Bill Connell joins the University of Alabama Huntsville adjunct faculty after recently retiring as Director of Bands at Grissom High in Huntsville, Alabama where he taught for thirty-two years. He taught previously at Spring Valley High school in Columbia, South Carolina (eight years) and Holston High School in Knoxville, Tennessee (four years).
The symphonic bands at these schools are known throughout the United States for their stellar performances under Mr. Connell’s direction. His Symphonic I Bands performed Grade VI literature every year at a high proficiency level. They have performed at many national and state conventions/conferences. These bands received all superior ratings at every assessment. All three schools also featured marching bands that set a standard for excellence.
Mr. Connell is an active adjudicator in both concert and marching band activities, having served on panels in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama.
Bill Connell is a member of several professional band organizations including Phi Beta Mu (who awarded him the Outstanding Bandmasters Award in Alabama for the 2016-2017 school year) and National Band Association plus national, state and local education associations.
Mr. Connell is married to his wonderful wife Jodie who teaches 6th grade social studies. They have three children: Brandon Rutherford, a student at The University of North Alabama, Laura Beth, a student at Grissom High School and Brooke, a student at Challenger Middle School. Ian and Kristin are siblings from a previous marriage. Ian is a music therapist in Duluth, MN while Kristin is an occupational therapist in Maryville, TN.
