A native of Maryville, Tennessee, Mark Connell received his B.S. degree in Music Education from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where he served as drum major of the Pride of The Southland Band under the direction of W. J. Julian. In 1980, Mr. Connell served as drum major of the world acclaimed Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps. He began his teaching career in 1981 as Director of Bands at South Cobb High School, in Cobb County, GA. Mr. Connell served as Director of Bands in the Cleveland Tennessee school system from 1986-1994. He then was Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Tennessee before becoming employed by the Knox county school system, where he has worked since 1996. He serves as a clinician and adjudicator throughout the southeast, and his bands receive superior ratings in the concert, jazz, and marching arenas consistently. Mr. Connell is married to wife Nancy-Caroline, and they have three boys; Zachary, Andrew, and Michael.
Megan Christian - Assistant Director of Bands
Megan Christian received a Bachelor of Music degree in both Music Education and Music Performance from the University of Tennessee, and has taught in the Middle Tennessee area for two years. She performed with the University of Tennessee Pride of the Southland Band and was an Undergraduate Assistant under the direction of Dr. Gary D. Sousa. As an undergraduate student, she served as both chapter and statewide president of C-MENC. During her career, she has studied internationally with world-renowned flautist, Louis Moyse, and performed for multiple artists such as Jim Walker and John Barcelona. As an undergraduate, Megan received scholarships from the University of Tennessee Band and University Music Department. She was a Phi Mu Alpha Scholarship Recipient and has received awards based upon Undergraduate Creative Achievement. She has performed locally with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra, nationally as a principal performer of the University of Tennessee Wind Ensemble and the University of Tennessee Flute Choir, and internationally as the bass flautist for the 2001 Louis Moyse Tribute Concert. Megan is married to husband Joe, and is looking forward to being a part of the Bearden High School Band program.
