The Manchester HS Lancer Band Boosters is a 501(c)-3 non-profit organization dedicated to serving the students and staff of the Lancer Bands. In addition to fundraising they provide volunteer support for trips, major events, rehearsals, and weekly marching band activities. Their main source of income to support the Lancer Bands is the concession stand during JV and Varsity Home Games and membership dues from their booster members.
2019-2020 Manchester High School Band Boosters Board Members:
Kristine Vester [President]
Tracie Bredwell [Vice-President]
Barbara Farmer [Vice-President]
Emily Braughton [Treasurer]
Amy Fens [Secretary]
Contact us at: mhslancerbandbooster@gmail.com
Christopher Fens began his teaching career in 2002 in Chesterfield County, Virginia where he was hired as the band director for Bailey Bridge Middle School. While director at BBMS, Christopher also served as the Assistant Director for the Manchester High School Lancer Bands which led to his appointment as Director of Bands at Manchester High School in 2015. Under his leadership, the bands at BBMS and MHS have received numerous superior ratings at state assessments and have won many awards at assessment competitions, including being recognized as a Virginia Honor Band and multiple Blue Ribbon School of Excellence awards.
Prior to his teaching, Christopher spent four years with the United States Marine Corps Band at Quantico, Virginia. After his service, he continued his education at Virginia Commonwealth University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in December 2000 (cum laude) and Master’s Degree (magna cum laude) in May 2002. Both degrees are in Music Education with a concentration in conducting. As a graduate student, Christopher served as the teaching assistant to Dr. Terry Austin and had many opportunities to conduct the University Band and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. He also served as coordinator of the VCU Pep Band and received the VCU Outstanding Graduate Student Award upon his graduation.
Christopher held the position of conductor for the Chesterfield Community Band from January 2000 to December 2004. In January 2002, he was selected as the conductor of the Fredericksburg Concert Band and still holds that position today. In 2008, he was selected to be the Band Director for the American Legion Boys State held at Radford University and was nominated and inducted into the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity in 2009. Christopher is currently a member of the Virginia Music Educators Association, NAfME: The National Association for Music Education, the Phi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society, and the American Legion. He is an active adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor in all levels and has served throughout the state and along the east coast in these roles.
Christopher currently resides in Chesterfield County with his wife Amy, and is the proud father of six wonderful children.