Christopher B. Render

Christopher B. Render is a music educator, adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor who currently serves as Director of Bands at Richwoods High School in Peoria Public Schools District 150 in Peoria, Illinois. Throughout his professional career, Mr. Render has remained committed to expanding musical offerings and fostering cultural diversity through music—an initiative that reflects his dedication to inclusive music education and community engagement. His responsibilities include conducting the Richwoods Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Athletic Bands, Chamber Ensembles, and the student-led Mariachi ensemble. In addition, he teaches adjunctly at Bradley University, where he directs The Groove Project, one of the university’s jazz ensembles.

Mr. Render is frequently invited to serve as a guest conductor and clinician for regional middle school and high school honor bands across Illinois and beyond. His work with these ensembles highlights his dedication to developing young musicians and supporting music education at all levels.

Prior to his tenure in Peoria, Mr. Render taught at Metamora Township High School in Metamora, Illinois, and at Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois. He also served as Associate Director of Bands at Eisenhower High School in Houston, Texas (Aldine ISD).

Mr. Render is actively involved in several professional organizations. January 2026 marked the end of his two terms as Jazz Division President of the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA). He has also served as the ILMEA District 3 Jazz Representative and Senior Band Representative. He is a former member of the Minority Band Directors National Association (MBDNA) and currently serves on the Peoria Symphony Board. Over the past 20 years, he has worked as a clinician and adjudicator for numerous ensembles and organizations, including the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

A native of Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Houston, Texas, Mr. Render earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. He later received a Master of Music Performance degree in Wind Band Conducting and Horn from Illinois State University, studying under Director of Bands Dr. Stephen K. Steele and Horn Professor Dr. Joe Neisler.

As a performer, Mr. Render has played with ensembles including the Houston Symphonic Band, Orchestra of the Pines, Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra, Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, Peoria Symphony, Prairie Wind Ensemble, 33rd Volunteer Regiment Band, and the Brass Band of Central Illinois (Alto Horn). He also maintains an active role on the worship team at Community Bible Fellowship in El Paso, Illinois.