Chris McCarthy is originally from Binghamton, NY, and has been immersed in the marching arts for over two decades now. He discovered his passion for color guard as he was entering middle school, which has led him down a path of performance, creativity and education.

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Chris resides in Austin, TX, and has been Colorguard Director at McNeil High School since 2013. He is a Co-Founder and Executive Director of Origins Colorguard, and also serves as a freelance designer for a multitude of programs.

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Under Chris' leadership, The McNeil High School Colorguard has made two appearances at WGI Open Class Finals, has earned several state medals, and has achieved numerous WGI regional finalist and championship titles. In 2019, Chris was recognized as the Texas Color Guard Circuit Director of the Year for his dedication and work to McNeil HS, an award that is nominated and voted on by peers and colleagues. Origins has been a consistent WGI finalist since their first season of competition in 2018, and has been ever growing and evolving since. In 2021, Origins fielded a second colorguard, and in 2024, the organization debuted their third. Chris has served as program designer and stager for the A and Open units since each of their inception, and is extremely grateful to create and work with such talented and knowledgeable staff members and performers. Outside of his home teams, Chris has been staging and writing for numerous ensembles since he was a teenager. He has produced band choreography, color guard choreography, marching band drill, winterguard staging, programming, and consultation to numerous clients across Texas and throughout the country. Some of his clients include: Cedar Park HS, Dripping Springs HS, Ronald Reagan HS, Cedar Ridge HS, and Cypress Woods HS.

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Prior to Chris taking on his role at The Troopers, he served as Colorguard Co-Caption head and Choreographer at The Phantom Regiment in 2023. Before that, Chris has been in the role of designer, instructional staff, or choreographer at numerous programs. He served on guard staff with Pioneer in 2015, Genesis '16, '17, and '21, and The Crossmen from 2017 - 2020.

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Outside of colorguard, Chris has an affection for nature, art and music. He loves a morning walk with his dog Charlie, and enjoying coffee with his friends. He believes that laughter truly IS the best medicine, and enjoys making human connections both in the realm of pageantry and out.

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Chris is both ecstatic, and honored, to be given the opportunity to create for and lead the Troopers Colorguard.