Faculty & Staff

Mr. Koppel has been the Director of Bands at Jackson Middle School in Villa Park since 1998. He directs the Jackson Area Preparatory and Intermediate Bands, the Jackson Concert and Symphonic Bands, and the Jackson Jazz Lab. Under his direction, the Jackson Symphonic Band has consistently earned Division I ratings at District and State Level Contests. In 2012 the Jackson Symphonic Band was chosen to perform at the prestigious University of Illinois SuperState Band Festival and in 2015 was designated ‘Honors’ Status at IGSMA State Festival.

Mr. Koppel completed his Bachelors of Music Education from the University of Dayton and his Masters in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. He has served in several leadership roles in District 45 including Music Department Chairperson and Fine and Practical Arts Team Leader. Mr. Koppel has served as a mentor teacher in District 45,  the IGSMA Mentor Program, and hosted numerous student teachers in his tenure. He often adjudicates Solo & Ensemble and Organization Band Contests in the Chicago area.  He currently serves as the IGSMA District VII CoChair and the ILMEA District 9 Jr. Band Representative. Joe Koppel grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, and currently resides in Westmont, IL.