Chris Bendrell
Director of Music
Role
As Director of Music, I oversee and help shape the musical life of worship at Christ Church, working with the choir, modern music team, organist, clergy, and guest musicians. I see our music ministry here at Christ Church as a way of drawing us together in a shared expression of faith.
Church/Faith Background
My faith journey began in high school, when I started singing as a choral scholar at a Catholic church in San Antonio. I was struck by the discovery that much of the music I already knew and loved as a singer has an important place in the liturgy.
For the past 15 years, I have found great joy and fulfillment in the worship of the Episcopal Church, especially in Choral Evensong, the Daily Office, and the Anglican choral tradition. Over that time, I have worked in a variety of Episcopal church music programs that have shaped my understanding of music as prayer, formation, and service.
Geographical Moves
I grew up in San Antonio, Texas, where I first encountered Choral Evensong, heard the organ in worship, and grew as a young musician within a vibrant public school music culture. In 2019, I moved to Dallas, where I continued my musical studies and became involved in several excellent choral programs, including at the University of North Texas. During those years, singing Choral Evensong every Sunday became one of the most formative experiences of my spiritual and musical life.
In 2023, I moved to Denver, drawn by both a career opportunity in the climbing industry and a long standing desire to be closer to the mountains. Colorado has become a place where my work in music, worship, and the outdoors have all grown in meaningful ways.
Family Connections
My parents still live in San Antonio, and I am grateful to visit them when I can, especially when their travels bring them to Denver. Though my family remains rooted in Texas, Colorado has quickly become a place that feels deeply like home.
Interests/Hobbies
Outside of church, I am an avid rock and ice climber and spend much of my free time in the mountains. I also continue to sing professionally in Denver, most frequently with St. Martin’s Chamber Choir, and I love attending concerts of the many wonderful ensembles we have in Denver.
As a former barista, I am a dedicated home coffee enthusiast. Since moving to Colorado, I have also developed a growing interest in plein air painting and art of the American West, which I find a meaningful way of connecting to the beauty of creation.