Music Faculty
Don Devany
Fine Arts Department Chair
Wind & Percussion Faculty
don_devany@ipsd.org
Mr. Don Devany is the Fine Arts Department Chair at Metea Valley High School where he proudly serves the Art and Music departments. Mr. Devany teaches curricular bands including Wind Ensemble and Honors Wind Ensemble as well as directs the Marching Mustangs, Musical Theater Orchestra, Jazz Band and Jazz Lab Band. Prior to teaching at Metea Valley High School, Mr. Devany taught music at Neuqua Valley High School, Glenbard East High School, Waubonsie Valley High School and Charleston High School. Mr. Devany received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Eastern Illinois University, Master’s in Music Education from Northwestern University, and Educational Leadership Certificate from Aurora University. Mr. Devany has been a guest clinician at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, Music Educators National Conference, Illinois Music Educators Association, and the College Band Directors National Association Conference. Mr. Devany has received the National Band Association Citation of Excellence for his contributions to music education and wind band performance. He also received the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award in 2013, was selected to represent Illinois in "50 Directors Who Make a Difference" by School Band and Orchestra magazine and has been recognized as a Most Influential Educator by the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation. He currently serves on the board of ArtSpeaks 204, the Indian Prairie School District 204 Music Articulation Committee, and has served as a band representative for the Illinois Music Educators Association District IX. Mr. Devany lives in Aurora with his wife Melinda and their “future Mustangs” Ethan, Anna, and Liam.
Fine Arts Department Chair
Wind & Percussion Faculty
don_devany@ipsd.org
Mr. Don Devany is the Fine Arts Department Chair at Metea Valley High School where he proudly serves the Art and Music departments. Mr. Devany teaches curricular bands including Wind Ensemble and Honors Wind Ensemble as well as directs the Marching Mustangs, Musical Theater Orchestra, Jazz Band and Jazz Lab Band. Prior to teaching at Metea Valley High School, Mr. Devany taught music at Neuqua Valley High School, Glenbard East High School, Waubonsie Valley High School and Charleston High School. Mr. Devany received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Eastern Illinois University, Master’s in Music Education from Northwestern University, and Educational Leadership Certificate from Aurora University. Mr. Devany has been a guest clinician at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, Music Educators National Conference, Illinois Music Educators Association, and the College Band Directors National Association Conference. Mr. Devany has received the National Band Association Citation of Excellence for his contributions to music education and wind band performance. He also received the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award in 2013, was selected to represent Illinois in "50 Directors Who Make a Difference" by School Band and Orchestra magazine and has been recognized as a Most Influential Educator by the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation. He currently serves on the board of ArtSpeaks 204, the Indian Prairie School District 204 Music Articulation Committee, and has served as a band representative for the Illinois Music Educators Association District IX. Mr. Devany lives in Aurora with his wife Melinda and their “future Mustangs” Ethan, Anna, and Liam.
Paulette Boddy
Choral Faculty
paulette_boddy@ipsd.org
Mrs. Paulette Boddy directs Cecillian Singers, Concert Choir, and Varsity Singers, as well as Metea's United Voices and Madrigal Troupes. She also teaches AP Music Theory and is the faculty advisor for Metea’s chapter of the National Tri-M Music Honor Society. Mrs. Boddy earned degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana and then VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, with additional credits from Northern Illinois University and others. She has had the privilege of working in the Indian Prairie Schools since 2009, having previously served as Director of Vocal Music in the Wilmette Public Schools for 14 years and then at Still Middle School prior to her commitments at Metea Valley High School. Her musical experience has also extended into directing musicals, teaching general music, leading adult community and church choirs, and conducting orchestra pit ensembles. Mrs. Boddy also enjoys guest conducting at choral festivals throughout northern Illinois. She has extensive professional experience as a vocalist, pianist, accompanist, voice coach, and judge. Mrs. Boddy currently serves on the leadership board for the Illinois Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance Project (ilCMP). She loves serving the Lord by singing on the worship team of Harvest Bible Chapel in the Chicago-land area. At home, she treasures her time with her husband Chris, children- Alex, Ben, and Grace, and puppy Nala.
Choral Faculty
paulette_boddy@ipsd.org
Mrs. Paulette Boddy directs Cecillian Singers, Concert Choir, and Varsity Singers, as well as Metea's United Voices and Madrigal Troupes. She also teaches AP Music Theory and is the faculty advisor for Metea’s chapter of the National Tri-M Music Honor Society. Mrs. Boddy earned degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana and then VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, with additional credits from Northern Illinois University and others. She has had the privilege of working in the Indian Prairie Schools since 2009, having previously served as Director of Vocal Music in the Wilmette Public Schools for 14 years and then at Still Middle School prior to her commitments at Metea Valley High School. Her musical experience has also extended into directing musicals, teaching general music, leading adult community and church choirs, and conducting orchestra pit ensembles. Mrs. Boddy also enjoys guest conducting at choral festivals throughout northern Illinois. She has extensive professional experience as a vocalist, pianist, accompanist, voice coach, and judge. Mrs. Boddy currently serves on the leadership board for the Illinois Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance Project (ilCMP). She loves serving the Lord by singing on the worship team of Harvest Bible Chapel in the Chicago-land area. At home, she treasures her time with her husband Chris, children- Alex, Ben, and Grace, and puppy Nala.
Nathan Bramstedt
Choral Faculty
nathan_bramstedt@ipsd.org
Mr. Nathan Bramstedt conducts Bass Chorus, Concert Choir, Treble Singers and Chamber Singers as well as United Voices and Vocal Jazz, Off the Record, and he is the Theater Program Director. Within the Theater Program, he oversees 3-5 productions each season and directs the musical. Prior to opening Metea Valley, Mr. Bramstedt taught choirs at Crone Middle School and Neuqua Valley High School. His choirs have enjoyed sharing stages with area orchestras, collegiate choirs and community ensembles. Mr. Bramstedt loves working with singers of all ages as a clinician and guest conductor for workshops and festivals across the region. During his tenure in District 204, he has been recognized by the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation as a "Most Influential Educator." Mr. Bramstedt received a Master of Music in Choral Conducting degree from the Pennsylvania State University where he taught courses and conducted various choral ensembles. Before his fellowship assignment at Penn State, Mr. Bramstedt taught high school choir and band in Warrensburg, IL. With a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, he has directed and performed in musical theatre and opera productions, church choirs, the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, the Chicago Master Singers, and choral tours to Italy and Austria. He and his wife Carol, a teacher in D204, enjoy spending time with their children Paul, Ruth and Lydia.
Choral Faculty
nathan_bramstedt@ipsd.org
Mr. Nathan Bramstedt conducts Bass Chorus, Concert Choir, Treble Singers and Chamber Singers as well as United Voices and Vocal Jazz, Off the Record, and he is the Theater Program Director. Within the Theater Program, he oversees 3-5 productions each season and directs the musical. Prior to opening Metea Valley, Mr. Bramstedt taught choirs at Crone Middle School and Neuqua Valley High School. His choirs have enjoyed sharing stages with area orchestras, collegiate choirs and community ensembles. Mr. Bramstedt loves working with singers of all ages as a clinician and guest conductor for workshops and festivals across the region. During his tenure in District 204, he has been recognized by the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation as a "Most Influential Educator." Mr. Bramstedt received a Master of Music in Choral Conducting degree from the Pennsylvania State University where he taught courses and conducted various choral ensembles. Before his fellowship assignment at Penn State, Mr. Bramstedt taught high school choir and band in Warrensburg, IL. With a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, he has directed and performed in musical theatre and opera productions, church choirs, the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, the Chicago Master Singers, and choral tours to Italy and Austria. He and his wife Carol, a teacher in D204, enjoy spending time with their children Paul, Ruth and Lydia.
Nicole DiGrazia
Accompanist
nicole_digrazia@ipsd.org
Nicole DiGrazia is very excited to join the Metea Valley High School music staff as their piano accompanist. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from North Park University in Chicago, Illinois, and her Master of Music in Piano Performance from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. Ms. DiGrazia has been accompanying choirs and soloists, both vocal and instrumental, since she was in high school. She taught private piano lessons for several years before joining District 204 in 2010. Nicole worked as the piano accompanist at Waubonsie Valley High School for eight years before transitioning to Metea Valley High School in 2018. Ms. DiGrazia loves being able to share her passion and joy for music with the students and staff here at Metea.
Accompanist
nicole_digrazia@ipsd.org
Nicole DiGrazia is very excited to join the Metea Valley High School music staff as their piano accompanist. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from North Park University in Chicago, Illinois, and her Master of Music in Piano Performance from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. Ms. DiGrazia has been accompanying choirs and soloists, both vocal and instrumental, since she was in high school. She taught private piano lessons for several years before joining District 204 in 2010. Nicole worked as the piano accompanist at Waubonsie Valley High School for eight years before transitioning to Metea Valley High School in 2018. Ms. DiGrazia loves being able to share her passion and joy for music with the students and staff here at Metea.
Josh Kaminsky
Wind & Percussion Faculty
josh_kaminsky@ipsd.org
Mr. Josh Kaminsky teaches Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Symphonic Winds at Metea Valley High School. Mr. Kaminsky also directs The Marching Mustangs, Pep Band, and Jazz Ensemble. Prior to teaching at Metea Valley, Mr. Kaminsky taught middle school in IPSD 204 at Crone, Scullen, and Still Middle Schools, where he taught 6th-8th grade band, general music, and jazz band. Mr. Kaminsky earned his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Elmhurst College in 2007 and his Masters in Music Education at VanderCook College of Music in 2014. Mr. Kaminsky has served as co-chair for IMEA Junior Jazz District IX and has been a guest clinician at IMEA District IV and IX for their junior jazz festivals. He has also teaches private trombone lessons and plays trombone regularly with the Pete Ellman Big Band. Mr. Kaminsky is a member of National Association for Music Education and Illinois Music Educators Association. Mr. Kaminsky lives in Oswego with his wife Nicole and their two kids, Hailey and Lucas.
Wind & Percussion Faculty
josh_kaminsky@ipsd.org
Mr. Josh Kaminsky teaches Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Symphonic Winds at Metea Valley High School. Mr. Kaminsky also directs The Marching Mustangs, Pep Band, and Jazz Ensemble. Prior to teaching at Metea Valley, Mr. Kaminsky taught middle school in IPSD 204 at Crone, Scullen, and Still Middle Schools, where he taught 6th-8th grade band, general music, and jazz band. Mr. Kaminsky earned his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Elmhurst College in 2007 and his Masters in Music Education at VanderCook College of Music in 2014. Mr. Kaminsky has served as co-chair for IMEA Junior Jazz District IX and has been a guest clinician at IMEA District IV and IX for their junior jazz festivals. He has also teaches private trombone lessons and plays trombone regularly with the Pete Ellman Big Band. Mr. Kaminsky is a member of National Association for Music Education and Illinois Music Educators Association. Mr. Kaminsky lives in Oswego with his wife Nicole and their two kids, Hailey and Lucas.
Mark Liu
Orchestra Faculty
mark_liu@ipsd.org
Dr. Mark Liu has been a member of Indian Prairie District 204 music staff for 10 years. He received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Wheaton College Conservatory of Music in Wheaton, Illinois in 2001. He later received his Master’s Degree in Music Education from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, with an emphasis in Orchestral Conducting. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Aurora University, IL. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Music Education from Boston University. He has also served as the symphony orchestra director and music theory teacher at Merit School of Music, Chicago. Mr. Liu is a sought-out guest clinician for festivals, and he is also an active performer on the cello. He was the Wheaton College Conservatory Concerto Competition winner in 2001. Mr. Liu is a member of NAfME (National Association for Music Education), ASTA (American String Teachers Association), and the Conductors Guild. He has served as the IMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association) District IX Orchestra Chair, and is currently serving as the IMEA All-State Organization Chairperson, Orchestra Division.
Orchestra Faculty
mark_liu@ipsd.org
Dr. Mark Liu has been a member of Indian Prairie District 204 music staff for 10 years. He received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Wheaton College Conservatory of Music in Wheaton, Illinois in 2001. He later received his Master’s Degree in Music Education from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, with an emphasis in Orchestral Conducting. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Aurora University, IL. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Music Education from Boston University. He has also served as the symphony orchestra director and music theory teacher at Merit School of Music, Chicago. Mr. Liu is a sought-out guest clinician for festivals, and he is also an active performer on the cello. He was the Wheaton College Conservatory Concerto Competition winner in 2001. Mr. Liu is a member of NAfME (National Association for Music Education), ASTA (American String Teachers Association), and the Conductors Guild. He has served as the IMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association) District IX Orchestra Chair, and is currently serving as the IMEA All-State Organization Chairperson, Orchestra Division.
Claire Fenton
Wind & Percussion Faculty
claire_fenton@ipsd.org
Claire Fenton has taught instrumental music in Indian Prairie School District 204 since 1993. She received her Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL. She has also completed additional graduate work at Temple University and Duquesne University. This year Ms. Fenton teaches Concert Band (period 1) at Metea Valley, 6th and 8th Grade Orchestra at Still Middle School, and General Music at Gregory Middle School.
During her tenure in District 204, she has been recognized by the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation as a “Most Influential Educator” and received the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator award in 1997. She is a member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).
Wind & Percussion Faculty
claire_fenton@ipsd.org
Claire Fenton has taught instrumental music in Indian Prairie School District 204 since 1993. She received her Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL. She has also completed additional graduate work at Temple University and Duquesne University. This year Ms. Fenton teaches Concert Band (period 1) at Metea Valley, 6th and 8th Grade Orchestra at Still Middle School, and General Music at Gregory Middle School.
During her tenure in District 204, she has been recognized by the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation as a “Most Influential Educator” and received the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator award in 1997. She is a member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).
Michael Naughton
Orchestra Faculty
michael_naughton@ipsd.org
Mr. Michael Naughton is teaching string technique classes at Metea Valley. During the past three years, he taught music and violin in Chicago Public Schools where he helped develop fine arts curriculum as the Fine Arts Department Chair on the south side of Chicago. In addition to his responsibilities at Metea Valley, he teaches violin at the Mariachi Institute of Chicago in the Pilsen neighborhood of the city. Mr. Naughton received his Bachelors in Music Education from Hope College in Holland Michigan.
Orchestra Faculty
michael_naughton@ipsd.org
Mr. Michael Naughton is teaching string technique classes at Metea Valley. During the past three years, he taught music and violin in Chicago Public Schools where he helped develop fine arts curriculum as the Fine Arts Department Chair on the south side of Chicago. In addition to his responsibilities at Metea Valley, he teaches violin at the Mariachi Institute of Chicago in the Pilsen neighborhood of the city. Mr. Naughton received his Bachelors in Music Education from Hope College in Holland Michigan.
Meredith Roche
Wind and Percussion Faculty
meredith_roche@ipsd.org
Ms. Meredith Roche is very excited to be joining Indian Prairie School District 204. She will be teaching technique classes at both Metea Valley High School and Fischer Middle School, as well as helping with the Marching Mustangs. Prior to teaching in District 204, Ms. Roche taught for Chicago Public Schools where she initiated a school’s first ever band program at the middle school level. At this school she organized the start of a beginning band, advanced band, rock band, and piano class. She also taught at Luther North College Prep in Chicago, IL and has worked with Naperville Central High School’s Marching Band. Ms. Roche received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Western Illinois University (WIU) in 2013. Primarily a saxophonist, at WIU she won the Concerto Competition on alto saxophone. In addition to saxophone, Ms. Roche also participated in the clarinet, flute and bassoon studios and is a woodwind specialist. In her spare time, Ms. Roche loves performing in pit orchestras for musical theatre productions and painting.
Wind and Percussion Faculty
meredith_roche@ipsd.org
Ms. Meredith Roche is very excited to be joining Indian Prairie School District 204. She will be teaching technique classes at both Metea Valley High School and Fischer Middle School, as well as helping with the Marching Mustangs. Prior to teaching in District 204, Ms. Roche taught for Chicago Public Schools where she initiated a school’s first ever band program at the middle school level. At this school she organized the start of a beginning band, advanced band, rock band, and piano class. She also taught at Luther North College Prep in Chicago, IL and has worked with Naperville Central High School’s Marching Band. Ms. Roche received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Western Illinois University (WIU) in 2013. Primarily a saxophonist, at WIU she won the Concerto Competition on alto saxophone. In addition to saxophone, Ms. Roche also participated in the clarinet, flute and bassoon studios and is a woodwind specialist. In her spare time, Ms. Roche loves performing in pit orchestras for musical theatre productions and painting.
Brandon Runyon
Percussion Ensembles and Steel Bands
brandon.d.runyon@gmail.com
Mr. Brandon Runyon is a Chicago-based freelance percussionist and educator. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2010 and completed graduate studies in percussion performance at Roosevelt University in Chicago. Since 2011, Brandon has worked as a percussion instructor all over the western suburbs and currently teaches at both Metea Valley and Glenbard East High Schools, directing steel bands, percussion ensembles, and drumline, as well teaching studio classes and private lessons. He has extensive performance experience at both the university and professional level having played in myriad ensembles including orchestras, opera and theater companies, percussion and chamber ensembles, steel bands, Balinese gamelans, and the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps. When not teaching, Brandon can frequently be found eating, traveling, and/or playing in a number of Chicago theater companies and rock bands.
Percussion Ensembles and Steel Bands
brandon.d.runyon@gmail.com
Mr. Brandon Runyon is a Chicago-based freelance percussionist and educator. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2010 and completed graduate studies in percussion performance at Roosevelt University in Chicago. Since 2011, Brandon has worked as a percussion instructor all over the western suburbs and currently teaches at both Metea Valley and Glenbard East High Schools, directing steel bands, percussion ensembles, and drumline, as well teaching studio classes and private lessons. He has extensive performance experience at both the university and professional level having played in myriad ensembles including orchestras, opera and theater companies, percussion and chamber ensembles, steel bands, Balinese gamelans, and the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps. When not teaching, Brandon can frequently be found eating, traveling, and/or playing in a number of Chicago theater companies and rock bands.
Robin Sackschewsky
Orchestra Faculty
robin_sackschewsky@ipsd.org
Robin Sackschewsky has taught in Indian Prairie District 204 since 2005. Mrs. Sackshewsky teaches Concert Orchestra, Concert Strings, Chamber Orchestra, and Mustang Strings at Metea Valley High School. Prior to teaching at Metea Valley, she taught elementary strings as well as at Granger and Fischer Middle Schools. She started her studies on violin at age 3, at the Betty Haag Suzuki School. She received her undergraduate degree from Augustana College in 2005, studying under Dr. Susan Stone. In 2011, she completed a Masters of Music degree from Northern Illinois University.
Mrs. Sackschewsky is an active performer on violin throughout the Chicago area. From 2005-2008 she served as assistant concertmaster of the West Suburban Symphony. She has had numerous solo performances with the Sycamore Chamber String Ensemble, getting to solo alongside Mathias Tacke (Vermeer Quartet), Blaise Magniere (Avalon Quartet), and Linc Smelser (Wheaton Conservatory). Currently, she stays very active performing on violin, primarily playing with the Jan Sobieski String Quartet with her husband, Nathan. Since 2012 she has played in the first violin section of the Elmhurst Symphony. She is an active member of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) as well as the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and regularly works as a guest clinician and solo and ensemble adjudicator.
Orchestra Faculty
robin_sackschewsky@ipsd.org
Robin Sackschewsky has taught in Indian Prairie District 204 since 2005. Mrs. Sackshewsky teaches Concert Orchestra, Concert Strings, Chamber Orchestra, and Mustang Strings at Metea Valley High School. Prior to teaching at Metea Valley, she taught elementary strings as well as at Granger and Fischer Middle Schools. She started her studies on violin at age 3, at the Betty Haag Suzuki School. She received her undergraduate degree from Augustana College in 2005, studying under Dr. Susan Stone. In 2011, she completed a Masters of Music degree from Northern Illinois University.
Mrs. Sackschewsky is an active performer on violin throughout the Chicago area. From 2005-2008 she served as assistant concertmaster of the West Suburban Symphony. She has had numerous solo performances with the Sycamore Chamber String Ensemble, getting to solo alongside Mathias Tacke (Vermeer Quartet), Blaise Magniere (Avalon Quartet), and Linc Smelser (Wheaton Conservatory). Currently, she stays very active performing on violin, primarily playing with the Jan Sobieski String Quartet with her husband, Nathan. Since 2012 she has played in the first violin section of the Elmhurst Symphony. She is an active member of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) as well as the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and regularly works as a guest clinician and solo and ensemble adjudicator.
Glen Schneider
Wind & Percussion Faculty
glen_schneider@ipsd.org
Mr. Glen Schneider teaches Wind Symphony, Concert Winds, Concert Band, and Concert Percussion at Metea Valley High School. Mr. Schneider directs the Marching Mustangs, the Metea Valley Symphony Orchestra, the MV Pep Band, and the Jazz Orchestra. Mr. Schneider is also an adjuct faculty member at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL, where he teachers graduate level professional development courses. His previous teaching experiences include Neuqua Valley High School, Oswego Community School District 308, Oswego, IL from 2002-2008, where he taught at Thompson Junior High School, Traughber Junior High School, and Oswego High School. From 2001-2002 he worked as a General Music Teacher in the Fox Chapel Area School District in Fox Chapel, PA, and at Trinity High School in Washington, PA as the Percussion Coordinator and Assistant Marching Band Director. He has served as the band representative for Illinois Music Educators Association District IX Band Representative and the Fox Valley Music Festival. Mr. Schneider is an active conductor and clinician, having directed the Junior High District 1 IMEA Jazz Ensemble Festival, the Western Sun Conference 9th & 10th Grade Honor Band, and the IMEA District IX High School Jazz Ensemble. He was the recipient of the 2012 Teach Hub "Making a Difference Award," the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award, and the Indian Prairie Most Influential Educator Award. He is a member of Phi Beta Mu, and has received the Citation of Excellence Award from the National Band Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Duquesne University, a Master of Music Education Degree from VanderCook College of Music, and a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Technology from Concordia University Chicago. Mr. Schneider lives in Oswego with his wife Ashlee and their five children Corinne, Caleb, Calvin, Clara, and Cole.
Wind & Percussion Faculty
glen_schneider@ipsd.org
Mr. Glen Schneider teaches Wind Symphony, Concert Winds, Concert Band, and Concert Percussion at Metea Valley High School. Mr. Schneider directs the Marching Mustangs, the Metea Valley Symphony Orchestra, the MV Pep Band, and the Jazz Orchestra. Mr. Schneider is also an adjuct faculty member at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL, where he teachers graduate level professional development courses. His previous teaching experiences include Neuqua Valley High School, Oswego Community School District 308, Oswego, IL from 2002-2008, where he taught at Thompson Junior High School, Traughber Junior High School, and Oswego High School. From 2001-2002 he worked as a General Music Teacher in the Fox Chapel Area School District in Fox Chapel, PA, and at Trinity High School in Washington, PA as the Percussion Coordinator and Assistant Marching Band Director. He has served as the band representative for Illinois Music Educators Association District IX Band Representative and the Fox Valley Music Festival. Mr. Schneider is an active conductor and clinician, having directed the Junior High District 1 IMEA Jazz Ensemble Festival, the Western Sun Conference 9th & 10th Grade Honor Band, and the IMEA District IX High School Jazz Ensemble. He was the recipient of the 2012 Teach Hub "Making a Difference Award," the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award, and the Indian Prairie Most Influential Educator Award. He is a member of Phi Beta Mu, and has received the Citation of Excellence Award from the National Band Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Duquesne University, a Master of Music Education Degree from VanderCook College of Music, and a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Technology from Concordia University Chicago. Mr. Schneider lives in Oswego with his wife Ashlee and their five children Corinne, Caleb, Calvin, Clara, and Cole.
