Aaron Kennedy (Director of Bands)
Aaron Kennedy is the Director of Bands at Downers Grove South High School. He conducts or assists with each of the curricular concert bands on campus, the Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band. Additionally, Mr. Kennedy is the director of the Marching Mustangs and oversees performances of all the athletic band performances. He also teaches the Jazz Lab Band at South High School.
Prior to joining the Downers Grove South music staff, Mr. Kennedy was first hired as the Assistant Band Director in O’Fallon CCSD 90 in 2017. He taught the 7th and 8th grade bands, District 90 Jazz Bands, 5th grade beginner classes, and assisted with the Marching Panthers at O’Fallon Township High School. In 2019, he was appointed to the position of Associate Director of Bands at Lockport Township High School. At Lockport, Mr. Kennedy conducted the Symphonic and Concert bands, which consistently earned Superior Ratings at various regional festivals. Additionally, he directed the LTHS Jazz Ensemble and Marching Porters.
Mr. Kennedy graduated magna cum laude with his Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2017. In 2023, Mr. Kennedy earned his Master's in Music Education from Ball State University. In his spare time Mr. Kennedy enjoys playing his saxophone, playing video games, traveling, and spending time with Mrs. Kennedy and his dog Coco.
School Phone: 630-795-8692
Email: [email protected]
Shane Nelson (Associate Director of Bands)
Shane Nelson graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he earned
his Bachelors of Music Education with a concentration in instrumental music. There, he studied
percussion with William Moersch and Ricardo Flores. In addition to percussion, he studied
drumset with Drew Cox as part of the jazz percussion studio. While at UIUC, he participated in
multiple bands, orchestras, jazz ensembles, percussion ensemble, steel band, and played snare in
the Marching Illini Drumline. Prior to Downers Grove, Mr. Nelson taught in Chicago Public
Schools at Curie Metro High School where he taught band and general music as well as Oswego
East High School where he was an assistant band director.
Mr. Nelson is passionate about performing as a percussionist and drumset player around the
Chicagoland area. When he is not playing or teaching music, Mr. Nelson enjoys working on his
project car, hiking, playing video games, and going to concerts!
his Bachelors of Music Education with a concentration in instrumental music. There, he studied
percussion with William Moersch and Ricardo Flores. In addition to percussion, he studied
drumset with Drew Cox as part of the jazz percussion studio. While at UIUC, he participated in
multiple bands, orchestras, jazz ensembles, percussion ensemble, steel band, and played snare in
the Marching Illini Drumline. Prior to Downers Grove, Mr. Nelson taught in Chicago Public
Schools at Curie Metro High School where he taught band and general music as well as Oswego
East High School where he was an assistant band director.
Mr. Nelson is passionate about performing as a percussionist and drumset player around the
Chicagoland area. When he is not playing or teaching music, Mr. Nelson enjoys working on his
project car, hiking, playing video games, and going to concerts!
