Christopher O'Connell
Band Director
Beaverton,MI
Summary
An award-winning and confident instructor, able to establish rapport with students, faculty, & parents quickly; conduct training sessions with clarity and enthusiasm.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Band Director and Music Teacher
Midland Public Schools
08.1996 - Current
- Director of Jefferson Middle School Band Program for ten years to grow their musical ability and knowledge including Jazz Band,Solo and Ensemble participation, and basic marching instructions to prepare for High School Band
- Mentored students in various ensembles, boosting their confidence and performance skills as Assistant Director at H.H. Dow High School for fifteen years and Midland High School for ten years. Lead basic marching band drills and advanced marching techniques (including Big 10 high step style and Drum Corps style) and overall performance. Work with students in second level Concert Band setting to grow their musicality and lead them at Band Festivals.
- Organized instrument inventory to maintain better rental, maintenance, and repair of school-owned instruments
- Collaborate with Music Boosters to assist with uniform hand out, return, and dry cleaning; worked closely with annual fundraiser event
- Implemented and maintained award-winning Jazz program at Midland High within three years, performing at Chicago Field Museum, Bay City Jazz Night, Alma Jazz Festival, CMU Jazz Weekend, and several venues for Midland Public Schools. Awards earned include: Best Trombone Section, Best Trumpet section, Outstanding Soloist, Outstanding Section, Outstanding Band, and Outstanding Vocalist
- Received Superior ratings regularly at State Jazz Festival
- Started and maintained annual jazz dinner fundraiser event to raise money for jazz program at Midland High School, continually raising around $10,000 each year
- Taught 5th grade, Beginning Band at many elementary schools within Midland Public Schools and Midland Parochial schools
- Taught general Music for K-5th grade for 10 years, fostering a love for music and learning to inspire students to pursue passions and interests.
- Attended concerts and performances to support students and arts community.
- Assessed student learning to evaluate student learning and progress through tests, performances and portfolios.
- Provided extra help and support to offer additional support to struggling students and encourage success in art subjects.
- Established positive relationships with parents and guardians, promoting open communication and collaboration for student success.
- Tailored instruction to meet individual student needs and cultivated inclusive learning environment.
- Planned and delivered lessons to teach classes in arts to engage and educate students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Held afterschool meetings and rehearsals in preparation for shows.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Improved student musicianship by incorporating a variety of teaching methods and techniques.
- Maintained high standards of behavior by enforcing discipline policies consistently among all ensemble members
Herter Band Camp Low Brass Specialist and band director
01.2016 - Current
- Established strong performance with low brass ranging from beginning students through 9th grade during week-long residential YMCA Camp, Timbers Herter Band Camp
- Conducted White concert band (second- and third-year players)
Marching Band, Low Brass Instructor
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Worked with Meridian Early College Marching Band as Low Brass Instructor by managing 15-20 students each year, improving marching techniques and enhancing musicianship during sectional time.
Band Director
Midland Home School Co-op
01.1995 - 01.1998
- Started and maintained a band program for the local Home School Co-op group for three years.
- Assessed musicians and assigned instruments and parts for songs and concerts
- Provided constructive feedback during rehearsals, helping students grow as musicians and performers
- Managed inventory of instruments, sheet music, accessories, ensuring proper maintenance and availability for all band members
- Planned two concerts yearly and marketed concerts to students, parents and general public
- Student involvement grew from 12 to 45 in 3 years.
Band Director
Midland Christian School
01.1995 - 01.1997
- Established beginning and advanced band program.
- Grew program from 10 starters to 25 in two years.
Education
Master of Music Education -
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY 01.2021 - 2024.05
Bachelor of Music Education JX -
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI 01.1990 - 1995.05
Skills
Self-Management
undefinedAdditional Trainings
- MSBOA Solo and Ensemble Adjudicator Training, 2012
- MSBOA Band and Orchestra Adjudicator Training, 2018
- MSBOA Marching Band Adjudicator Training, 2022
- Woodbadge training for Boy Scouts of America (trained and led), 2003-2005
Timeline
Master of Music Education -
Campbellsville University
01.2021 - 2024.05
Herter Band Camp Low Brass Specialist and band director
01.2016 - Current
Marching Band, Low Brass Instructor
01.2015 - 01.2020
Band Director and Music Teacher
Midland Public Schools
08.1996 - Current
Band Director
Midland Home School Co-op
01.1995 - 01.1998
Band Director
Midland Christian School
01.1995 - 01.1997
Bachelor of Music Education JX -
Central Michigan University
01.1990 - 1995.05
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