Chris Tranchitella joined the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra in 1988 as Assistant Principal Trumpet. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music at The Catholic University of America, his Master of Music from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from McDaniel College in Maryland.

Chris is also the founder of Tranco Farms, Inc., an agricultural services company which recently expanded to include Certified Organic produce. Tranco Farms, Inc. uses sustainable farming practices on beautiful and historic farmland, primarily in Loudoun and Clarke County, Virginia.

His two children, Erin and Brendan, grew up backstage at the Kennedy Center where they patiently waited for dad to finish performances. They are both now married and working in the family farming business.

Chris lives on a farm in Loudoun County, Virginia. When not performing or farming, he enjoys boating on the Chesapeake Bay with his family and friends.