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Tarleton State University and his Master of Educational Leadership Degree from Lamar University. He is an active clinician for marching band, concert band and student leadership. His professional memberships include Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA), Association of Texas Small School Bands (ATSSB), Texas Music Adjudicators Association (TMAA), Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, and Phi Beta Mu Honorary School Bandmaster Fraternity.

Chris currently lives in Fort Worth with his wife Mary and two sons Ian and Jackson, who are both percussionists as well.