Christian Santos’ versatility as a percussionist has led him to experiences in solo, orchestral, and chamber settings. He was a fellow at the Aspen Summer Music Festival, a finalist for an orchestral fellowship with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and is a former Associate Member with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. A winner of the 2024 Northwestern University Concerto Competition, Christian performed Joseph Schwantner’s Concerto for Percussion and Orchestra, for which Mr. Schwantner commended his spirited and sharply-etched playing. In addition, he was a finalist at the 2023 Great Plains International Marimba Competition and was invited to perform with the PASIC 2023 International Collegiate Percussion Ensemble.

Christian is a passionate educator, having served as a teaching assistant at the 2023 Interlochen Arts Camp and a front ensemble instructor in Bergen County, NJ. He is committed to creating an environment of curiosity and exploration for students of all levels. Christian is a recipient of the School of Music Eckstein Fund at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, where he obtained his Master of Music. He holds a Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music. He has studied with She-e Wu, Chris Lamb, Duncan Patton, Kyle Zerna, Pablo Rieppi, and Jonathan Haas.