Daniel L. McConnell started his college and teaching career at Ithaca College before transferring to SUNY Potsdam and the Crane School of Music. After graduating with a Bachelors' Degree in Music Education, he took a one-year position teaching Kindergarten through eighth grade general, vocal, and instrumental music on a Sioux reservation in Mission, South Dakota. After spending one full year he decided to return back to his home state of N.Y. He then took a position teaching instrumental music in the Owego-Apalachin School District.
While in Owego, he taught Elementary and Middle School for over 6 years. During that time he rebuilt the color-guard program for the high school marching band, and was one of the technical directors for the re-instated high school musicals, including "Bye, Bye Birdie", "The Sound of Music", and "The Music Man." While working, he began working on his Masters Degree during his summers. Finally in the summer of 2003, he completed his Masters Degree in Music Education at Ithaca College.
In his spare time, Dan has been performing on his instrument for numerous groups. In 2001 he established a professional brass quintet, "The Brass Nickel." He has played in pit bands for semi-professional musical shows such as “Camelot,” “Fame”, and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” He has also played for professional Big Bands such as "Blue Champagne" in Vestal, NY, and numerous Community groups such as the Maine Community Band, Southern Tier Concert Band, and Southern Tier Trombone Ensemble.
He currently resides in Liberty.
