R. Christopher Teichler

Composer, Conductor, Educator

BM Wheaton College 
MM Northwestern University
DM Northwestern Univerity

Testimonials 

 

"Chris brings creative musical ideas to rich texts allowing us to see the the texts in a new way... a gifted composer and a pleasure to work with, I highly recommend his work to you as music of the finest quality." -Dr. Robert Pendergraft, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

 

"Chris Teichler's new "Ballad" for Solo Trumpet and Band is a very charming and accessible work.  It is well crafted, well scored, and will be a welcome addition to the repertoire.  Best of all, the gratifying lyrical solo trumpet part is very playable by good high school level players.  Very attractive writing."- Prof. Mark Camphouse, George Mason University 


"Scored for SATB choir, symphonic band, organ, and audience, ["The First Noel"] is a leisurely, thoughtful, colorful build-up to a final stanza sung by the audience with full band and a brilliant choral accompaniment. On the way to the climactic ending the audience is drawn to the mystery and wonder inherent in the text...A joy every time I hear it." -Prof. Chuck King, Trinity International University
 

"Over the years, I have commissioned several works from Christopher Teichler. His music is brilliantly written with beautiful, memorable melodies and interesting harmonies. He is a master of writing music that is both exciting for the performer and engaging for the audience. I can't recommend his works enough. More so, if you have the opportunity to work with him, take it. You'll rarely work with a finer musician or a kinder human being." - Christopher O'Hara, Alliance Brass, Bach/Conn-Selmer and Denis Wick Performing Artist and Clinician

Newsfeed

First Recording of HOOPLA!

Many thanks to Mr. Adam Keller and the Smoky Valley High School Symphonic Band for their recent performance of Hoopla, my latest work for band. Mr. Keller and Smoky Valley High School were part of the consortium of 10…

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First 2024 Honor Band Clinician Work Scheduled!

Many thanks to Mr. Matt Rome of Hays High School (KS) for inviting me to be the clinician for next year's NWKMEA Jr High Honor Band! I'll be spending a Saturday next November helping young musicians continue in their musical…

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Flute Consortium Moved to 2024

The consortium for The Waves and Winds Still Know has been moved down the calendar to the fall of 2024. This is for good reason, I was presented with a couple of last minute opportunities that I couldn't pass up! …

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R.T. Legacy Music

People have often asked me, "What is R.T. Legacy?" When I explain that it is the name of my publishing company for the performing rights organization I belong to (ASCAP), that usually leads to the following question: "Why did you choose that name?" 

My legal name is Robert Christopher Teichler. I have always gone by my middle name. My parents chose to do this because my father, also Robert Teichler, goes by his middle name. My grandfather was also Robert Teichler, and he went by....Bob. So, I am technically the third generation Robert Teichler. When my oldest son was born, my wife and I decided to continue that tradition, so my son Robert Teichler also goes by his middle name. 

Four generations of the name Robert Teichler. It's a unique family tradition, and helps keep me connected to my heritage, while reminding me that my name reflects not just on myself, but on my lineage. I want to honor that, it helps me stay grounded and mindful that I am a piece of a larger whole. 

So, R.T. Legacy simply refers to the "Robert Teichler" legacy of which I am a part. Tradition, heritage and loyalty are very important to me, and I even see this reflected in my compositions: my music is not groundbreaking or revolutionary, but clearly rooted in what has been said before me, with me adding my voice to the mix. I see (or more appropriately, hear!) my music as a part of a larger stream that started before me, and will continue long after I am gone. Like the family name.