About Mt. Vernon Middle and intermediate school Bands
Mr. McConnell
Mr. McConnell currently serves as the Director of Bands at Mt. Vernon Middle and Intermediate school. He is a recent graduate of the Jordan College of the Arts at Butler University where he received his Bachelors of Music Education, Cum Laude. While there, he studied under Jon Crabiel, Dr. Trae Blanco, Dr. Brian Weidner, and Dr. Penny Dimmick.
Mr. McConnell has worked with Mt. Vernon as a percussion instructor since 2025, working with both the Mt. Vernon Band of Marauders and the Mt. Vernon Indoor Percussion programs. During this time he helped lead the Indoor Percussion ensemble to a silver medal in the Indiana Percussion Association’s Regional A class. He has also worked with a number of other schools across Indiana including Pike High School, Lebanon High School and most recently Belzer Middle School during his student teaching.
During his free time Mr. McConnell enjoys playing drums for a local Indianapolis church, watching the Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Colts, and working as an audio consultant for marching bands around the state.
About MVIS (6th) & mVMS (7th & 8th) Bands
Mt Vernon Intermediate 6th Grade Band
The 6th Grade band at Mt. Vernon Intermediate is a curricular band that meets during the day to rehearse. Students learn essential musicianship skills and perform in two concerts during the school year. Students choose an instrument when they complete their instrument 'fitting' in the spring of their 5th grade year. New students transferring to the school district for 6th grade also have the opportunity to join. Please use the Paige's Music Rental Site to order your instrument rental and starter pack that will be delivered to the school in time for the first student day.
Mt Vernon Middle School Concert Band
Students in the Concert Band either have no experience in band or have less than one full year of band experience. Although students in this class may already be able to read music, this band will focus on fostering music literacy and fundamental instrumental playing skills.
Students who are joining band for the first time will need to use the Paige's Music Rental Site to order an instrument rental and starter pack that will be delivered to the school in time for the first student day. Please make sure to speak with the MVMS Band Director prior to ordering an instrument.
Mt Vernon Middle School Gold Band
The Gold Band at Mt. Vernon Middle School is a curricular ensemble that meets during the day to rehearse. Students learn essential musicianship skills at an intermediate level. Students have the option to perform with the Symphonic Winds at basketball games throughout the season. All 8th grade band members are required to attend the 8th grade marching band and basketball band night at MVHS.
The Gold Band is comprised mostly of 7th grade students or 2nd year players. Students in the Gold Band also have the opportunity to join Jazz band and perform 4 concerts throughout the year.
Mt Vernon Middle School Symphonic Winds
The Symphonic Winds at Mt. Vernon Middle School is a curricular ensemble that meets during the day to rehearse. Students learn essential musicianship skills at an advanced middle school level. The Symphonic Winds will have the opportunity to perform at some MVMS basketball games! All 8th grade band members are required to attend the 8th grade marching band and basketball band night at MVHS.
The Symphonic Winds is comprised of mostly of 8th grade students or 3rd year players, however any student playing at the appropriate skill level can be placed in this ensemble. Students in the Symphonic Winds also have the opportunity to join Jazz band and perform 4 concerts throughout the year.
Mt Vernon Middle Jazz Band
The Jazz Band at Mt. Vernon Middle School is an extra-curricular ensemble that meets after school 1-2 days a week to rehearse. Students learn essential and fundamental skills for jazz performance. The Jazz Band will have the opportunity to perform at an off campus Jazz Festival at Purdue University, ISSMA Jazz Festival, and the MVHS Jazz Cafe!
Any 2nd or 3rd year student may join jazz band - no experience is required. Additionally, non-traditional instruments may join, including guitar, bass guitar, and piano.