Rachel J. Maxwell, DMA
Rachel J. Maxwell is a conductor, educator, and researcher dedicated to advancing creative and inclusive practices in instrumental music education. She serves as Director of Bands at Traughber Junior High School in Oswego, Illinois, where she has taught since 1995, and as Adjunct Faculty at Elmhurst University and VanderCook College of Music.
Maxwell earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education from Boston University in 2025, following degrees from Illinois State University (B.M.E., summa cum laude), the University of Illinois (M.M.E.), and Aurora University (M.A.E.L.). Over her career, she has commissioned and premiered major works by leading composers, including John Mackey, Donald Grantham, Julie Giroux, David Biedenbender, JaRod Hall, Omar Thomas, and others.
Her ensembles have been featured at prestigious events such as the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, the University of Illinois Superstate Concert Band Festival, the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Conference, and the American School Band Directors Association National Conference. She is also the founder and coordinator of the Prairie State Middle School Concert Band Festival, a Music for All Regional Affiliate.
An active clinician and adjudicator, Maxwell has presented at state, regional, and national conferences, and her writings have appeared in Update: Applications of Research in Music Education, the Illinois Music Educators Journal, and The Instrumentalist. She has been a frequent guest on music education podcasts and webinars, contributing insights on young band pedagogy, inclusive practices, and creative teaching strategies.
Her research on pedagogical creativity positions ensemble teaching as a transformative, student-centered practice that balances structure, flexibility, and care. Maxwell is a member of the National Band Association, where she serves on the New Music Committee, and continues to advocate for innovative approaches that empower both students and teachers through music.
Rachel J. Maxwell is a conductor, educator, and researcher dedicated to advancing creative and inclusive practices in instrumental music education. She serves as Director of Bands at Traughber Junior High School in Oswego, Illinois, where she has taught since 1995, and as Adjunct Faculty at Elmhurst University and VanderCook College of Music.
Maxwell earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education from Boston University in 2025, following degrees from Illinois State University (B.M.E., summa cum laude), the University of Illinois (M.M.E.), and Aurora University (M.A.E.L.). Over her career, she has commissioned and premiered major works by leading composers, including John Mackey, Donald Grantham, Julie Giroux, David Biedenbender, JaRod Hall, Omar Thomas, and others.
Her ensembles have been featured at prestigious events such as the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, the University of Illinois Superstate Concert Band Festival, the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Conference, and the American School Band Directors Association National Conference. She is also the founder and coordinator of the Prairie State Middle School Concert Band Festival, a Music for All Regional Affiliate.
An active clinician and adjudicator, Maxwell has presented at state, regional, and national conferences, and her writings have appeared in Update: Applications of Research in Music Education, the Illinois Music Educators Journal, and The Instrumentalist. She has been a frequent guest on music education podcasts and webinars, contributing insights on young band pedagogy, inclusive practices, and creative teaching strategies.
Her research on pedagogical creativity positions ensemble teaching as a transformative, student-centered practice that balances structure, flexibility, and care. Maxwell is a member of the National Band Association, where she serves on the New Music Committee, and continues to advocate for innovative approaches that empower both students and teachers through music.