R. Christopher Teichler, Composer

Dr. R. Christopher Teichler has been an active musician for over 40 years as composer, conductor, performer, and teacher. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Composition from the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, and a Master of Music and Doctor of Music degrees in Composition from Northwestern University. Chris has received awards for his music from Wheaton College, the Elmhurst Jazz Festival (IL), WFMT 98.7 FM Chicago, the National Band Association, and ASCAP. His music has been performed by ensembles ranging professional symphony orchestra through  beginner elementary school bands. His works are published by R.T. Legacy, Alfred Music, Lorenz Music, Kjos Music, TRN Music and BRS Music. His music has been performed at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, the International Trumpet Guild Conference, the Illinois Music Educators Conference,  the Baptist Church Music Conference, as well as schools and churches across the United States. 

As a conductor, Chris has directed collegiate ensembles including orchestra, wind ensemble, jazz band, choir, musical theatre and opera. Additionally, he has led community ensembles and churches in Illinois, Texas and Kansas. He had the privilege of leading some of his own works with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, and has worked with distinguished soloists, Phil Smith (trumpet), Todd Wilson (organ) and Christopher O'Hara (trumpet). 

Chris has taught composition, conducting, aural skills, trumpet, and piano at several colleges and universities, as well as privately. He is a member of the American Composers Forum, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), the College Band Directors National Association (CBNDA), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA), and the Kansas Bandmasters Association (KBA). He currently leads the McPherson Brass Choir (KS), and serves as organist at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church (Newton, KS). Since 2019 Chris has served on the faculty of  Tabor College (Hillsboro, KS) as Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental music. He and his wife Sarah have four beautiful children.

Please contact me if you have any questions; let's make some music!