Former Bolingbrook Student Becomes Bolingbrook Band Co-Director

Submitted by Valley View School District 365U

Aimee Rupsis has the key to world peace.

“If more kids were involved in music, the world would be a better place,” the Bolingbrook High School Co-Director of Bands says. “Band kids are the best. They’re so trustworthy. I love them.”

A proud product of Valley View School District 365U (Oak View, Jane Addams and BHS), Rupsis knew she wanted to pursue music as a career when she was in high school.

“I knew then I wanted to be band director,” said Rupsis, who credits her parents with instilling a love for music in her. “Without them I wouldn’t be here.”

Rupsis, a National Board Certified Teacher who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in music education from the University of Illinois and a Master’s in educational administration from Lewis University, spent a year teaching in the Harvard, IL school system before she came “home” to BHS in 2002

As Director of Bands (along with Bob Hanerhoff), she handles Wind Symphony (the school’s top ensemble), Jazz band III (beginning jazz), Concert Band, Symphonic Band (the school’s 2nd concert band) and Pep Band. She also assists with Marching Band and teaches two freshman band classes.

During her time at BHS, Rupsis has been pit director for several musicals, she served as co-chair of the BHS Sound Shell Committee, and she oversaw the Madrigal Dinner’s Brass Ensemble.

In her spare time she serves on several district curriculum committees, plays the trumpet in the Naperville Municipal Band and heads up CHIME, an organization that provides donated, re-furbished instruments to students who can’t afford to rent or purchase their own instruments.

Rupsis credits her students and their parents with making her job so enjoyable.

“Whenever we graduate seniors, I always recognize parents and everything they do like driving students to and from, paying for private lessons, making them practice when they don’t want to,” Rupsis said. “Band is such a huge investment and our parents really support their kids.”

The challenge these days, she says, is to keep on top of all the new technology in the music education world.

“I’m amazed at how much has changed since I first started working,” she said.

For instance, testing used to come during class but now the musicians are tested by video at their convenience without the teacher present, which calms a lot of nerves. Students now find the right pitch for their instruments by using cell phones and the internet rather than having to listen to a piano. And YouTube has become an important source for students to hear how “the pros” handle a particular piece.

“But the kids themselves haven’t changed, Rupsis said. “They are always wonderful. Band is a wonderful thing for them. Music helps kids developmentally and physically, and it gives them social skills.”