Christopher Richey - Wayland-Cohocton

He's got the chops to make it as a singer, but there's a student at Wayland-Cohocton who may just be on to something better than that.

You might say Christopher Richey was born to perform.  He was in a national television commercial for Kix cereal back in 1993.

This is Chris today.  A senior, he's a key member of just about every music group there is - including the select chorus.

"Being around music, me and my family, has made me love it and made me want to go into it when I go to college," said Chris.

Chris's father is a local music DJ.  His mother is a music teacher.  They've taught him an appreciation of all the arts - but especially music.

He's won numerous awards, and gotten the chance to perform with stars like Kenny Rogers and Andy Williams.  Teachers say he's a natural leader.

Chris loves performing with his peers.

"That was incredible, just being around to many people who all try as hard as they can," said Chris.  "It an eye opener. You never realize how talented so many people across the state are."

 "Just the drive.  Music's difficult and you've really got to want to do it," said George Standish, the head of the music department at Way-Co.  "He's got the support of his parents and the students and of me, and hopefully all that works together."

"Music, working for some record lable and producing and working with artists from all different genres. It's what I want to do," said Chris.

He plans on studying music production and recording in college.  A singer at heart, Chris is well on his way to a career he loves.