Henrico's Top Teachers – Christopher Moseley

As a third-grader in South Richmond, Christopher Moseley began his musical career playing trumpet under the direction of band teacher Ronald Coles. He is indebted to Coles, he said, not only for providing his musical foundation, but also for encouraging Moseley to perform outside of school at a young age, at venues ranging from Coles' church and Dogwood Dell to the 6th Street Marketplace in downtown Richmond.

Moseley's mother worked at the Downtown Marriott at the time, so in the summertime he began hanging around the Marriott listening to the hotel pianist, Russell Wilson, or visiting the music store at the Marketplace where he had bought his first trumpet.

By the time he was in middle school, and traveling with his band to perform at Richmond-area elementary schools and to cities like Atlanta, Chicago, and Orlando, he had decided to pursue the same career as his band teacher, Glenroy Bailey.

"I realized," Moseley said, "that the possibilities were endless with music if you put your mind to it."

Today he works to expose Varina High School students to similar opportunities – and to help them embrace that same sense of endless possibility.

The Varina Marching Blue Devils have repeatedly won the Virginia Honor Band Award and have performed at University of Richmond football and basketball games – including some on national television – and at the VCU-Richmond basketball game, at Disney World, Graceland, the Chick-fil-A Bowl, Washington Redskins training camp and even at a wedding.

An admirer who wrote to nominate Moseley said that he is able to elicit such excellence in his students because he provides "a remarkable learning experience" that produces a feeling of family among them.

"Mr. Moseley not only teaches but mentors many of these young people," the nominator wrote. "These students develop character through his mentorship; he instills in them the true meaning of hard work, commitment, dedication and skill. Mr. Moseley’s commitment and enthusiasm encourages, excites and motivates his students – and his role extends far beyond the classroom and standard school hours."

Developing character and pushing students to exceed their potential can be difficult, Moseley admits – especially in today's culture of instant gratification.

"It seems that a lot of students are willing to give up so quickly when challenges occur," he said. "I try to teach passion, purpose, and perseverance. . . to be a maximizer.

"There is no instant gratification in music. If you put in the work, the results will show."

For an example of how far music can take them, his students need look no further than Moseley's own accomplishments, which include performing on the Ellen DeGeneres Show as well as in the movie Drumline.

"I never imagined that this little kid from Southside Richmond would start playing an instrument in third grade, then go on to earn a full band scholarship to college," he said, "[and end up] teaching music and conducting the Youth Concert Orchestra for the Richmond Symphony."

But central to that list of career highlights is the fulfillment he derives from teaching.

"Watching the students evolve from entry-level basic skills to young professional musicians who earn band scholarships or graduate to be lifelong supporters of music," Moseley said, "is what it’s all about for me.

"Being a teacher is powerful – sort of like being a super hero. . . I see it as a gift from God, and I know that I am walking in my purpose."