Christopher Bechtler

Visiting Assistant Professor in Choral Music

D.M.A., University of South Carolina
M.M., James Madison University
B.A., Mary Washington College

E-mail: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone: 601.266.5035

Christopher Bechtler directs the University Singers, teaches choral music methods, and supervises student teachers at the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Bechtler holds the Bachelor of Arts degree from Mary Washington College, the Master of Music degree from James Madison University, and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of South Carolina.

Before coming to Southern Miss, Dr. Bechtler was the Director of Music Ministry at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina. At the University of South Carolina, he directed Carolina Alive!, the University’s vocal jazz ensemble, and taught the undergraduate courses in conducting.

Dr. Bechtler has served as a clinician for ACDA and MENC events in Virginia and South Carolina, and has conducted honors choirs and been a festival clinician for the South Carolina Independent Schools Association.

Previously, Chris was the choral director at Fort Chiswell High School in Wythe County, Virginia, and the director of the Virginia Gentlemen, Roanoke, Virginia’s men’s barbershop chorus. At James Madison University, Chris directed the 100-voice JMU Chorus and was the manager of the university’s 2002 choral festival. While at Mary Washington, he directed the Symfonics, the college’s a-cappella ensemble.

Dr. Bechtler lives in Hattiesburg with his wife, Laura, and their dog, Biscuit.