Rachel Maxwell

Dr. Rachel J. Maxwell is a veteran music educator, conductor and clinician with over 33 years of teaching experience. She serves as Director of Bands at Traughber Junior High School in Oswego, Illinois. Under her leadership, Traughber ensembles have been featured at the Midwest Clinic, University of Illinois SuperState and the Prairie State Middle School Festival, which she founded and directs.

A frequent guest conductor, adjudicator and clinician nationwide, Rachel is also an active commissioning collaborator, having led or participated in over 25 consortium projects with leading composers. She has taught on the adjunct faculty of VanderCook College of Music and North Central College. She regularly presents at conferences, including The Midwest Clinic and the Illinois Music Education Conference.

Rachel earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education in 2025 from Boston University and holds degrees from Illinois State University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. A passionate advocate for access, equity and meaningful ensemble experiences, she is dedicated to supporting both students and emerging music educators.