Chris Thompson

After his marching years, Chris continued to shape the corps from the instructional and creative side. From 1979 through 1982, he served as a Crossmen percussion writer and co-caption head, working alongside Thom Hannum and other major figures in the activity. During that period, Chris helped write and develop some of the music that defined the Crossmen percussion voice, including the classic percussion solo “Shoshanna.”

His writing and teaching helped bridge the powerful early identity created by the first Crossmen percussion leaders with the more modern, sophisticated percussion language that would influence future generations. Chris brought musicality, creativity, clarity, and demand to the program, helping strengthen a tradition that would become one of the most respected parts of the Crossmen identity.

The impact of Chris’s work extended far beyond the Crossmen. After his time with the corps, he went on to lead the percussion program at the Madison Scouts, contributing to some of the most celebrated percussion sections in that organization’s history, including Madison’s 1988 DCI World Championship season. His career as an educator, arranger, clinician, and composer has reached ensembles across the United States and around the world.

Chris’s influence has been recognized at the highest levels of the activity. He was inducted into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame in 2011 and has served as a Yamaha Performing Artist for decades. Yet for the Crossmen, his legacy remains especially personal. He was part of the generation that helped define what Crossmen percussion could be — bold, musical, aggressive, innovative, and unforgettable.

For his contributions as a marching member, percussion writer, co-caption head, educator, and lasting influence on the Crossmen percussion tradition, we proudly honor Chris Thompson as a member of the Crossmen Hall of Fame.