About – Chad Dempsey Inspire Memorial Foundation

Chad Dempsey: A Passionate Music Educator, Inspirational Leader, and Dedicated Family Man

About Chad

1975

Chad Dempsey was born in Maryville, Missouri, to Steve and Joetta Dempsey. From a young age, Chad and his younger brother Tyler, who shares the family’s deep nurtured a love for music and education.

1994

Graduates from Maryville High School, where he excelled in debate, choir, golf, and band, and participated in the Missouri Music Educators Association All-State Band (trombone) and All-State Choir (bass).

1994-1998

Marches with the Colts and Phantom Regiment, later joining the staff of Phantom Regiment.

1998

Graduates from the University of Kansas, where he was a proud member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity.

1998

Joins Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District (ECISD) and begins his career as a music educator and band director.

2001

Marries Sonia Dempsey de Sepulveda, a collegiate runner and former state champion long-distance runner.

2003

Birth of his daughter, Sophia Elena Dempsey.

2006

Birth of his son, Oliver Connor Dempsey.

2010

Establishes D’ZINE & Consulting, designing marching band halftime shows across the country.

2020

Launches the “HEY, BAND!” Network, a platform for band directors to support band programs and students during the pandemic.

July 2, 2022

Diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma.

July 4, 2022

Undergoes his first surgery to remove part of the tumor.

Dec 2023

Performs an inspirational piece for the Southwestern Musician magazine of the Texas Music Educators Association Conference.

April 27, 2024

Chad Dempsey passes away surrounded by family at his home in Edinburg, Texas.

julia-about

Things Chad loved

Family

Horse Riding

Yoga

Traveling

Happy Moments

Thanks to All of You Who are Supporting Me