Mark J. Connor
Biography
Mark J. Connor (b. 9 March 1971, Waterbury, Conn.) is an American composer, conductor, educator, and podcaster.
Dr. Connor 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.
As an educator for more than 20 years, Connor has taught 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.
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. 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).
Dr. Connor hosts Everything Band, a weekly podcast that features interviews with leaders in the band community. 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.
Works for Winds
- Argestes (2017)
- Black Sea Journey (2017)
- City of Troy March (2016)
- Contrails (2014)
- Hymn for the Steadfast (2016)
- Level Up! (2015)
- MId-America March (2015)
- On Silver Wings (2016)
- Perchance to Dream (2022)
- Rising Waters (2016)
- Rock Island Bridge March (2015)
- Variations on a Russian Hymn (2014)
Resources
- Mark Connor, personal correspondence, February 2022
- "Mark J Connor." RWS Music Company. Web. Accessed 3 February 2021
- Mark J. Connor website