​​Philadelphia-based Kristian Paradis is an instructor in steel band with the Department of Music and an active performer and teacher of Caribbean steel drums. After completing his undergraduate studies in music and computer science at the University of Delaware, he was accepted into the U.S. Navy Music Program. Upon completion of his military music training at the Armed Forces School of Music, Mr. Paradis became a member of the U.S. 7th Fleet Band in Japan. He served as the drummer for the Far East Edition show band, drummer and steel-pan soloist in the Navy Jazz Combo and principal percussionist in the Navy concert and ceremonial bands. With these groups he served as a musical ambassador for the Navy and the United States, performing in Russia, China, India, Australia, South Korea and many other countries in East Asia and the Pacific islands.

When not in uniform, Mr. Paradis performed as a lead pan player for the Tokyo Panorama Steel Orchestra. After serving his enlistment, he returned to the United States and to UD, where he earned his Master of Music, with an emphasis on steelpan music. He currently directs steel drum bands at UD, Springside Academy in Chestnut Hill, Pa., and the Northern Home for Children and he performs steelpan music at events all along the East Coast.

Mr. Paradis is currently writing a book on strumming patterns for double second and double guitar pans in small ensemble settings. He is a member of the Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society.