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.
Melinda Arnold
Accompanist
melinda_arnold@ipsd.org
Melinda Arnold received a Bachelor's Degree in Music (Piano) from Wheaton College and a Master's Degree in Vocal Accompanying and Coaching from the University of Illinois. Mrs. Arnold was active as a choral and vocal accompanist in the New York/New Jersey area - playing for the Princeton Pro Musica, Rutgers University, Westminster Choir College and The Juilliard School. She also served as a vocal coach/accompanist at the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria. Mrs. Arnold served as an accompanist with the Young Naperville Singers for 15 years. Currently, she enjoys serving on the worship team of Naperville Presbyterian Church.
Accompanist
melinda_arnold@ipsd.org
Melinda Arnold received a Bachelor's Degree in Music (Piano) from Wheaton College and a Master's Degree in Vocal Accompanying and Coaching from the University of Illinois. Mrs. Arnold was active as a choral and vocal accompanist in the New York/New Jersey area - playing for the Princeton Pro Musica, Rutgers University, Westminster Choir College and The Juilliard School. She also served as a vocal coach/accompanist at the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria. Mrs. Arnold served as an accompanist with the Young Naperville Singers for 15 years. Currently, she enjoys serving on the worship team of Naperville Presbyterian Church.
Paulette Boddy
Choral Faculty
paulette_boddy@ipsd.org
Mrs. Paulette Boddy directs the Cecillian Singers and Varsity Singers, as well as Metea's United Voices and Madrigal Troupes. Mrs. Boddy earned degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana and VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. 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. Mrs. Boddy's directing expertise extends into adult community and church choirs, musical pit orchestras, and guest conducting at choral festivals in Illinois. She has extensive professional experience as a vocalist, pianist, accompanist, voice coach, and judge. Mrs. Boddy serves on the leadership board for the Illinois Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance Project (ilCMP), as well as the District 204 Music Articulation Committee (MAC). 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, and children Alex, Ben, and Grace.
Choral Faculty
paulette_boddy@ipsd.org
Mrs. Paulette Boddy directs the Cecillian Singers and Varsity Singers, as well as Metea's United Voices and Madrigal Troupes. Mrs. Boddy earned degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana and VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. 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. Mrs. Boddy's directing expertise extends into adult community and church choirs, musical pit orchestras, and guest conducting at choral festivals in Illinois. She has extensive professional experience as a vocalist, pianist, accompanist, voice coach, and judge. Mrs. Boddy serves on the leadership board for the Illinois Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance Project (ilCMP), as well as the District 204 Music Articulation Committee (MAC). 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, and children Alex, Ben, and Grace.
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.
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 co-teaches Symphonic Winds 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 co-teaches Symphonic Winds 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 beginning his first year teaching in IPSD 204. He 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 beginning his first year teaching in IPSD 204. He 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.
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. Brandon joined the staff at Metea Valley High School in 2011, directing the steel bands, percussion ensemble, and drumline, and is excited to be returning after a one year hiatus. In addition to his Metea Valley teaching responsibilities, Brandon works on staff as the percussion instructor at Hinsdale South High School and maintains a growing studio of private students, teaching lessons from his home in Chicago and as far west as Oswego. He has extensive performance experience at both the university and professional level having played with numerous ensembles including orchestras, opera and theater companies, percussion and chamber ensembles, steel bands, Balinese gamelans, and the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps. Brandon maintains an active performing schedule and can be seen playing most frequently with Chamber Opera Chicago and his rock band, Lost Years.
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. Brandon joined the staff at Metea Valley High School in 2011, directing the steel bands, percussion ensemble, and drumline, and is excited to be returning after a one year hiatus. In addition to his Metea Valley teaching responsibilities, Brandon works on staff as the percussion instructor at Hinsdale South High School and maintains a growing studio of private students, teaching lessons from his home in Chicago and as far west as Oswego. He has extensive performance experience at both the university and professional level having played with numerous ensembles including orchestras, opera and theater companies, percussion and chamber ensembles, steel bands, Balinese gamelans, and the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps. Brandon maintains an active performing schedule and can be seen playing most frequently with Chamber Opera Chicago and his rock band, Lost Years.
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.
