When it comes to fostering musical appreciation and excellence, nobody does it better than Mt. Hope High School Music Department Chairman and Band Director Christopher Lambert.

Still just 38 years of age, Mr. Lambert has enabled Bristol and Warren students the opportunity to express their musical feelings while creating a positive atmosphere that has taken both towns by storm.

“It’s all about these kids who love music,” said Lambert, who has held his current position since 2008 with the same gusto that he arrived with. “They entertain me and I learn from them every day. These kids are fantastic. They bring such energy and they make me laugh. They’re so dedicated.”

You have to be in Lambert’s presence to fully understand how much teaching music means to him. He’s followed in the footsteps of some music heavyweights who made their mark locally along the way. Included were people like the late M. Theresa Donovan (the founder of the Bristol High School Band), Albert Dalton, the incomparable Roger Dietz, Lou Pezzullo, and most recently, Robert Arsenault. Quite frankly, high school students who enjoyed taking part in this local music program were fortunate to have these individuals lead them along the way.

Now, Lambert is part of that heritage, exercising his expertise with the Mt. Hope High Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and of course, the Mt. Hope High Marching Band.

Bristol-Warren Regional School District custodian Jerry DeOliveira has known Lambert for a long time and says you can’t find a better person.

“Chris is so well-liked by everyone,” he noted. “He’s a real asset to both the Warren and Bristol communities. I’m happy to call him my friend."

Lambert received his bachelor of music in education and masters of music in education with an emphasis in conducting from the University of Rhode Island. While at URI, he performed in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Marching Band, Big Band, and various chamber ensembles. He was the 2007 recipient of the URI Music Department's Musical Excellence award and was inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society.

In addition, students under his leadership have performed throughout New England and New York, Washington D.C., and Florida. In addition to his ensemble work, Lambert also teaches courses in classical guitar, music technology, and music theory. As a trombonist, he performed with the South County Chamber Orchestra and the American Band of Providence. He has studied conducting with Dr. Brian Cardany and Dr. Gene Pollart.

The son of Judy and Bill Lambert, of Florida and formerly of Warren, Lambert is married to the former Kelsey Oliver of Bristol, and is the father of two children: Quincy, 7, and Addison, 3.

Before moving over to Mt. Hope High, Lambert taught at Kickemuit Middle School, and again, was complimented for his leadership abilities and his positive interaction with his students.

“All the kids I’ve had over the years have been exceptional students,” he smiled. “I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Plus, I have the best colleagues in the world. The Marching Band staff is fantastic, as is Choral Director David Lauria. I couldn’t ask for better. And, I can’t say enough about Applied Arts Dept. Chairman Vicki Boyle, who retired last year. Both are tremendous individuals.”

He also praised the work of Mt. Hope music teacher Nick Kirby, Andre Arsenault, Lily Pavao-Dion, and Susan Winterbottom Shadday at Kickemuit Middle School, and Betsy St. Pierre and Kerry Thurber at the elementary schools.

In addition, Lambert is bolstered by the efforts of Diane Davis, who is an important member of the marching band staff.

With 16 years under his belt as the main man of the Huskies Marching Band, Lambert looks to the future with much anticipation, or as he says it, “As long as they’ll have me, I’ll stay with it.”

“I can’t emphasize enough the importance of all the staff members that we have,” he said, “not to mention our students, who work so hard day in and day out.”

The next time you see the Mt. Hope High School Band march down the street, which will probably be in the upcoming Memorial Day Parades in Warren and Bristol and, of course, the historic Bristol Fourth of July Parade, take the time to give Chris Lambert and his dedicated kids a loud round of applause. They’ve earned it.