Matt Dethrow has been teaching band in District 203 since 1996. He earned his undergraduate from DePaul University and a graduate degree from the University of Illinois. Mr. Dethrow is an active freelance musician and clinician in Chicago. He is a multi-instrumentalist who performs in a variety of settings from commercial recordings to live performance. He is also an active clinician and teacher with a focus on jazz improvisation.

As Director of bands at Kennedy Junior High, Mr. Dethrow co-conducts Kennedy Winds, Wind Ensemble, and Wind Symphony. These three bands service the 7th and 8th grade students. He also conducts the 6th grade Symphonic Band and the Jazz Band.