Chris Valdes, a Miami native, has been involved in the marching arts for 10+ years. He started as an alto saxophone member of the marching band throughout high school, as well as an inaugural member of WGI Winds with the FIU Open Winds, in which they won the 2015 WGI Open class championships. Following this year, he went on to audition for his first winterguard experience with FIU Winterguard in 2016.
Over the years, he marched several groups including, Braddock Independent World in 2017, FIU Winterguard in 2016/2018 and UCF Pegasus World in 2019. From 2017-2020, he toured around the country as a cast member of the Santa Clara Vanguard colorguard, achieving multiple honors awards such as the George Zingali award for best Colorguard, as well as a gold, silver, and bronze medal at the World Championships.
Chris has taught numerous high schools such as Braddock Senior High, Mater Academy Charter, Cypress Bay High School, and helped out at other high school programs around South Florida, as well as UCF Pegasus World in 2019 and currently an in-house choreographer for FIU Winterguard programs since 2019. Chris also instructed the 2022 SCV Colorguard, and will be returning for 2023 season. He is a graduate from the Florida International University School of Business with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Real Estate.