At the center of Townsend Harris’s music program is orchestra teacher Chris Lee, whose passion for teaching has helped build one of the school’s most celebrated departments.

Mr. Lee teaches four courses each day: Beginning Strings, Symphonic Strings, Chamber Strings, and Symphony Orchestra. The Symphony Orchestra, introduced as a full-credit elective this year, combines the school’s most advanced string and band musicians into a single performance group. Though his position is technically part time (funded through a partnership with Queens College and THHS) his presence in THHS is anything but limited. “He’s a gifted musician and conductor,” said Assistant Principal Jessica Graf, who oversees the music department. “What stands out to me is that he really creates a wonderful culture for the students in the strings and orchestra programs. Whether it’s by organizing performances, getting them prepared and excited, or picking up bagels before an early morning show, he always goes the extra mile.”

Mr. Lee’s connection to Townsend Harris spans years. He first joined the school as a student aide while completing his undergraduate degree. He later accepted a full-time music position at Forest Hills High School. After three years, he was eligible to apply for tenure, but Mr. Lee made the decision to step away from the tenure track and seek a part-time teaching position that would allow him to grow his private music studio. In 2014, Townsend Harris welcomed him back through funding from the bridge program with Queens College. He now teaches four music classes per day. “I think I’m experiencing my best accomplishment on a daily basis,” Mr. Lee said. “Creating a place where kids just want to come in and make music.”

Assistant Principal Ellen Fee, who witnessed Mr. Lee’s return, said, “We were very sad that he left, but when he decided to come back, we offered him the position immediately. He has a high standard of excellence for his music production, but also supports students in becoming the best musicians they can be with their current skills. His compassionate and humorous way of connecting with students makes them really want to do their best in his class.”

Student musicians speak just as highly of Mr. Lee’s guidance. “Mr. Lee brings a lot of energy and passion into the room, and that really rubs off on us as students,” said junior Bryson De Los Santos, a double bassist in Symphonic Strings. “Even when the music gets tough or practice gets repetitive, he finds ways to keep us engaged. It’s not just a class where we learn notes, it’s where we learn how to express ourselves and work as a team.” One performance that stood out to Bryson was the night of the spring concert. “That performance felt really special,” he said. “It was a culmination of months of hard work. To finally stand on stage and play for the entire student body, showing them what we had been building together, was just really fulfilling.”

Mr. Lee said he wants students to take ownership of their musical paths. “I usually try not to select what instrument a student plays,” he said. “I’ll make recommendations and guide them, but I let kids choose.” Even if a class ends up with an imbalance of instruments, he adapts. “If it works out a certain way, then that’s the way it works out. I’ll choose the pieces we play and the way we run the class differently.”

Sophomore Aidan Alleyne, a cellist in Chamber Strings, said Mr. Lee’s flexibility and support helped him gain confidence. “We get to learn and have fun at the same time,” he said. “A moment I’m proud of was getting to play in all the concerts and open houses.” Aidan recalled one performance in particular: playing in a concert hall at Queens College. “I had only ever played outside of school once before. One main thing that made me proud was how well I played and that was thanks to Mr. Lee. He conducts playing tests before the concert and gives tips and pointers to help us play better.”

For Mr. Lee, the most meaningful moments are often offstage. “I really enjoy getting to know my students on a personal basis,” he said. “Playing music is obviously always fun, but the special moments we share are usually not when we’re playing music. It’s when the kids open up and share with me about their life. I enjoy those moments.” Some musical memories still stand out. One of his proudest was announcing that his students had earned a NYSSMA Gold with Distinction rating. “All the kids just exploded with cheer,” he said. “That was a very cool moment.”

This spring, Mr. Lee helped organize the “Celebrating Music 2025” concert, where student musicians from Townsend Harris and Forest Hills High School came together for a special performance. The event featured a joint rendition of Mozart’s Requiem, with Mr. Lee conducting both groups. For many students, it was their first time performing alongside others from another school. The collaboration gave them a chance to connect, challenge themselves with new people, and share a powerful moment on stage as a bigger orchestra.

Mr. Lee also makes time to take his students on trips: to see professional concerts, to perform, or simply to bond as an ensemble. “I’ve taken them to see concerts, to do activities, and to go out and share food and laughter,” he said. “Those are probably the most special moments to me.” This year, Mr. Lee collaborated with band teacher Kevin Heathwood to create a new Symphony Orchestra course, blending advanced band and string musicians in a full orchestral setting.

“The moment that I felt has been most impactful was envisioning the symphony orchestra class together along with Mr. Heathwood, who is our band teacher,” Ms. Graf said. “Mr. Lee has really soared with that class. This is the first year we’ve run it as an elective…I really think it’s a special opportunity for our students.”

Ms. Graf also credits Mr. Lee’s behind-the-scenes contributions. “Anything that you see on the stage at a music performance, he has had a heavy hand in planning it,” she said. “He’s a talented program designer. He designs a lot of our programs for concerts.”

Mr. Lee’s journey as a musician began at LaGuardia High School and continued at Manhattan School of Music and NYU, but he rarely brings up his background. Instead, he fuses that experience into mentorship, helping students grow as musicians and as individuals. “Anytime that our students are performing, it’s really as a result of his dedication and his tireless efforts,” Ms. Graf said.