Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything. – Plato

Christopher Bangert-Drowns is a young man who was born with natural musical talent. He’s a senior who is as skilled in school as he is on a grand piano. He will also soon be leaving us as our News Editor.

I recently sat down with Chris to discuss his many talents. Here’s what the young musician had to say.

The Nest: Tell the school a little bit about yourself and what you do.

Chris: I play piano, both jazz and classical. I started classical about 10-12 years ago, depending on how you want to measure it. I started jazz the summer of 2008. Tower Six (myself, a drummer, a bassist, and a sax player) is a quartet I’ve been playing with for about a year now. We’re coached by John Nazarenko, a jazz teacher at Skidmore.

The Nest: When did you start playing piano, and do you play any other instruments?

Chris: I started playing piano about 10-12 years ago.  I used to play violin but stopped that a couple years ago.

The Nest: What is your favorite piece of music to play? Can you give us a brief description of its history?

Chris: I don’t have a consistent favorite piece; what I like to play changes from time to time. Right now, a jazz chart by Phil Markowitz entitled “Sno’ Peas” is probably most enjoyable. The chart really became big when Bill Evans took it up and recorded it with Markowitz’s friend, Toots Thielemans, who plays harmonica, for his “Affinity” record. The only two recordings that I can find of Sno’ Peas are of Markowitz and his quartet, and Bill and Thielemans.

The Nest: When and where do you plan to perform next as a pianist or a musician in general?

Chris: Tower Six is scheduled to play at the Moon & River Cafe in Schenectady on May 25th from 2-4pm.

The Nest: Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself or your music career?

Chris: I went to band camp (loose fitting name) for four summers, which, depending on whether or not you’re a musician, can conjure up great (and some completely strange) memories.

The Nest: What’s your favorite quote from a musician?

Chris: My classical teacher (also a brilliant composer) always says, “Hope is the province of fools,” which can seem cynical to some, but it’s a good way to pull yourself back from unnecessary idealism.

In the fall, Chris will be attending the University of Maryland, where he intends to study biochemistry. Whether in the arts, sciences, or otherwise, we are certain Chris will find success.