Chris McCarthy

Color Guard Director

512.464.6424   christopher_mccarthy@roundrockisd.org

Originally from Binghamton, NY, Mr. McCarthy discovered his love for color guard and the marching activity at age 12. From 2001 to 2007 he attended Susquehanna Valley MS and HS performing with the marching band, color guard, concert band, and spent his last two years serving as Drum Major. In 2006, Mr. McCarthy made the jump during his junior year to independent color guard. He spent several years performing with Spectrum Winterguard, primarily in the Independent Open class, as well as the A and World Class. He served as Guard Captain in ’09, ’10 and ’11. Mr. McCarthy has also marched with the DCA finalists Syracuse Brigadiers Drum and Bugle Corps from ’07 – ’08.

At the age of 16, Mr. McCarthy began to choreograph and stage for small programs throughout upstate New York. Following high school, he spent a short time studying at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania and then spent four years as an Operating Room assistant at a regional trauma center. During this time he served as designer, choreographer, and/or director for a number of programs. His experiences led him to transition to Texas in the summer of 2013. Some programs he has worked with include: University of Wisconsin - Whitewater (WI), Spectrum (NY), Greater Johnstown HS (NY), Round Rock HS (TX), Westwood HS (TX), New Braunfels HS (TX), North Shore HS (TX) Cedar Ridge HS (TX), Dripping Springs HS (TX) and Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps (TX). 

Mr. McCarthy is now in his eighth year as Colorguard Director at McNeil HS. He is also the Co-Director of a local Open Class independent organization, Origins Colorguard, and also an instructor for The Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, based in San Antonio. Outside of these programs, Mr. McCarthy also designs, stages and choreographs for numerous groups across the country both as a freelance artist as well as working for SperlingDesigns. 

Mr. McCarthy currently resides in Austin, and outside of pageantry he enjoys hiking, kayaking, traveling, and coffee with friends. He is a firm believer that laughter truly is the best medicine and never takes life for granted. He is most of all Proud to be a Maverick!