Music Faculty
Don Devany
Fine Arts Department Chair
Wind & Percussion Faculty
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
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, Music Theory
[email protected]
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 and playing piano on the worship team of Harvest Bible Chapel in the Chicago-land area. At home, she treasures her time with her husband, 3 children, and 2 puppies.
Choral Faculty, Music Theory
[email protected]
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 and playing piano on the worship team of Harvest Bible Chapel in the Chicago-land area. At home, she treasures her time with her husband, 3 children, and 2 puppies.
Alexander Djordjevic
Collaborative Pianist
[email protected]
Alexander Djordjevic is the collaborative pianist for the curricular choirs. He has performed internationally to critical acclaim as recitalist, concerto soloist with orchestras, as chamber musician, and vocal, instrumental and choral accompanist. A Fulbright Scholar, he holds advanced music degrees in Piano Performance and Literature from the University of Illinois and the Hochschule für Musik in Freiburg, Germany, where he studied with world-renowned piano professor Vitaly Margulis.
The winner of the Franz Liszt International Grand Prix du Disque for his CD recording, Gray Clouds: Piano Music of Franz Liszt, Alexander Djordjevic joins an esteemed list of notable pianists who have received this honor including Vladimir Horowitz, Claudio Arrau, Alfred Brendel and Andre Watts, among others. His commercial recordings and live performances have earned rave reviews from the Washington Post, Gramophone Magazine, Chicago Tribune and Phoenix Classical Review.
Alexander Djordjevic is highly regarded as a piano teacher. He serves on the piano faculty at the Music Institute of Chicago and teaches privately at his home studio. For more information, please visit AlexanderDjordjevic.com.
Collaborative Pianist
[email protected]
Alexander Djordjevic is the collaborative pianist for the curricular choirs. He has performed internationally to critical acclaim as recitalist, concerto soloist with orchestras, as chamber musician, and vocal, instrumental and choral accompanist. A Fulbright Scholar, he holds advanced music degrees in Piano Performance and Literature from the University of Illinois and the Hochschule für Musik in Freiburg, Germany, where he studied with world-renowned piano professor Vitaly Margulis.
The winner of the Franz Liszt International Grand Prix du Disque for his CD recording, Gray Clouds: Piano Music of Franz Liszt, Alexander Djordjevic joins an esteemed list of notable pianists who have received this honor including Vladimir Horowitz, Claudio Arrau, Alfred Brendel and Andre Watts, among others. His commercial recordings and live performances have earned rave reviews from the Washington Post, Gramophone Magazine, Chicago Tribune and Phoenix Classical Review.
Alexander Djordjevic is highly regarded as a piano teacher. He serves on the piano faculty at the Music Institute of Chicago and teaches privately at his home studio. For more information, please visit AlexanderDjordjevic.com.
Jeff Haeger
Choral Faculty, Music Theory, Music Production
[email protected]
Mr. Jeff Haeger directs Bass Chorus, Concert Choir, and Varsity Singers as well as Metea’s mixed Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Off The Record. He also teaches Music Production and Music Theory. Mr. Haeger earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University (Chicago), and studied Jazz Piano Performance with Ellis Marsalis at the University of New Orleans. He has taught in Indian Prairie since 2001 and has been recognized several times by the IPEF as a “Most Influential Educator”. Mr. Haeger resides in Naperville with his wife and daughter.
Choral Faculty, Music Theory, Music Production
[email protected]
Mr. Jeff Haeger directs Bass Chorus, Concert Choir, and Varsity Singers as well as Metea’s mixed Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Off The Record. He also teaches Music Production and Music Theory. Mr. Haeger earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University (Chicago), and studied Jazz Piano Performance with Ellis Marsalis at the University of New Orleans. He has taught in Indian Prairie since 2001 and has been recognized several times by the IPEF as a “Most Influential Educator”. Mr. Haeger resides in Naperville with his wife and daughter.
Josh Kaminsky
Wind & Percussion Faculty
[email protected]
Josh Kaminsky is currently serving as music educator at Metea Valley High School. His curricular responsibilities include three different concert bands (Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds, and Wind Symphony). He also works with the instrumental and vocal jazz programs, the Marching Mustangs, and is the co-faculty advisor of Metea’s Tri-M Music Honor’s Society. Prior to teaching at Metea Valley, Mr. Kaminsky taught middle school band in Indian Prairie School District #204. He earned his bachelor's degree in music education from Elmhurst University in 2007 and his master's in music education at VanderCook College of Music in 2014. Mr. Kaminsky has been a guest clinician for ILMEA District IV and IX junior and senior jazz festivals, worked with numerous bands across Illinois, and has also served as a clinician for multiple festivals in the Chicago-land area. He has maintained a private studio of trombone students and plays trombone in various jazz groups in the Chicago-land area. Mr. Kaminsky lives in Oswego, IL with his wife, Melissa, their blended family of five children, Emma, Hailee, Sophie, Hailey, and Luca, and their dogs, Maverick and Nala.
Wind & Percussion Faculty
[email protected]
Josh Kaminsky is currently serving as music educator at Metea Valley High School. His curricular responsibilities include three different concert bands (Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds, and Wind Symphony). He also works with the instrumental and vocal jazz programs, the Marching Mustangs, and is the co-faculty advisor of Metea’s Tri-M Music Honor’s Society. Prior to teaching at Metea Valley, Mr. Kaminsky taught middle school band in Indian Prairie School District #204. He earned his bachelor's degree in music education from Elmhurst University in 2007 and his master's in music education at VanderCook College of Music in 2014. Mr. Kaminsky has been a guest clinician for ILMEA District IV and IX junior and senior jazz festivals, worked with numerous bands across Illinois, and has also served as a clinician for multiple festivals in the Chicago-land area. He has maintained a private studio of trombone students and plays trombone in various jazz groups in the Chicago-land area. Mr. Kaminsky lives in Oswego, IL with his wife, Melissa, their blended family of five children, Emma, Hailee, Sophie, Hailey, and Luca, and their dogs, Maverick and Nala.
Mark Liu
Orchestra Faculty
[email protected]
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. Dr. 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
[email protected]
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. Dr. 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.
Brad Pfeil
Orchestra Faculty
brad_pfeil@ipsdorg
Brad Pfeil received a Bachelor of Music Education and Performance degree from the University of Michigan and Master of Music Education degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Brad taught previously in Las Vegas, Nevada where he performed actively as a double bassist in addition to teaching at Las Vegas High School, Fremont Middle School and Keller Middle School. Brad was principal double bass of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, played in Phantom, and was conductor of the Henderson Civic Symphony. He has also performed with numerous orchestras and artists including the Michigan Opera Theater, Ann Arbor Symphony, Lansing Symphony, Flint Symphony, Peoria Symphony, Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli and Styx. Brad currently performs as Principal Bass with the Heartland Festival Orchestra in Washington, Il. He is past president of the Nevada and Illinois chapters of the American String Teachers Association and is currently Orchestra Division President Elect for the Illinois Music Educators. Brad has worked as a conductor at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp since 2011 and has conducted five tours with the Blue Lake International Youth Symphony Orchestra. When not making music, Brad enjoys backpacking, cycling and reading.
Orchestra Faculty
brad_pfeil@ipsdorg
Brad Pfeil received a Bachelor of Music Education and Performance degree from the University of Michigan and Master of Music Education degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Brad taught previously in Las Vegas, Nevada where he performed actively as a double bassist in addition to teaching at Las Vegas High School, Fremont Middle School and Keller Middle School. Brad was principal double bass of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, played in Phantom, and was conductor of the Henderson Civic Symphony. He has also performed with numerous orchestras and artists including the Michigan Opera Theater, Ann Arbor Symphony, Lansing Symphony, Flint Symphony, Peoria Symphony, Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli and Styx. Brad currently performs as Principal Bass with the Heartland Festival Orchestra in Washington, Il. He is past president of the Nevada and Illinois chapters of the American String Teachers Association and is currently Orchestra Division President Elect for the Illinois Music Educators. Brad has worked as a conductor at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp since 2011 and has conducted five tours with the Blue Lake International Youth Symphony Orchestra. When not making music, Brad enjoys backpacking, cycling and reading.
Robin Sackschewsky
Orchestra Faculty
[email protected]
Robin Sackschewsky has taught in Indian Prairie District 204 since 2005. Mrs. Sackshewsky teaches Concert Orchestra, Concert Strings, Chamber Orchestra, and Metea Valley Symphony Orchestra (MVSO) 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 perform chamber music alongside Mathias Tacke (Vermeer Quartet), Blaise Magniere (Avalon Quartet), and John Sharp (principal cellist of Chicago Symphony Orchestra) among others. 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. Mrs. Sackschewsky resides in Glen Ellyn with her daughter, Nora and dog, Arco.
Orchestra Faculty
[email protected]
Robin Sackschewsky has taught in Indian Prairie District 204 since 2005. Mrs. Sackshewsky teaches Concert Orchestra, Concert Strings, Chamber Orchestra, and Metea Valley Symphony Orchestra (MVSO) 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 perform chamber music alongside Mathias Tacke (Vermeer Quartet), Blaise Magniere (Avalon Quartet), and John Sharp (principal cellist of Chicago Symphony Orchestra) among others. 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. Mrs. Sackschewsky resides in Glen Ellyn with her daughter, Nora and dog, Arco.
Jordan Yi
Wind & Percussion Faculty
[email protected]
Mr. Jordan Yi has taught in Indian Prairie School District since 2020. Jordan’s teaching responsibilities include the direction of both freshman bands as well as winds and percussion technique classes. Mr. Yi is the director of the Marching Mustangs, Korean Percussion Ensemble, MVHS Mariachi, MVHS Jazz Orchestra, and co-directs pep band. Yi’s experience prior to Metea Valley includes the direction of bands grades 5-12. Mr. Yi received his undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University in 2012 and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Music Education from Vandercook College of Music in Chicago.
Outside of his teaching duties, Yi has been an adjudicator and clinician for concert festivals, solo and ensemble, marching band contests, and ILMEA. Jordan actively presents on the topic of Korean Percussion and inclusion within school music programs. He has also served as a member of The Cavaliers brass staff from 2012-2016 and founded Chromium Winds in 2017. In addition, he serves as a show designer/arranger for high school marching bands. He and his wife Katie are graduates of Waubonsie Valley High School and reside in Oswego, IL with their two children Brynn and Will.
Wind & Percussion Faculty
[email protected]
Mr. Jordan Yi has taught in Indian Prairie School District since 2020. Jordan’s teaching responsibilities include the direction of both freshman bands as well as winds and percussion technique classes. Mr. Yi is the director of the Marching Mustangs, Korean Percussion Ensemble, MVHS Mariachi, MVHS Jazz Orchestra, and co-directs pep band. Yi’s experience prior to Metea Valley includes the direction of bands grades 5-12. Mr. Yi received his undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University in 2012 and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Music Education from Vandercook College of Music in Chicago.
Outside of his teaching duties, Yi has been an adjudicator and clinician for concert festivals, solo and ensemble, marching band contests, and ILMEA. Jordan actively presents on the topic of Korean Percussion and inclusion within school music programs. He has also served as a member of The Cavaliers brass staff from 2012-2016 and founded Chromium Winds in 2017. In addition, he serves as a show designer/arranger for high school marching bands. He and his wife Katie are graduates of Waubonsie Valley High School and reside in Oswego, IL with their two children Brynn and Will.
