Christopher Fox '93 Recipient Of The Music Department's Distinguished Alumni Award
The Keene State College Music Department has bestowed its Distinguished Alumni Award for 2024-25 to Christopher Fox ‘93. Fox owns and manages Acoustic Strings of New England, Inc. in downtown Keene.
Established in 2007, the award is presented annually to an individual who, in the opinion of the College’s music faculty, has distinguished themself as a musician, music educator, or a representative of Keene State College alumni.
Fox presented to the College’s music student body in April, a tradition of the recognition ceremony. He is the sixteenth recipient of the award.
“Thanks to your efforts and dedication, the joy of music resounds fully in the lives of countless musicians, from elementary school children to seasoned professionals,” said Professor of Music Joe Darby in his recognition remarks. “Chris, you have been an indispensable partner to numerous public and private school music programs across New England, including the Keene Strings programs in local elementary schools, Keene Middle School, and Keene High School.”
Fox’s background was in accounting and finance when he moved from Indiana to New England to switch gears and pursue a music career. At Keene State, he excelled in guitar performance and composition. After graduation, he moved to the Boston area, where he wrote music, performed with a rock band he co-founded, and began a business importing string basses from Europe.
He returned to Keene in 2000 and expanded the business to include a range of orchestral instruments. When it launched in 1991, the Keene-based business was named Acoustic Bass of New England, and over time, it became a regional leader in the sales, rentals, and repairs of string instruments.
“Chris has been a valuable vendor to our program for nearly 25 years, and we appreciate that he has employed Music Department students in the past and continues to employ fellow KSC Music alumni,” Darby said.
Keene State students and the Music Department have been able to learn, grow, and make a difference in people’s lives because of Chris, which makes him an easy choice for this award, Darby said.
Many successful music alumni deserve this prestigious recognition, and the award helps to develop closer relationships with past graduates, said Dr. Sandra Howard, professor of music.
Recent recipients include Heidi Welch, an award-winning music educator and former recipient of the NH Teacher of the Year Award; Professor Ted Mann, an award-winning composer, performer, and music historian; and Professor Kirk Sanger, an accomplished bassist and Associate Professor of Nursing at Keene State.
