
Chris Muccioli sits behind his drum set with the whole world in front of him. Photograph by: Joe Papparotto, Towson University Student
Whether a roll on the snare, or an extra crash of the cymbal, Chris Muccioli’s musical knowledge at the helm of his drum set seems to be unmatched.
The determined look in his eyes is clear as the kick of the bass drum and the splash of his Zildjians enter him into a world of artistic mastery, while mesmerizing those around him.
Every single day Muccioli sits behind the sparkling, white Gretsch drum set and puts his distinct drive to practice; either in the comfort of his own home, or in a jam packed auditorium, or bar across the east coast.
Chris Muccioli is one of thousands of ordinary musicians that look to make it big, look to land that record deal. Only, there is nothing ordinary about the 21-year-old former Towson University Student. His interests may be common like his value of family, riding bikes, and taking pictures, but it is his unique, powerful pursuit in music, art and school that sets him apart from any drummer in any band.
“Chris is the most talented individual I have ever had the pleasure of playing with, let alone befriending,” said former bandmate, Kyle Huff. “He has a knack for what sounds good, what flows well, and he conveys a meaningful message when it comes to music, either at drums, vocals, or anything else he can apply his skills to.”
The small town boy didn’t just pick up this special talent, it’s in his blood. His father, Chris Muccioli Sr., got his son into the drums when he was in fifth grade. He started playing in a school band, and then played through high school in the jazz and marching bands.
Muccioli has since then played with multiple bands, spreading his diverse talent into the hardcore rock scene. The most well-known band he has played in, Sorry For The Silence, was formed in Bel-Air, and received great success around the county and the state of Maryland.
He and Sorry For The Silence band members won multiple “Battle of the Bands” competitions in Harford County, made an appearance on 98 Rock, and wound up releasing their very own EP, in which Muccioli designed the cover, and recorded himself. Their local success spreading throughout MySpace; drawing thousands of fans throughout the country. Muccioli also organized a Summer ’08 tour along the east coast for him and his band to branch out to new, and more exciting opportunities.
“Chris plays the leadership role very well,” Chris Chmielewski, former Sorry For The Silence guitarist said. “He immaculately budgets his time, and helped us perform at different venues. Without his creativity through artwork and photography, then Sorry For The Silence would not be what it was. He opened many doors for us, and for that, I thank him.”
Muccioli’s leadership and creativity come as no surprise as his job at StemGraphics Printshop shows, where he works as a Graphic Web Designer. Here, Muccioli specializes in custom artwork and designs and manufactures countless shirts for bands and companies; not to mention he designs the StemGraphics website himself.
This true unsung hero in Maryland is not always strictly business. His craving for fun shines through with his current band, Secret Mountains. Muccioli has found that he can be more himself and just have a good time with his local Baltimore Folk/Indie band, who is also experiencing terrific success, wrapping up a Summer ’09 tour that spread as far as Chicago.
“We drove, we played, we bathed in the reservoir, swam in Lake Michigan, and saw some amazing cities,” Muccioli said about his recent tour.
Secret Mountains is currently working hard on recording their recent singles, while creating new material to keep people interested.
“We strive hard in making sure the album flows as well as single work,” says Muccioli. “As far as new direction goes I think we want to get a little heavier, at least more upbeat.”
The multi-talented local Harford County boy with dreams of being big is taking his unbelievable talents to the limit. As he sits behind his sparkling white drum set, he has a slew of options in front of him, all of which lead to a successful life. His idol, Walt Disney, once said, “It’s fun doing the impossible.”
[...] Chris Muccioli, a senior at Towson University, plays drums for a local band (Secret Mountains), and knows how important it is to stay focused, follow your heart, and know that nothing is out of reach. [...]