Chris was born and raised in St. Petersburg, FL and is a graduate of the University of South Florida, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Masters Certificate in Horn Performance. He is a member of the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, performs with The Florida Orchestra, Sarasota Orchestra, as well as the Venice Symphony. Mr. Allen is currently the Orchestra Director at Newsome High School in Lithia, Florida and serves as the Youth Symphony conductor for the Sarasota Orchestra.

He is an active member of the National Association for Music Education, Florida Music Educators Association, Florida Orchestra Association, and was recently nominated for The Manilow Music Teacher Award in December.

Chris has been involved with the drum and bugle corps. activity for over 25 years. He has marched with the Cadets of Bergen County in the early 90’s, and served as a brass technician and as brass caption head for the Glassmen of Toledo Ohio from 1997 to 2003. He has also served as brass caption head for the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps. for the 2005 season, and worked with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps. from 2012-2013. Most recently, he has served as the Brass Ensemble Consultant for the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps. from 2014-2018. As of the summer of 2021, Chris returned to his drum corps. Home in 2021 as a member of the brass faculty at The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps.

Chris currently resides in Lithia, FL with his wife Melissa, and their two children Briana and Joshua, and their brand new grandson Elliot.