Chris Owenby

Chris Owenby

Classic Worship Director

Work: (719) 884-6171

Chris Owenby is a composer, conductor, and church music director whose work reflects a deep commitment to vibrant, Christ-centered worship alongside a distinctive voice in contemporary choral and instrumental composition. He currently serves as Classic Worship Director at First Pres, where he leads the Classic Worship program and directs the Sanctuary Choir, “Big Blue,” shaping services that integrate musical excellence and creativity with meaningful congregational participation. With more than 20 years of experience as a worship leader and conductor, Owenby has directed adult choruses, children’s and youth choruses, and a wide range of instrumental ensembles and worship bands, fostering a collaborative and engaging approach to church music. His compositional work spans choral, orchestral, and chamber, with a particular passion for reimagining classic hymns for traditional church congregations. His works are published by Emerson Music and Imagine Music Publishing, along with numerous pieces released through The Resourceful Church Musician and PracticeHabits.co (recently acquired by Tim Topham Music). His music has been performed by the Georgia Festival Chorus, Goliard Ensemble, Northwestern College Choir, DeKalb Choral Guild, and other notable ensembles across North America. His compositions have received recognition from the College Music Society (Southern Regional conferences in 2010, 2011, and 2012), Vox Reflexa’s New Millennium Composers Forum CD Project, and the DeKalb Choral Guild’s 2009 Young Composer’s Competition. He has also been involved with initiatives such as the Georgia Young Composers Festival, supporting the development and performance of new works by emerging composers. He holds a Master of Music in Music Composition from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition and Creative Music Technology from LaGrange College. He resides in northern Colorado Springs with his wife, Erin, and their three children—Abby, Emma, and Ben. Outside of music, he enjoys fishing, cooking, and traveling with his family.