Mr. Chris Assimacopoulos
Mr. Assimacopoulos was born in Omaha, Nebraska. He lived there until the age of 5 when his family moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Mr. A attended school in Sioux Falls until he graduated from Washington Senior High School in 1989.
Mr. Assiamcopoulos was accepted into the School of Music at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. While at the U of MN he studied classical and jazz saxophone, music education, and conducting. He has played in Wind Ensembles, Saxophone Quartets (both classical and jazz repertoire), University Jazz ensembles and with the Orchestra on several occasions.
After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Instrumental Education, Mr. Assimacopoulos worked in Shakopee, MN for 4 years while working towards his Master’s Degree during several summers at VanderCook College of music in Chicago, ILL..
Mr. Assimacopoulos graduated with a Master’s Degree in Instrumental Music Education in 1999. Following his Master’s Graduation, Mr. A. started working at Westwood Middle School in Blaine, MN and continued to educate young musicians for the next 18 years.
Mr. Assimacopoulos has a wife that currently teaches in Glendale and two daughters that attend the New School for the Arts in Tempe, Arizona. His oldest daughter is in 11th grade and is pursuing an acting career while maintaining a dedicated life to dancing in all forms. Eleana is his youngest in 10th grade, loves reading and wants to pursue journalism as a career in high school and college. She has already written several stories and has started 2 novels that are still in the works. Eleana also works hard at competitive cheerleading at California All Starts in Mesa, Arizona.
Mr. Assimcopoulos has relocated to the Phoenix area this last June and is excited to continue his long career in the Anthem School Band Program.
“I have heard great things about the Deer Valley School District and Instrumental Music Program from several local public school band directors and from the Instrumental Music Department at ASU. I am honored to have been chosen to join the Deer Valley Band Program and thrilled to work with the proud and talented young musicians here.”
-Chris Assimacopoulos