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Music Department Mission Statement
Music Department Mission Statement
The study of music involves participation, discussion and performance of musical works that have artistic and historical importance. Each student will strive to develop his or her own skills to the highest possible level. In support of these ideals, we endeavor to create quality large ensemble performances, study music of historical significance, rehearse separately and together to develop expertise, establish relationships that foster understanding, discover the relationships between music and culture, and become lifelong musical learners.
Music Department Staff
Music Department Staff
Patrick Maag
Art & Music District Department Chair
630-468-4151
Patrick Maag serves as the Fine Arts Department Chair for District 86 and is the proud faculty sponsor for the Hinsdale Central Tri-M Music Honor Society Chapter. With nearly three decades of experience in music education, including his leadership as Director of Bands and Orchestra at Hinsdale South High School, he holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Illinois State University and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Northeastern Illinois University.
Wendy Eng-Chow
Music Administrative Assistant
Wendy is the Administrative Assistant for the Music Department. Wendy has a strong background in program management and educational operations, with experience at Bricks 4 Kidz, the University of Chicago, and Harvard Business School.
Jennifer Burkemper
Choir Director
Jennifer is the choir director at Hinsdale Central. She directs five curricular choirs, two extra-curricular choirs and is the vocal director for the musical. She holds a BME in chorale and instrumental music from Indiana University, a MM in choral conducting from Michigan State University, and a Masters in Educational Administration from Benedictine University. She resides in Wheaton with her husband Andrew and their twin daughters, Olivia and Grace.
Kiyona Ohshika
Choir Accompanist
Kiyona Ohshika has been the choral accompanist at Hinsdale Central since 2019. She accompanies all curricular choirs, the musical, and all honors voice recitals.
Grace Tait
Assistant Director of Bands
Grace joined the music team at Hinsdale Central in 2022 as the assistant director of bands. Previously, she was the orchestra director at Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream, IL. Grace graduated in December of 2020 with a Bachelors of Music Education from Indiana University. There, she studied organ with Dr. Janette Fishell and Prof. Vince Carr and trumpet with Prof. Edmund Cord. She is currently working on a Masters of Music Education from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She also works at her church in Glen Ellyn, IL as a weekend organist and choir member. In her free time, Grace loves to eat fancy meals, cook, travel, and play Stardew Valley on her Nintendo Switch.
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