Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Connell
Hi Kelly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi! My name is Kelly Connell, and I am a proud band director here in Houston! You got a map? Because my story is all over the place!
My musical journey started way back in elementary school in Connecticut. My mom signed me up for the band and gave me a family-owned flute; the rest is history! Playing the flute quickly became my passion. Music was a constant in my life growing up, even amidst all the traveling my family did. My Dad’s work took us all over the globe, and while it was always an adventure, the band felt like the one place anywhere in the world where I was at home. My young world travels and multicultural music education have profoundly influenced my directing style. I firmly believe that music has the power to connect people to themselves, each other, and the broader world around them, and I strive to foster that sense of connection with every ensemble I work with!
Pursuing a music degree felt risky, but I knew it was my calling, and I had to pursue it. I graduated from the University of Dayton with degrees in music education and human rights studies, with a minor in philosophy. Dayton, Ohio, provided an incredible range of band experiences: from small, rural farm communities to inner city public schools to suburbs notorious for some of the nation’s top band programs – all within a 15-mile radius! This exposure challenged me to adapt my directing style, be resourceful, and be prepared for any and all band directing opportunities that might come my way.
After college, I landed my first job as a Music Director of a Title 1 community charter school in western Massachusetts. I had the exciting challenge of building a brand-new music program from scratch. It was a wild ride, filled with massive triumphs and learning experiences. I built a thriving program with over 400 students in just two years, including a competition honor band and percussion ensemble! However, having experienced Dayton’s vibrant band scene, I yearned for a similar environment. I wanted to pursue band directing on a larger scale, so I decided to move to Houston!
Being a band director in Houston for the last nine years has been the gift of a lifetime. The level of dedication and support for music education here is world-class. I have had the privilege of directing in some of the most significant, most competitive, and well-supported music education communities in the United States, including Aldine ISD, Klein ISD, and now Conroe ISD. I have learned so much along the way, and I am constantly striving to improve my teaching and inspire my students. The band community here in Houston is truly top-notch, and I am honored to be a part of it!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, no, it hasn’t always been smooth. Growing up near New York City, I was acutely aware of the fierce competition within the music industry. This environment fostered a strong work ethic and relentless drive, propelling my career forward. However, I now recognize that this “hustle” mentality, while seemingly necessary, was ultimately unsustainable and detrimental to my well-being, as it demanded an unhealthy level of self-criticism and obsession. I have since been working to cultivate a more balanced and sustainable approach to my work and advocate for my colleagues to do the same!
However, the biggest hurdles I’ve faced have been systemic challenges most women and other underrepresented communities encounter in the music industry. Band directing remains a predominantly male-dominated field, and I’ve unfortunately experienced sexism, ageism, ableism, and elitism at various stages of my career. I’ve been overlooked for positions because I don’t fit the stereotypical image of a band director. I’ve also faced situations of outright discrimination and abuse. These experiences are not unique to me and highlight our significant barriers to achieving equal opportunity and safety in this field.
Despite the persistent challenges, I am driven to forge my path and challenge the status quo. There is still progress to be made, but I am heartened by the disruptive movements toward greater inclusivity and equality for all within the field. Organizations like Women Band Director International and Girls Who Conduct are instrumental in increasing the visibility and recognition of women in band music, providing invaluable support and mentorship to aspiring female conductors!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a Band Director, I am passionate about fostering a love of music in students of all abilities. My experience encompasses conducting a diverse range of ensembles, including full orchestras, symphonic bands, percussion ensembles, and beginner bands. I am proud of our consistent achievements at local, state, and national competitions and evaluations!
At Conroe ISD, I am extremely lucky to collaborate with an exceptional team of music educators to elevate our ensembles to the highest level. Every day, our band hall is a vibrant hub of music activity, where in any given rehearsal, students benefit from two to five band directors, a dedicated staff of private lesson instructors, and or guest clinicians. My favorite part of the job is collaboration, and I deeply value the opportunity to work alongside such a talented group of professional musicians daily!
Off the podium, I actively support colleagues by assisting with their ensembles and mentoring younger directors on curriculum development, effective rehearsal techniques, and efficient rehearsal management. I collaborate closely with our feeder programs to ensure a smooth transition for band students as they progress from intermediate to junior high, high school, and beyond!
I have extensive experience in beginner band pedagogy, having successfully taught both homogeneous and heterogeneous beginner band classes throughout my career! As an adjudicator for festivals and competitions, I often provide constructive feedback to band directors and their ensembles, drawing from my practical experiences. My professional journey has included research and presentations on key areas in music education, including band director burnout, flute pedagogy, and enhancing music literacy in the beginner and intermediate band curriculum.
In 2021, I earned my Master of Music Education from the American Band College in Ashland, Oregon. This innovative, non-traditional program profoundly shaped my approach to band directing. While completing coursework over three summers, I remained active as a band director in Houston, immediately applying the practical knowledge gained from my studies to my rehearsals. This hands-on approach stands in contrast to many traditional programs that prioritize theoretical discussions over real-world applications.
During my graduate studies, I developed three resources:
–“A Comprehensive Beginner Method for French Horn: An Adaptation of Essential Elements Book 1: Texas Edition”: A comprehensive method book for french horn.
–“The Fundamentals to Snare Drum and Keyboards: A Practical Guide for the Non-Percussionist”: A pedagogical reference book designed to assist non-percussionist directors in teaching snare drum and keyboard fundamentals.
“Fundamentals of Instrument Intonation: An Introductory Guide to the Overtone Series, Pitch Tendencies, and Instrument Tendencies for Wind Instruments”: A reference book exploring the overtone series and its application to instrument intonation.
The skills and knowledge I acquired through this rigorous program have been invaluable to my professional growth. I am immensely proud to be an ABC alumnus!
However, I am most proud of earning National Board Certification in Music, Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood, and Band. This rigorous two-year process has given me professional recognition and a substantial financial benefit through the Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment. I’m proud to be the only band director in North Houston to hold this prestigious credential, achieved by only 4% of all US educators.
But what ultimately sets me apart is my distinctive approach to directing, which stems from my unique blend of diverse musical experiences. Rooted in the strong foundation of Texas-inspired music fundamentals, I am dedicated to fostering vibrant music programs that cultivate music literacy, exceptional sound quality, discipline, and an infectious love for music in every student. I believe in leading with compassion and creativity while relentlessly pursuing the highest standards of excellence!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
The industry often idolizes ‘star’ conductors and band directors, but I believe it’s crucial to avoid putting anyone on a pedestal. Instead of focusing on idolization, draw inspiration from musicians that resonate with you. You’d be surprised by the talent that never gets recognized!
My network is comprised of a diverse group of exceptional musicians who share my artistic philosophy and ethical values. They are not only highly skilled but also grounded individuals who find deep joy and connection in music. I value them not only as colleagues but also as cherished friends. These relationships are meaningful to me as I believe that authentic music-making thrives when those involved understand and connect on a deeper heart level.
Remember, your role models may differ from others, and that’s awesome! Seek out individuals who inspire you. Attend various professional development events, like music conferences, conducting symposiums, or even listening to podcasts…and actively engage with those who resonate with you. Reach out via email or social media, and don’t hesitate to be vulnerable and ask questions. Our field is a lot smaller than it seems. Most people are just a text away!
Cultivating a strong network requires vulnerability. Embrace the learning journey, remain open to constructive feedback, try different ideas, and acknowledge your areas of growth with humility. My own professional development has significantly benefitted from seeking guidance from trusted colleagues in my areas of greatest challenge as a band director. These connections not only helped me address those weaknesses but also introduced me to invaluable resources (and friends!), transforming those perceived shortcomings into some of my greatest strengths. Building a music community is a collective endeavor, and it begins with the courage to reach out and connect with others!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kellyconnell.com/
- Instagram: @kell_connell
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1083900358
Image Credits
Angie Lewis Studios, Bill Wakefield, Kelly Connell
