Chip De Stefano is Director of Bands at McCracken Middle School in Skokie, Illinois and Director of the Wind Ensemble at the University of Chicago. Under his direction, the McCracken Middle School Symphonic Band has performed at the Midwest Clinic and has made multiple appearances at the IMEA All-State Conference, University of Illinois Superstate Concert Band Festival, and NAfME North Central Division Conference. In 2007, the McCracken Symphonic Band was awarded the prestigious Sudler Silver Cup from the John Philip Sousa Foundation.

Mr. De Stefano received both his Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance and Master of Music Education Degrees from Northwestern University. His professional affiliations include the NAfME, IMEA, the Illinois Grade School Music Association (IGSMA), the National Band Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Mr. De Stefano is active nationally as a clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator. He has conducted honor bands and festivals in Singapore, Wisconsin, Missouri, Florida, and throughout Illinois. In addition, he has presented conference sessions at the Midwest Clinic and several state conferences. Mr. De Stefano is a recipient of multiple National Band Association Citations of Excellence. He was awarded the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award in 2001, the IGSMA Barbara Buehlmann Young Conductor Award in 2004, and the IGSMA Cloyd Meyers Memorial Award in 2011.