Christopher O. J. Alberts is the director of performing arts and music educator at School Without Walls High School in Washington, D.C., where he teaches symphonic orchestra, jazz ensemble, modern band, general music, Advanced Placement music theory and digital music production. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Alberts is a proud graduate of the Detroit School of the Arts. He holds a Bachelor of Music in music education from Howard University and a Master of Arts in teaching.

Alberts is a four-time Grammy Music Educator Award nominee and a nationally recognized advocate for arts access and equity in public education. His teaching philosophy, rooted in the mantra “loud and wrong is better than silent and safe,” encourages students to take risks, embrace imperfection and find power in authentic expression.

Under Alberts’ leadership, his students have performed as cultural ambassadors across the globe, including in China, Brazil and Spain. These experiences have allowed students to lead workshops, collaborate with peers abroad and build global understanding through music.

A lifelong learner and collaborator, Alberts works closely with educators, families and community partners to weave the arts into every aspect of school life. He is a life member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.