Chris Allen was born in Gorleston, Norfolk in 1954. He studied clarinet at the Royal College of Music and worked as a woodwind teacher in Bedfordshire until his retirement to Suffolk in 2009. He still devotes time to composition, arranging and music-copying; as an experienced clarinettist, he continues to play in orchestral and chamber music activities when opportunities arise. His hobbies include walking, cooking, painting (in oils, acrylics and pastels) and photography - to all of which he hopes to devote more time in retirement. He now lives in Saxmundham with his wife and Parson Russell Terrier 'Jack'.
