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 “Mustang” Ethan, and "Future Mustangs" 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 “Mustang” Ethan, and "Future Mustangs" 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 has been a member of the District 204 music faculty since 2004. At Metea Valley, he teaches Bass Chorus, Concert Choir, Treble Singers and Chamber Singers, and he co-directs United Voices and Off the Record and manages Apollo and Muses. He is the Theater Program Director, where he oversees the stage productions and directs the musicals. Prior to opening Metea Valley in 2009, Mr. Bramstedt taught choirs at Crone Middle School and high school choir and band in Warrensburg, IL. He earned a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the Pennsylvania State University as a full Fellowship recipient. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Illinois Wesleyan University, where he returned as a guest professor for the 2018 Spring semester. His choirs have toured across the country and to Italy and Austria and have performed at IL-ACDA and twice at the Illinois Music Educator’s Conference. He has also performed with the DCI World Champions Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps and the Chicago Master Singers. He and his wife Carol, a teacher at Longwood Elementary, live in Oswego with their three children Paul, Ruth and Lydia.
Choral Faculty
nathan_bramstedt@ipsd.org
Mr. Nathan Bramstedt has been a member of the District 204 music faculty since 2004. At Metea Valley, he teaches Bass Chorus, Concert Choir, Treble Singers and Chamber Singers, and he co-directs United Voices and Off the Record and manages Apollo and Muses. He is the Theater Program Director, where he oversees the stage productions and directs the musicals. Prior to opening Metea Valley in 2009, Mr. Bramstedt taught choirs at Crone Middle School and high school choir and band in Warrensburg, IL. He earned a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the Pennsylvania State University as a full Fellowship recipient. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Illinois Wesleyan University, where he returned as a guest professor for the 2018 Spring semester. His choirs have toured across the country and to Italy and Austria and have performed at IL-ACDA and twice at the Illinois Music Educator’s Conference. He has also performed with the DCI World Champions Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps and the Chicago Master Singers. He and his wife Carol, a teacher at Longwood Elementary, live in Oswego with their three 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.
Marc Hornig
Orchestra Faculty
marc_hornig@ipsd.org
Mr. Hornig is teaching Symphonic Strings, sections of Technique Classes, as well as JV
Mustang Strings this year. Mr. Hornig recently graduated from DePaul University with a
bachelor’s degree in music education. While at DePaul, Mr. Hornig participated in a number
of the school’s ensembles, as well as worked for a non-for-profit that provided free music lessons to under-served students in Chicago Public Schools. Mr. Hornig is a member of the National Association for Music Education and the American String Teacher Association. Mr. Hornig Currently lives in Geneva, Il.
Orchestra Faculty
marc_hornig@ipsd.org
Mr. Hornig is teaching Symphonic Strings, sections of Technique Classes, as well as JV
Mustang Strings this year. Mr. Hornig recently graduated from DePaul University with a
bachelor’s degree in music education. While at DePaul, Mr. Hornig participated in a number
of the school’s ensembles, as well as worked for a non-for-profit that provided free music lessons to under-served students in Chicago Public Schools. Mr. Hornig is a member of the National Association for Music Education and the American String Teacher Association. Mr. Hornig Currently lives in Geneva, Il.
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Dwayne Rawl has been involved in the Percussive Arts World since the early 80’s. He studied Music Education at the University of Southern Mississippi under the direction of Dr. Sherman Hong. Also, he studied Recording Arts at the Recording Institute in Chillicothe OH. He was a member and instructor of the Memphis Blues Drum and bugle corps where he toured and performed all over the USA and Canada, as well as touring in Europe with the United States Collegiate Wind Bands. He’s also been involved in all aspects open to the performing percussionist including Bands, Orchestra, ensembles, Recording, Instrument Repair, Design, Composing, Arranging, Consulting, and clinician.
Dwayne was an active Adjudicator for Drum Corps Midwest, Drum Corps International, and several High School Judging Associations in the Midwest, South Florida, and the Japanese Marching Association where he toured as a Clinician, Adjudicator, and Consultant to many Marching Bands and Drum and Bugle Corps in Japan. Dwayne has been an instructor for many Competitive Marching Bands, Drum Lines, and Percussion Ensembles throughout the Midwest and South Florida. He was the Percussion Director at Downers Grove South HS for the past 30 years. While at DGS, Dwayne established a successful Private Lesson Studio as well as the Tropical Breeze Pan Jam Gigging Steel Pan Band. He was very active with Indoor Percussion and Concert Percussion ensembles that have competed at the Regional and National levels.of WGI. Dwayne has also worked with many state champion groups in Illinois, Indiana, Wis, and Florida, as well as several finalist groups at Bands of America Regional and Grand Nationals.
Dwayne was an active Adjudicator for Drum Corps Midwest, Drum Corps International, and several High School Judging Associations in the Midwest, South Florida, and the Japanese Marching Association where he toured as a Clinician, Adjudicator, and Consultant to many Marching Bands and Drum and Bugle Corps in Japan. Dwayne has been an instructor for many Competitive Marching Bands, Drum Lines, and Percussion Ensembles throughout the Midwest and South Florida. He was the Percussion Director at Downers Grove South HS for the past 30 years. While at DGS, Dwayne established a successful Private Lesson Studio as well as the Tropical Breeze Pan Jam Gigging Steel Pan Band. He was very active with Indoor Percussion and Concert Percussion ensembles that have competed at the Regional and National levels.of WGI. Dwayne has also worked with many state champion groups in Illinois, Indiana, Wis, and Florida, as well as several finalist groups at Bands of America Regional and Grand Nationals.
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, and a variety of wind and percussion technique classes at Metea Valley High School and has taught here since the building opened in 2009. Mr. Schneider directs the Marching Mustangs, the Metea Valley Symphony Orchestra, the MV Pep Band, and the Jazz Orchestra. In addition, he is an Assistant Guest Lecturer in Music at Wheaton College where he conducts the Symphonic Band, and an adjunct 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 serves as the band representative for the 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, and a variety of wind and percussion technique classes at Metea Valley High School and has taught here since the building opened in 2009. Mr. Schneider directs the Marching Mustangs, the Metea Valley Symphony Orchestra, the MV Pep Band, and the Jazz Orchestra. In addition, he is an Assistant Guest Lecturer in Music at Wheaton College where he conducts the Symphonic Band, and an adjunct 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 serves as the band representative for the 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.
