Gary Riler is in his 36th year of teaching band in public schools in Oregon and Washington. He is currently the Director of Bands at Cleveland High School in Portland, Oregon. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Oregon State University, and his Master of Arts in Teaching Music Education from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon.
While teaching in Chehalis, Washington, Mr. Riler’s ensembles were invited to perform at the NAfME Northwest Division Conference in 2009 and 2013; and the WMEA Conference in 2006. He also received the WMEA “Middle Level Music Educator of the Year” award in 2010. More recently, the Cleveland High School Wind Ensemble was invited to perform a concert hour at the OMEA State Conference in 2020 and this coming January in 2025. His Wind Ensemble has had top 5 finishes at the OSAA State Band Championships the last three years. His jazz ensembles at Chehalis Middle School & WF West High School were consistent top finishers at jazz festivals in Oregon and Washington. The jazz program at Cleveland has also experienced great success placing 4th (2023) and 2nd (2024) at the OMEA State Jazz Band Championships.
Mr. Riler is active outside of the classroom as an adjudicator, guest conductor, and clinician around the northwest region, including being a presenter at OMEA, WMEA, and NAfME Northwest conferences. He has served as President for the SW Region of WMEA, from 2004 – 2006, and 2010-2012, and as District 1 Chair for OMEA from 2017-2019. Gary is an avid proponent of chamber music in his program and has been the OMEA State Chamber Music Contest Chair since 2020.
Gary Riler serves as an ordained minister & Orchestra and Choral Director for the Apostolic Faith Headquarter Church in Portland, Oregon. Gary could not survive this busy schedule without his talented and very supportive wife of 31 years – Kristi. He also credits three children; Amanda (24), Ethan (23) and Jaron (17), for helping him become a more patient and understanding educator.
Gary Riler
State Chamber Music Contest Chair
Cleveland High School
Portland, Oregon
Click here to contact Gary