Program Directors

Fox Valley Youth JAZZ

Using music to enrich the lives of our youth

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Trombonist and educator Billy Van Duzor received a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, and went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Music Education from Syracuse University.  As a trombonist, Billy has performed extensively in Chicago and New York, with a wide range of jazz, blues, pop and contemporary music ensembles.  Currently, Billy works as a full-time music educator in Glen Ellyn school district 41.  He lives in North Aurora with his wife and two daughters.

A native of Joliet, Illinois, Patty Sampson earned her undergraduate degree in music from DePaul University and Master’s degree in Music Education from Northwestern University. Miss Sampson began teaching in 1994 and has been at West Aurora HS since 2005. Her teaching duties include primary conductor of the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Band. Miss Sampson is a frequent adjudicator and clinician in the Chicagoland area and has been recognized in Who’s Who Among American Teachers six times, Most Inspirational Teacher at Eastern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, and Illinois State University, Phi Delta Kappa Teacher of the Year, Lake County, and the 2022 Kane County High School Teacher of the Year. Patty was also a Grammy Nominee and was named a Quarterfinalist in 2014 and nominee in 2017. She is currently a member of the Dodecaband and the Fox Valley Jazz Big Band. Miss Sampson lives in Aurora, IL with her two rescued pitbulls.