Chris Hankes

Chris Hankes and his sisters attended Catholic schools and were always involved in the music programs, including Chris playing in the marching band in 7th grade. Those experiences created a desire to pursue music, which he did earning a degree in music education and getting heavily involved with musical theater. Chris developed his own style of teaching drums and at one point had nearly 40 students taking private lessons. Gaining experience with school bids and rental programs at Schmitt Music in Minnesota, Chris was still an active percussionist in big bands, rock bands and musical theater. In 2006 he was hired as Director of Concert Instruments at KHS America and he soon discovered the company was a perfect fit for his background and his love of musical instruments.