Chris Howard
At Howard Woodwind Company, Chris is your go-to expert for all major clarinet repairs and restorations. Using his combined background as a professional clarinetist and technician, he personally oversees clarinet sales, handpicking all professional instruments to ensure the highest quality inventory available. Chris consults with all clients, from aspiring students to world-class clarinetists, providing tailored advice and support.
Chris's Story
Chris founded Howard Woodwind Company in 2019 shortly before retiring from the United States Coast Guard Band. With more than 20 years of experience as a professional clarinetist and technician, he brings the unique perspective of a seasoned performer to the workbench. Chris is originally from San Antonio, TX, where he apprenticed with Pete Rodriguez at Musical Instrument Service as a woodwind technician with a focus on clarinet overhauls. He has pursued additional study in repair with two legends in the field; Kristin Bertrand in New York City and Mark Jacobi in Philadelphia.
As a player, he regularly performs as an orchestral and chamber clarinetist across New England and currently serves as Instructor of Clarinet at Eastern Connecticut State University. He is a frequent player with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, and periodically performs with the Vermont and Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestras. Chris spent 20 years as a clarinetist with service bands in the United States Navy and Coast Guard, during which time he was featured as a concerto soloist on many occasions and performed in more than 30 states, Canada, Japan, and Taiwan. He holds degrees in clarinet from the University of Texas at Austin and Florida State University, and lives in Glastonbury, with his wife, Kacey, his two children, two troublemaking cats, and a hyperactive dog.