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 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
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 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.
Dr. Alexander Djordjevic
Accompanist
alexander_djordjevic@ipsd.org
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.
Accompanist
alexander_djordjevic@ipsd.org
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.
Josh Kaminsky
Wind & Percussion Faculty
josh_kaminsky@ipsd.org
Mr. Josh Kaminsky teaches Symphonic Band, and Symphonic Winds, Wind Symphony, and Music Production at Metea Valley High School. Mr. Kaminsky also works with The Marching Mustangs, Jazz Ensemble, Off The Record, and is one of the faculty advisors for Tri-M. 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 University 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 and senior jazz festivals. He has also teaches private trombone lessons and performs regularly with serveral music groups in the Chicagoland area on trombone. Mr. Kaminsky lives in Oswego with his two children, Hailey and Lucas., and their dog, Nala.
Wind & Percussion Faculty
josh_kaminsky@ipsd.org
Mr. Josh Kaminsky teaches Symphonic Band, and Symphonic Winds, Wind Symphony, and Music Production at Metea Valley High School. Mr. Kaminsky also works with The Marching Mustangs, Jazz Ensemble, Off The Record, and is one of the faculty advisors for Tri-M. 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 University 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 and senior jazz festivals. He has also teaches private trombone lessons and performs regularly with serveral music groups in the Chicagoland area on trombone. Mr. Kaminsky lives in Oswego with his two children, Hailey and Lucas., and their dog, Nala.
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. 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
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. 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.
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 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
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 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.
Shaun Schaefers
Wind & Percussion Faculty
shaun_schaefers@ipsd.org
Mr. Shaun Schaefers teaches Symphonic Band at Neuqua Valley, as well as technique classes and Music Production at Metea Valley; he also co-directs the Marching Mustangs, Pep Band, Jazz Band, and directs the Percussion Ensemble. Prior to teaching in District 204, Mr. Schaefers taught instrumental music at Rochelle Township High School and Sullivan CUSD 300. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2016. He is a member of the Illinois Music Education Association, the National Band Association, and has previously served as the ILMEA District VIII Professional Development representative. Mr. Schaefers is a regular performer on the trumpet and serves as an adjudicator for solo & ensemble festivals. He is a proud graduate of Metea Valley High School.
Wind & Percussion Faculty
shaun_schaefers@ipsd.org
Mr. Shaun Schaefers teaches Symphonic Band at Neuqua Valley, as well as technique classes and Music Production at Metea Valley; he also co-directs the Marching Mustangs, Pep Band, Jazz Band, and directs the Percussion Ensemble. Prior to teaching in District 204, Mr. Schaefers taught instrumental music at Rochelle Township High School and Sullivan CUSD 300. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2016. He is a member of the Illinois Music Education Association, the National Band Association, and has previously served as the ILMEA District VIII Professional Development representative. Mr. Schaefers is a regular performer on the trumpet and serves as an adjudicator for solo & ensemble festivals. He is a proud graduate of Metea Valley High School.
Andrew Toniolo
Choral Faculty
andrew_toniolo@ipsd.org
Mr. Andrew Toniolo teaches Music Production, Bass Chorus, Treble Choir, and Chamber Singers at Metea Valley High School. Mr. Toniolo also directs Metea Valley’s vocal jazz ensemble, Off The Record, as well as the contemporary a cappella ensembles: Apollo and Muses. Prior to coming aboard MVHS in 2021, Mr. Toniolo taught in the northern suburbs of Chicago at Sunset Ridge School (3 years) and Glenbrook South High School (7 years) where he taught choir, music theory, directed the a cappella and vocal jazz ensembles, and vocal directed the school’s annual variety show. Mr. Toniolo received his bachelor's degree in Music Education from Elmhurst University, and he also holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. When he is not teaching, Mr. Toniolo spends time at home, hopefully in his backyard, with his wife, Liz, and daughter, Mila… and his two pitbulls, Chuck and Lily.
Choral Faculty
andrew_toniolo@ipsd.org
Mr. Andrew Toniolo teaches Music Production, Bass Chorus, Treble Choir, and Chamber Singers at Metea Valley High School. Mr. Toniolo also directs Metea Valley’s vocal jazz ensemble, Off The Record, as well as the contemporary a cappella ensembles: Apollo and Muses. Prior to coming aboard MVHS in 2021, Mr. Toniolo taught in the northern suburbs of Chicago at Sunset Ridge School (3 years) and Glenbrook South High School (7 years) where he taught choir, music theory, directed the a cappella and vocal jazz ensembles, and vocal directed the school’s annual variety show. Mr. Toniolo received his bachelor's degree in Music Education from Elmhurst University, and he also holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. When he is not teaching, Mr. Toniolo spends time at home, hopefully in his backyard, with his wife, Liz, and daughter, Mila… and his two pitbulls, Chuck and Lily.
Allessandra West
Orchestra Faculty
allessandra_west@ipsd.org
Ms. Allessandra West teaches Symphonic Strings, Varsity Mustang Strings, Junior Varsity Mustang Strings, Symphonic Strings Technique, and is a faculty member for Tri-M. Prior to teaching at Metea Valley High School, Ms. West taught elementary and high school orchestra in Davenport, IA. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and Violin Performance from Augustana College in 2020, studying with Dr. Susan Stone.
Ms. West was recognized as one of ILMEA's Emerging Leaders of 2021, and presented at the Illinois Music Educator Conference in 2023. She is a member of ILMEA (Illinois Music Education Association) and ASTA (American String Teachers Association), and is a member of the Illinois ASTA Board. She is an active performer on violin, and played bass in the Augustana Symphonic Band for three years. Ms. West is a member of the Fox Valley Orchestra and the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra in the Chicagoland suburb area, and is Youth Mental Health First Aid certified. In her free time, she enjoys composing music and spending time with her family.
Orchestra Faculty
allessandra_west@ipsd.org
Ms. Allessandra West teaches Symphonic Strings, Varsity Mustang Strings, Junior Varsity Mustang Strings, Symphonic Strings Technique, and is a faculty member for Tri-M. Prior to teaching at Metea Valley High School, Ms. West taught elementary and high school orchestra in Davenport, IA. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and Violin Performance from Augustana College in 2020, studying with Dr. Susan Stone.
Ms. West was recognized as one of ILMEA's Emerging Leaders of 2021, and presented at the Illinois Music Educator Conference in 2023. She is a member of ILMEA (Illinois Music Education Association) and ASTA (American String Teachers Association), and is a member of the Illinois ASTA Board. She is an active performer on violin, and played bass in the Augustana Symphonic Band for three years. Ms. West is a member of the Fox Valley Orchestra and the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra in the Chicagoland suburb area, and is Youth Mental Health First Aid certified. In her free time, she enjoys composing music and spending time with her family.
Jordan Yi
Wind & Percussion Faculty
jordan_yi@ipsd.org
Mr. Jordan Yi teaches Concert Band and Concert Winds at Metea Valley. Jordan also works with the Marching Mustangs. Prior to teaching in IPSD204 Jordan taught at Jefferson High School in Rockford, IL from 2013-2015, Butler Junior High School in Oak Brook, IL from 2015-2017, Bolingbrook High School in Bolingbrook, IL from 2017-2018, and beginning band in the Wheaton-Warrenville CUSD 200 from 2018-2021. He also worked with the Wheaton Warrenville South High School Marching Band from 2011-2021. Mr. Yi received his undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University in 2012.
Jordan has been an active participant with marching ensembles through The Cavaliers as a performer from 2009-2011, a brass instructional staff member from 2012-2016, the founder of Chromium Winds in 2017, and currently assists in coordinating their educational outreach programs. In addition, Mr. Yi is an adjudicator for concert, solo and ensemble, and marching contests and serves as a show designer/arranger for high school marching bands. He and his wife are both graduates of Waubonsie Valley High School and reside in Oswego, IL with their two children Brynn and Will.
Wind & Percussion Faculty
jordan_yi@ipsd.org
Mr. Jordan Yi teaches Concert Band and Concert Winds at Metea Valley. Jordan also works with the Marching Mustangs. Prior to teaching in IPSD204 Jordan taught at Jefferson High School in Rockford, IL from 2013-2015, Butler Junior High School in Oak Brook, IL from 2015-2017, Bolingbrook High School in Bolingbrook, IL from 2017-2018, and beginning band in the Wheaton-Warrenville CUSD 200 from 2018-2021. He also worked with the Wheaton Warrenville South High School Marching Band from 2011-2021. Mr. Yi received his undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University in 2012.
Jordan has been an active participant with marching ensembles through The Cavaliers as a performer from 2009-2011, a brass instructional staff member from 2012-2016, the founder of Chromium Winds in 2017, and currently assists in coordinating their educational outreach programs. In addition, Mr. Yi is an adjudicator for concert, solo and ensemble, and marching contests and serves as a show designer/arranger for high school marching bands. He and his wife are both graduates of Waubonsie Valley High School and reside in Oswego, IL with their two children Brynn and Will.
