Chris Edmunds - Executive Director
Chris Edmunds is a native New Orleanian, living and working in New Orleans. He has composed for both the screen and stage, as well as having composed numerous chamber and orchestral works for concerts. After receiving his Bachelors of Music Composition from Columbia College Chicago, he went on to study film scoring in Los Angeles at CBS Studios. As a professional jazz musician, he works with bands all over town on both banjo and guitar. He founded the Louisiana Composers Forum, after having been a member of the Chicago Composers Forum.
Matt Rhody - Co-Associate Director
Matt Rhody began studying the violin at age five and began entering fiddle contests and talent shows at age nine. After receiving his Bachelor’s in Music Performance from The University of Wisconsin, Rhody moved to New Orleans and spent his first year playing with The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. He then became heavily involved in performing with many different projects, including the New Orleans Jazz Vipers, and his own co-founded Hot Club of New Orleans. As an in-demand sideman, he has recorded with many New Orleans-based artists including The Phister Sisters, Leroy Jones, and Kermit Ruffins. He also worked with new music ensembles in New Orleans, performing works composers such as Jay Weigel and Joan Wildman, as well as performing in string ensembles with many national acts including Rod Stewart, Smokey Robinson, and Mary J. Blige.
Cori Walters - Co-Associate Director
Cori Walters is an in-demand percussionist in New Orleans. She began her formal studies at the University of Alabama, studying percussion. While there, she took an interest in the Contemporary Ensemble, which performed "new" music and twentieth century repertoire. Cori was then awarded a graduate teaching assistantship at Wichita State University, where she earned a Masters Degree in Percussion. While at WSU, she conducted the University Symphony Orchestra, the University Symphonic Band, and was assistant conductor of the University Percussion Ensemble. She was also a winner of the University's Concerto/ Aria Competition. Walters incorporates all of these elements, along with traditional drumming styles of New Orleans and her study of indigenous music in Louisiana, into her drumming style here in New Orleans, where she has been a performer in every musical style for 12 years. She continues to perform with various artists and productions in New Orleans, as well as an extra with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
