Metea Valley celebrates first Grammy award
Don Devany would never step on a stage unprepared.
But he's also a humble educator, so he needed a little help saying a few words on behalf of a fine arts department that celebrated its first Grammy award at Metea Valley High School Wednesday night.
Devany went straight to YouTube, watched every video he could find of Grammy acceptance speeches and settled on a "foolproof" plan to address a packed gym at the Aurora school.
A breathless Devany came up to the podium looking more shocked and humbled than Taylor Swift, was surrounded by his very own squad (students), feigned emotion thanking parents and even got cut off by what sounded like an award show soundtrack.
"Stop the music! I'm not done," Devany said to applause.
It was a performance that left you thinking Devany and his students might deserve Oscars, too. That's because, since April, they've known about the Grammy Foundation recognizing Metea as one of the top three music programs in the country.
At a surprise meeting at 7 a.m. last month, Devany and other teachers told the nearly 900 students in the music program that Metea had been named a Grammy Signature Gold school.
But on Wednesday, Metea celebrated the elite honor Grammy-style, complete with a red carpet and students in tuxedos and full-length gowns during the school's music awards night.
"This is truly a kindergarten through 12th-grade recognition for our entire district," said Devany, Metea's fine arts department chairman and band director.
Indeed, Indian Prairie Unit District 204's three high schools - Neuqua Valley, Waubonsie Valley and Metea - have won a combined 16 Grammys.
Daniel Dresser, who plays the clarinet in Metea's wind ensemble, credits teachers who motivate students to do their best and a work ethic among fellow musicians who don't consider daily practice a "chore."
"We all work for our own satisfaction," the Naperville junior said.
What impressed Grammy judges?
Metea met criteria in having multiple ensembles. But the school also offers "specialized ensembles that were exciting to the judges," such as a steel drum band, said Justin Roberts, president of the Chicago chapter of the Recording Academy and a two-time Grammy nominee.
In a highly competitive application process, schools don't highlight one ensemble or choir, but their entire music department with repertoire samplings and performance tapes.
"All the ensembles had a lot of musical expertise that (judges) could recognize in the performances," said Roberts, who presented the Grammy and a $3,500 check to a standing ovation by students and families.
Devany says Metea will use the funds to invite music instructors - including prominent California conductor Larry Livingston - to meet with students.
"They deserve it," he said.
• Daily Herald staff writer Marie Wilson contributed to this report