About Me

Dr. Christopher Raymond serves as Adjunct Professor of Bassoon at the University of Illinois – Springfield and Director of Bands for Meridian CUSD #15. An in-demand performer across Central Illinois and beyond, he is known for his warm tone, technical precision, and engaging musical presence. He currently holds the positions of Second Bassoon with Sinfonia da Camera and Principal Bassoon with both the Urbana Pops Orchestra and Sugar Creek Opera. He also frequently appears with the Illinois Symphony, Champaign-Urbana Symphony, Millikin-Decatur Symphony, Kankakee Valley Symphony, and Danville Symphony. Internationally, he has toured with ensembles such as the South Shore Orchestra, most recently performing throughout China.

As a soloist, Dr. Raymond has been recognized for both artistry and versatility. He recently performed a solo recital at the 2025 International Double Reed Society Conference in Indianapolis. He was a finalist in the 2018 NSAL National Woodwind Competition in New York and has appeared as a featured soloist with the Millikin-Decatur Symphony, Kankakee Valley Symphony, Millikin Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and the Decatur Municipal Band. In 2015, he earned Millikin University’s prestigious Hollis Prize, performing an award-winning recital in Chicago.

A passionate educator, Dr. Raymond has been teaching privately since 2010 and entered K-12 public school education in 2023, working with musicians from their first notes to advanced collegiate study. His students have gone on to perform in All-State ensembles, win competitions, and pursue careers in music. From 2016–2019, he served on the faculty of Illinois Summer Youth Music, inspiring the next generation of double reed players.

Dr. Raymond holds both a Doctor of Musical Arts and a Master of Music in Bassoon Performance and Literature from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, as well as a Bachelor of Music from Millikin University.