Since the beginning, sounds or vibrations that have tickled the anvil, hammer, and stirrup to cause a pleasing or soothing stimulus  to the human brain, slowly evolved into the wonderful world of music. It is the choice of the receiver to decide if the product is acceptable or less than desired. Today, as we know, band directors have always played a crucial role in the development and success of aspiring band student’s talents and futures.

In Chillicothe’s history there has been many of differing calibers to achieve that end. Here are just a few, At Pearce Grade—Roy Red Lauderdale, at CHS—Marlin McCutchan, and at IVC—Rich Sparks, Dan Dietrich, and currently Matt Chapman. Being in a band of like minded young students who want to contribute and give there very best to display and perform accurate renditions of some of the most memorable and popular arrangements, gives them all a feel of family with the director as their compass and mentor. Those who hold that station, bare a distinct responsibility and pressure for hundreds of young and wide eyed musically inclined prodigies.

He was born on the east side of London, England on June 18, 1970 to Dave and Chris Chapman—they named him Matthew. His younger sister Michele was born in 1973. Opportunity knocked and in 1976 the Chapman’s moved to Rockford, Illinois USA where Dad worked in the aerospace industry and mom held down the home front. As a student at Rockford Grade his parents strongly suggested he learn to play the piano but young Matthew discovered a wind instrument called a euphonium which sounded like a trombone and looked like a small tuba. Some strong influences on Matt with music in grade school was teacher and mentor Martin McDaniel and Chris Vandre at Guilford High School. Matt also played 4 years of soccer as a stand out goalie, the same position his father played when he played in a Semi Pro League.

After graduating from Guilford High in 1988 he was offered a full ride scholarship to Illinois State and in five years attained a Bachelors  Degree in both Music and Education. Matt also later earned a Masters in conducting at American Band College in Oregon. With an amazing instructor and mentor at Illinois State named Ed Livingston, Matt felt comfortable and at home. From 1989 to 1991 he, as a euphonium soloist, was part of a brass, percussion, and color guard unit called the world famous Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps that traveled all around the United States.

In 1993 Matt and his sister Michelle became naturalized citizens and could both teach in America. After graduation he had a short stint at Flanagan High and then landed at Mossville Grade School as band leader for the next 17 years when he was cultivated and groomed under then IVC director Dan Deitrich. On October 8, 1998 his daughter Mackenzie was born and seven years later on April 14, 2005 Michaela joined them. Needless to say they are his pride and joy. Matt also has an extended family in Sydney, Australia. 

In his early years with the Warriors he produced many talented ensembles and encouraged numerous students to continue in the field of music. Many lasting friendships with parents, students, and faculty were cherished. The Warriors won the ISU Concert Band Champion in 2008 and Division 1 first ratings from 1994–2009 in Concert and Jazz Bands. 

The accomplishments made over the last 15 years of the IVC Band are quite remarkable and are largely due to a great staff and many long hours of dedication to excellence. Aaron and Valerie Mills, Matt Beckner, Delaney Lawson, and Tom Cassidy are invaluable to the Ghosts success under Matt’s direction. Following in the footsteps of tradition, Matt has put his own stamp on the program. Consistently placing in the top three at Rolling Meadows Jazz Fest with 100 other bands since 2010, placing in the top three at ISU or U of I State Competition every year since 2010, Marching in the 4th of July parade in Washington D.C. in 2018  and recently on October 26th 2024, at The University of Illinois, The IVC Marching Grey Ghosts took first place in Class 2A competition in best Music, best General Effect and best Visual. Congratulations to the Leader of the Band and these musicians for a stellar performance and a rock  solid year representing IVC and community.

There is much more to Matt. He was awarded the IVC District Exemplary Educator Award, Friend of Youth Award, and Optimist Volunteer Organization Award—quite a resume. But maybe the best gift Matt has given to all his students in his body of work for nearly 32 years is his friendship and genuine caring for each student and musician. Perhaps the most meaningful and sentiment filled description of mutual admiration and love between a student and teacher, in the family of music, could be best conveyed from a few modified lines of a song written and sung by an artist and poet so many years ago. 

“The leader of the band feels tired and his eyes are growing old, but his blood runs through my instrument and his songs are in my soul, my life has been my best attempt to imitate the man, I’m just a living legacy to this leader of our band. I thank you for the music and your stories of the road and I thank you for the freedom when it came my time to go.”

Over the years since 1993 Matt Chapman has helped our youth using the vehicles of music and knowledge to help them navigate the roadways of life. Chillicothe has had a proud lineage over the years of having the best of quality in our school bands and in Matt’s tenure the quality endures. So if your old school song, loyalty, National Anthem, and Ghost Riders in the Sky still move you physically and emotionally don’t forget the effort and pride and those who provide it with The Music Man. There have been and always will be Hometown Heroes in Chillicothe of different walks, occupations, and stature and now IVC Band Director Matt Chapman who has guided and influenced many of our youth with positive actions through out his career, joins those ranks. Thank you Matt for your dedicated career and service to your community.