Conductor Rod Willams graduated with a degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois in 1980 and continued graduate studies at Vandercook School of Music. He taught high school band for 8 years in the south suburbs of Chicago and then decided to change his profession. He founded, owned, and operated "That Card Shop" in Kankakee and Bradley for the next 15 years before returning to his first love of teaching band and music. He is now in his 18th year teaching 5th grade band and general music.

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Rod maintains an active career as a trumpet performer in a variety of musical groups.  He is one of the founders and performers in the River Valley Wind Ensemble. He also started both the Jazz Time Big Band and Jazz Combo and has played in each for over 20 years. He continues to play trumpet in the RA Brass Quintet. He also performs  in the Kankakee Municipal Band, Shout Section Big Band, and the Swing King Orchestra. He teaches  private trumpet lessons and plays at church services and weddings.