Michael McConnell

Dr. Michael McConnell is an Adjunct Professor of Clarinet, Oboe, and Saxophone at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), serving as Director of the Wind Ensemble. He concurrently teaches Band and Orchestra at North Pole High School and directs the Youth Symphony of Fairbanks. Prior to Alaska, he was Associate Director of Bands at Cy-Fair High School in Texas, where he oversaw a nationally recognized program with state and regional accolades, including Midwest Clinic performances and increased student achievements in regional band competitions.

Education:

• Bachelor of Music Performance, Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University Bloomington
• Master of Music Performance (with Jazz Studies), College of Music, Florida State University
• Doctor of Musical Arts in Multiple Woodwind Performance and Pedagogy (with Music Theory cognate), College of Music, University of North Texas

Research & Teaching Focus: Multiple woodwind performance (flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone), pedagogy, and music theory. Active performer on trumpet and current piano student at UAF.

Professional Experience: Marching arts background includes membership in the Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps (DCI Finalist/Medalist), and roles with the Seattle Cascades, Oregon Crusaders, and Cadets. In-demand adjudicator/arranger across Texas, Florida, and Indiana.

Labs/Teams: Directs UAF Wind Ensemble and oversees North Pole High School bands. Leadership in Fairbanks Youth Orchestras.