Biography |
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Mark J. Connor (b. 1971) is a composer, conductor, educator, and podcaster who has a passion for everything band. His music is engaging, his interviews are uplifting, and his ability to capture the listener’s attention for both means of expression is remarkable.
As a composer, Mark has written a multitude of wind band literature ranging in various levels, in addition to works for orchestra and a collection of music for chamber ensemble. His compositions have been published by Alry Publications, Grand Mesa Music, and RWS Music Company. Mark’s music, as described by Demondrae Thurman, “is a direct manifestation of his deep concern for humankind and evokes genuine emotion while somehow retaining a certain authenticity.” His compositions are often featured at music educator conferences nationwide and included on state music lists. His chamber music has been performed at Carnegie Hall (New York), Eastern Music Festival (North Carolina), Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (Ireland), Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (United Kingdom), and Taliesin Art Centre (Wales). Mark has had orchestral works performed by the Jacksonville Symphony (Florida) and North State Symphony (California) and he has been commissioned by, or won compositional awards from, the Commission Project (New York), Composers and Schools in Concert (California), Eppes String Quartet (Florida State University), Jacksonville Symphony, and Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet (Western Carolina University).
As an educator for more than 20 years, Mark has had the fortune to teach students at every level from elementary to postgraduate. Through reflection and continued education, Mark adapts his philosophy of teaching to fulfill the needs of his diverse students. Prior to his current position as director of bands at the Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, Mark was a visiting assistant professor at Webster University and Western Carolina University, an instructor at McKendree University, and an adjunct professor at Florida A & M University, Florida State University, Maryville University, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. From 1997 to 2001, Mark served as director of bands and music educator at Palma High School in Salinas, California.
Popularly known for his role as the host of Everything Band, Mark enjoys producing this weekly podcast that features interviews with leaders in the band community. He has a faithful following for each episode and takes pride in delivering a motivational message of gratitude, inspiration, and perseverance in regards to music, education, and life. With over 200 episodes, Mark’s Top-10 accessed interviews include popular leaders in advocacy, associations, composition, publication, K-12 education, collegiate education, and entrepreneurship.
Mark earned his B.A. in Music from California State University, Chico, M.M. in Composition and Theory from University of Colorado, M.M. in Music Education from University of Florida, and D.M. in Music Composition from Florida State University.
Mark resides in Glen Carbon, Illinois with his talented wife, cellist Marta Simidtchieva, and is the proud father of their two beautiful children.
As a composer, Mark has written a multitude of wind band literature ranging in various levels, in addition to works for orchestra and a collection of music for chamber ensemble. His compositions have been published by Alry Publications, Grand Mesa Music, and RWS Music Company. Mark’s music, as described by Demondrae Thurman, “is a direct manifestation of his deep concern for humankind and evokes genuine emotion while somehow retaining a certain authenticity.” His compositions are often featured at music educator conferences nationwide and included on state music lists. His chamber music has been performed at Carnegie Hall (New York), Eastern Music Festival (North Carolina), Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (Ireland), Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (United Kingdom), and Taliesin Art Centre (Wales). Mark has had orchestral works performed by the Jacksonville Symphony (Florida) and North State Symphony (California) and he has been commissioned by, or won compositional awards from, the Commission Project (New York), Composers and Schools in Concert (California), Eppes String Quartet (Florida State University), Jacksonville Symphony, and Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet (Western Carolina University).
As an educator for more than 20 years, Mark has had the fortune to teach students at every level from elementary to postgraduate. Through reflection and continued education, Mark adapts his philosophy of teaching to fulfill the needs of his diverse students. Prior to his current position as director of bands at the Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, Mark was a visiting assistant professor at Webster University and Western Carolina University, an instructor at McKendree University, and an adjunct professor at Florida A & M University, Florida State University, Maryville University, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. From 1997 to 2001, Mark served as director of bands and music educator at Palma High School in Salinas, California.
Popularly known for his role as the host of Everything Band, Mark enjoys producing this weekly podcast that features interviews with leaders in the band community. He has a faithful following for each episode and takes pride in delivering a motivational message of gratitude, inspiration, and perseverance in regards to music, education, and life. With over 200 episodes, Mark’s Top-10 accessed interviews include popular leaders in advocacy, associations, composition, publication, K-12 education, collegiate education, and entrepreneurship.
Mark earned his B.A. in Music from California State University, Chico, M.M. in Composition and Theory from University of Colorado, M.M. in Music Education from University of Florida, and D.M. in Music Composition from Florida State University.
Mark resides in Glen Carbon, Illinois with his talented wife, cellist Marta Simidtchieva, and is the proud father of their two beautiful children.