Michael McManis
Michael McManis has been teaching band at Kennedy Junior High since the fall of 2000. He has earned a Master's in Music Education, and previously earned an undergraduate degree in Music from DePaul University in 1997. He earned a Master's degree from Vandercook College of Music and also earned a Master Teaching Certificate from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in 2008. Mr. McManis currently works as an active freelance musician in the Chicago-land area. In addition, he is an active clinician on jazz improvisation, as well as a clinician of the traditions of Afro-Caribbean Jazz.
As Co-Director of Bands at Kennedy Junior High, Mr. McManis co-conducts Kennedy Winds, Wind Ensemble, and Concert Band with Mr.Dethrow. These three bands service the 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. He also conducts the Jazz Ensemble and the Latin Percussion Ensemble.
Matthew Dethrow
Matthew Dethrow has been teaching band in District 203 since 1996. He earned his undergraduate from DePaul University and a graduate degree from the University of Illinois and his Master Teaching Certificate from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in 2008. Mr. Dethrow is an active freelance musician and clinician in Chicago. He is a multi-instrumentalist who performs in a variety of settings from commercial recordings to live performance. He is also an active clinician and teacher with a focus on jazz improvisation.
As Co-Director of Bands at Kennedy Junior High, Mr. Dethrow co-conducts Kennedy Winds and Wind Ensemble. These two bands service the 7th and 8th grade students. He also co-conducts the 6th grade Concert Band and the Jazz Band.
