Instructors
Matthew Chapman | Director of Bands | IVC High School
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree - Illinois State University - Normal, IL
Master's Degree - American Band College - Ashland, OR
Experience:
Flanagan Unit District - 1993 - 1994
Illinois Valley Central District - 1994 - present
About Mr. Chapman:
I was born in London, England and have extended family living in Sydney, Australia. I went through the process of becoming an American citizen in the spring of 1993. When I was a kid, I played on the soccer high school team and was on the Rockford traveling team playing once at Wrigley Field. I also marched for the world famous Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps for two years and was their soloist in 1991. I enjoy golfing, noodling on the piano and listening to all types of music. I also love to hang with my two girls, Mackenzie and Michaela. When I retire from teaching, I want to drive the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile for fun.
E-mail: mchapman@ivcschools.com
Thomas Cassidy | Assistant Director of Bands | Mossville School
Education:
Bachelor of Music Education - Illinois Wesleyan University: 2018-2022
Experience:
Illinois Valley Central School District: 2022 - present
About Mr. Cassidy
I am originally from Naperville, Illinois and attended Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, IL. I received my Bachelors in Music Education from Illinois Wesleyan University located in Bloomington, IL. While at Illinois Wesleyan I participated in Wind Ensemble, University Choir, Titan Band, Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble, Tuba-Euphonium Quartet, and Tuba Trio. If you couldn’t tell, I like to play the tuba. I am also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Music Fraternity. After graduating from college, I began my teaching career at Mossville School in Chillicothe, IL as the 4-5 general music teacher, and 5-8 instrumental music instructor. My favorite part of working in IVC District #321 is getting the opportunity to work with such dedicated and kind students who make it a pleasure to be here.
Email: tcassidy@ivcschools.com
Valorie Mills | Director of Bands | Chillicothe Jr. High (CEC)
Education:
I graduated from Western Illinois University in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. I studied for my master’s degree at American Band College through Southern Oregon University in 2006-2007.
Experience:
I student taught in 2002 at Mossville and IVC schools. In 2004-2006 I taught K-5th grade general music, 5-12th grade bands, and 6-12th grade choir in LaMoille, IL. In 2006-2009 I taught 4-8th grade orchestra and 5-8th grade bands in the East Peoria school district. During the time I was not teaching in the public schools I became certified as a Kindermusik instructor, taught private lessons at home, and also had a studio at Kidder Music where I taught private lessons to flute and saxophone players of all ages. In 2016-2019 I taught K-5th grade general music, 5-8th grade bands, and 6-8th grade choir at Hollis Grade school in Bartonville while also assisting with the LCHS marching band program.
About Mrs. Mills:
My husband Aaron and I have lived in Chillicothe together since 2006. We have two boys Dylon and Logyn, a girl Jaydn, and I have a stepson Ajay. My time outside of school is spent with my family, outdoors as I love nature, playing sudoku, reading, and doing something crafty. We currently have two dogs named Pumpkin and Smith, two guinea pigs named Emma and Willow, four ducks, and eight chickens. I absolutely adore chickens! I love to have fun and make people laugh. I tell horrible dad jokes that I think are hilarious!
E-mail: vmills@ivcschools.com
Delaney Lawson | Ghost Guard Instructor
Email: ghostguard@gmail.com