Meet Kelly Connell

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Connell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, why did you pursue a creative career?
I am the first creative to break the mold in a family of educators and STEM professionals. My family also moved internationally several times throughout my childhood, so I was used to feeling like an outsider everywhere. Thankfully, wherever we moved, I found a band program to join, where I played my flute. Being in a band program always felt like coming home. My young world travels and multicultural music education ignited a lifelong love of learning, music, and creative collaboration as I grew. The countless hours I spent practicing, the joy of performing in front of an audience, and the friendships I formed through music are some of my favorite memories from childhood. When thinking about my life after high school, being a music major felt like the natural next step.

Today, my love for music and band directing is as strong as ever. As a neurodivergent thinker, I thrive in this role, which allows me to switch gears throughout the day between conductor, musician, mentor, teacher, administrator, role model, designer, arranger, librarian, and often therapist! Amidst the whirlwind, I frequently pause and appreciate the sheer joy of making music for a living. It doesn’t get cooler than that. Being a band director perfectly blends artistic expression and purpose-driven work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Music has been a constant source of connection and creativity throughout my life, with flute sparking my passion in elementary school. My family moved internationally and domestically throughout childhood, and band programs provided a welcoming community wherever I went. These early experiences of feeling like a societal outsider while feeling like a musical insider stayed with me. Throughout grade school, I participated in all things band: Jazz band, concert band, marching band, and state, regional, and national wind ensembles. The band was my home away from home. Those early experiences ignited a desire that still burns within me to make band an inclusive space for creatives to stretch despite living in a world that constantly tells us to conform.
After high school, I attended the University of Dayton. I received my bachelor’s in music education with instrumental emphasis and urban education certification, as well as a bachelor’s in human rights studies with a minor in philosophy. I’ve directed bands for the last ten years at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. My career has been enriched by diverse experiences, from teaching in a small inner-city charter school in Massachusetts to directing in one of the most significant, most competitive, and well-supported music education communities in the United States.

In my current and previous directing roles, I have co-led students to consistent success at solo festivals, competitions, and evaluations. Every band under my direction has earned superior ratings at state evaluations and has consistently won top honors at local, regional, state, and national festivals. My students’ success is partly due to my flexible teaching style and instrumental and ensemble pedagogy knowledge. I push students to be their best and create a supportive and encouraging environment where they can have fun and excel.

In addition to my directing duties, I am an active clinician, adjudicator, and scholar. I work with other band programs to provide insight on various topics, such as band rehearsal techniques, instrument pedagogy, and student management. I evaluate the performances of bands and musicians at festivals and competitions to use my experiences and knowledge to provide feedback to band directors and students. I’ve researched and presented work on several music education topics, including band director burnout, flute pedagogy, and music literacy in the beginner and intermediate band curriculum.

I received my Master in Music Education in 2021 from the American Band College at Central Washington University. Last year, I earned my National Board Certification in Music-Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood/Band. I am currently the only national board-certified band director in north Houston!

While my band-directing career has been richly rewarding, the path to success in this field has been challenging. Despite growing diversity within wind ensembles, the historical realities of chauvinism, racism, and nepotism persist in several aspects of music education. While the industry embraces inclusivity at a broader level, significant work remains to dismantle these deeply entrenched practices. My accomplishments, and those of other band directors of disenfranchised groups, are a testament to our dedication and resilience.

As I look forward to the next chapter, the mission of making wind ensembles more inclusive continues to guide me. This may lead me to further research in music education, directing on a different scale, or even returning to graduate school. One thing is sure: the journey of lifelong learning excites me, and I’m eager to see where music takes me next.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Houston’s magic lies in its incredible diversity, a vibrant tapestry of cultures woven together. Each of its unique neighborhoods offers a different facet of this rich tapestry. I don’t know if I have enough room to write a week-long itinerary, but to experience Houston’s soul truly, you must journey through its fascinating neighborhoods and try the food everywhere you go!

One of my favorite spots is Bombay Sweets on Hillcroft. It’s an Indian bakery and lunch spot where you can savor their delicious vegetarian buffet and melt-in-your-mouth sweets.

You could also go to Chinatown for a rejuvenating reflexology massage at Oasis Massage Salon. After, grab a refreshing boba tea from Feng Cha on Bellaire Blvd. If you are still feeling peckish, stop by Tiger Den, known for some of the city’s best ramen, which awaits nearby.

My favorite bar is Axelrad Beer Garden, a gem in the city’s nightlife. It’s not just about the vast selection of draft beers, creative cocktails, and live music but also the unique feature of the city’s only hammock grove. It’s the perfect place to unwind and feel the relaxed pulse of Houston’s spirit.

Houston’s yoga scene thrives, and Black Swan Yoga is at its heart. Take a class with Pamela Urchid, a master teacher whose sessions are legendary!!

A less-talked-about spot is Houston’s Farmer’s Market. This bustling open-air market boasts rows of vendors selling unique sauces, spices, jellies, and authentic Mexican specialties. Going there is like dropping right into Mexico for the afternoon!

To conclude any trip to Houston, catch a concert by the Houston Symphony Orchestra. You’ll be shocked by the sheer talent of this group, one of the oldest and finest in Texas and the country! Then, finish with a final meal at Xochi, a creative endeavor by award-winning Chef Hugo Ortego. Xochi is a high-end Oaxacan restaurant in downtown Houston that celebrates Oaxaca’s culinary and Indigenous richness.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom and dad, each with their unique contributions, have been instrumental in nurturing my creativity. My mom, a former band kid, was not just encouraging, but also the driving force behind my musical pursuits. From giving me my aunt’s old refurbished flute in 2nd grade to accompanying me to every private flute lesson, 6+-hour-away music camp, college audition, and every concert and rehearsal in between, she was my unwavering support. My dad is not particularly musical, but he supported me the same and followed my mom’s lead. He was always in attendance at every band concert and helped me purchase my step-up flute and, eventually, my professional model.

I am immensely grateful to the exceptional mentors who have shaped my music journey! A special mention to Nancy Chaput, my flute teacher of 14 years, who guided me with immense patience through grade school and prepared me for college auditions. High school would have been much more challenging without Anthony Maise, my AP music and choir teacher. He was a calm, intelligent, and creative role model I didn’t realize I needed at the time. He also encouraged me to audition for choir, an experience that continues to impact my music directing today!

I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to my college professors Diane Gilley, Dr. Linda Hartley, Dr. Sharon Gratto, and Dr. Samuel Dorf – they were all exceptional role models during my undergraduate studies. However, a special acknowledgment goes to Dr. Jeff Lehman, my former band director and current career mentor. He has been a constant presence, guiding me through numerous challenges. His support and guidance have been invaluable.

Shoutout to Susan Meyer-Patterson, my phenomenal band clinician and role model. Her expertise, kindness, and honesty have been precious, and her mentorship has been incredibly validating. Representation matters!!

Finally, a massive thank you to my incredible network of band director besties: Joy O’Day, Lauretta Main, Chris Gonzalez, Mike Keig, Mason Coats, Rich Gaukin, Kelsey Blanscet, Mark Collado, and all of my buddies from the American Band College, Aldine ISD, Klein ISD and Conroe ISD! You guys keep me going every day.

Of course, I could not forget my biggest cheerleader, my partner Jose Carranco. He wears so many hats—mentor, writing editor, sometimes Spanish translator, and always my biggest supporter.

These people have played a vital role in shaping who I am today. To them, thank you for inspiring me to keep learning and growing musically and as a person. Thank you for everything!!!

Website: www.KellyConnell.com

Instagram: @kell_connell