Robin Connell

With a Doctorate of Arts in Music Theory and Composition from the University of Northern Colorado Dr. Robin Connell keeps a busy schedule alternating performing, teaching, composing and conducting in both jazz and classical music. She is the winner of multiple arts grants including a two year artist residency at Garden City Community College [Kansas] co-funded by Chamber Music America and the National Endowment for the Arts. Other recent awards include the Artprize 2016 jazz award and being honored as the West Michigan Jazz Society’s 2017 Musician of the Year.

Her kaleidescope of professional activities includes conducting honors jazz bands [regional and All-State], composing commissioned works, guest artist/clinician, performing with her jazz trio and other groups, co-directing the St Cecilia Youth Jazz Ensembles and conducting the Grand Band [wind ensemble]. In addition to teaching at Aquinas College since 2000, Dr Connell formerly taught music theory at Grand Rapids Community College for seventeen years and jazz studies at the Interlochen Center for the Arts for twenty summers.