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Chad J o s e p h Dempsey was born on November 4, 1975, in Maryville, Missouri to Steve and Joetta Dempsey. Chad Dempsey was a beacon of inspiration in the world of music education. Chad dedicated his life to nurturing the musical talents of countless students, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him. With a passion for both music and teaching, Chad instilled not only technical proficiency but also a deep appreciation for the beauty and power of music in his students and colleagues. He believed in the transformative power of music to enrich the lives he touched.He was a high school graduate of Maryville High School where he was on the debate team, choir, golf team, and of course, band. Chad made the All-State Band (trombone), and the All-State Choir (bass) while in high school. Chad was a member of Drum Corps International and marched with PHANTOM REGIMENT & COLTS from age 16. Later, he joined Phantom as a staff member and assisted with the visual team.As an alumnus of the University of Kansas, Mr. Dempsey was a member of the KU Band where he was drum major and Phi Mu Alpha Symphonia. Chad served his entire career with the Edinburg CISD. He was hired as an Assistant Band Director at Edinburg North High School in January of 2000, and in 2004 was promoted to the Head Director at B.L Garza Middle School. In 2006 he was hired as the 4th Head Band Director at Edinburg North High School, a position he held until his retirement in April of 2024. In 2014, Chad was elected as the Vice-Chair of the TMEA Region XV Band Division and served as the Region Chair from 2015-2018. In the Spring of 2018, Chad was elected to the TMEA State Board, a position he held until the Spring of 2024As an educator, Chad was known for his unwavering dedication, positive energy, patience, and encouragement. He fostered an inclusive and supportive environment where students felt inspired to explore their creativity and express themselves through music. His dedication to teaching young musicians left a lasting impression. He was selected and represented ECISD as the 2024 Secondary District Teacher of the Year. Chad%u2019s passion for music led him to establish his own business of music consulting and drill designing, D%u2019ZINE & Consulting, designing many marching band halftime shows across the country. During the pandemic, Chad created the %u201cHEY, BAND!%u201d Network, an invaluable platform for band directors to come together in support of band programs and their students. Chad received the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for outstanding and invaluable service to the community in 2023.Chad passed on April 27, 2024, and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to resonate through the melodies and harmonies of his students, who now carry forward his passion for music and education. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit lives on through the music he helped to cult i v a t e in the h e a r t s and minds of generations to come. His message of positivity spread across the country during his %u201cSunflower%u201d journey. His wife, Sonia Dempsey who shared a beautiful marriage for 24 years, have two children, Sophia Elena Dempsey and Oliver C. Dempsey. They both share the love of music & the fine arts & were Chad%u2019s most precious possession. Chad loved and valued his family with all his heart. They will forever be his %u201cSunshine%u201d.%u201cYou are ONLY allowed to be positive & speak to people in a beautiful & meaningful way.%u201d - Chad DempseyRGV HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE