I am Chris Badgett, and I am a veteran educator of 11 years with experience in elementary music education, middle school general music and chorus, and middle school band. I received the Amherst County Profound Educator Award in 2022 and was recently named Education Impact Award in the summer of 2025.

Ever since my first experience in Roanoke Youth Symphony in 2007, I have enjoyed making music with others. During high school, college, and present day, I have not been able to afford the proper professional instruments to continue my music-making dreams. I currently play on a 46-year-old Bb clarinet and borrow a friend's A clarinet when I'm out playing a gig.

$7,000 would help me purchase both a Bb and A clarinet that would serve me well for many years. If I am able to achieve this goal, I would like to gift my current instrument to someone that is in need of a wooden instrument.