Chris Vanderwall, Director of Bands
Chris Vanderwall began his role as Director of Bands at Plainfield Central High School in 2018. Prior to PCHS, Mr. Vanderwall was Director of Bands at John F. Kennedy Middle School in Plainfield from 2011-2018. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education Degree at VanderCook College of Music in 2006 while studying percussion with Kevin Lepper and earned a Master of Music Education Degree at the University of Illinois in 2011 while studying percussion with William Moersch, Ricardo Flores, and Bolokada Conde. At Plainfield Central, Mr. Vanderwall’s responsibilities include teaching Music Theory, Music Production, directing the Wildcat Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Bands, and Percussion Ensembles in addition to assisting with Symphonic and Concert Bands.
Mr. Vanderwall continues to maintain an active role in the music community. He served as the District IX Junior Level Band Representative for the Illinois Music Education Association, holds a position on the VanderCook College of Music Alumni Board of Directors, and is a member of the college’s Board of Trustees. Mr. Vanderwall also maintains professional memberships with the Percussive Arts Society, National Band Association, and the Illinois Music Education Association in addition to proudly endorsing Innovative Percussion and Etymotic Research ear protection.
Ryan Kazda, Assistant Director of Bands
Ryan Kazda recently earned a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. During his time at the University of Illinois, Mr. Kazda studied classical and jazz trumpet with Tito Carrillo, Amy Gilreath, Charles Daval, Ronald Romm, and Pat Harbison, as well as studying conducting with Barry Houser and Kimberly Fleming. Mr. Kazda performed in the Wind Symphony, Wind Orchestra, Hindsley Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Jazz Band, Latin Jazz Ensemble, Lyric Theatre & Illini Student Musicals Pit Orchestras, as well as several Jazz Combos during his time at UIUC.
Prior to teaching at Plainfield Central High School, Mr. Kazda completed his student teaching placements at Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora and Kennedy Junior High School in Lisle. Mr. Kazda served as a Marching Band assistant at Oswego High School, as well as a Summer Band Instructor at Traughber Junior High, and a Summer Band Instructor in Naperville Community Unit School District 203. As an active freelance trumpeter and pianist, he has performed in some of the premiere community ensembles in the Chicagoland area including the Wheaton Municipal Band and The Pete Ellman Big Band. Mr. Kazda is also a proud member of the National Band Association. Outside of music, he enjoys traveling, playing basketball, running, and spending time with family and friends. Mr. Kazda is extremely excited to join the music team at PCHS.
Shawn Maxwell
Jazz Band Director
Mr. Maxwell began his work as Jazz Band Director at Plainfield Central in 2023. His style began to form in the school music programs of Joliet, Illinois. A celebrated performer in the Joliet Central High School band program, he went on to earn a B.A. in Music from Millikin University. As a Vandoren and Conn-Selmer artist, Shawn works with students from college age through elementary school, combining his pedagogical skills with a performer’s sensibility in Master Classes and guest appearances.