Rob McConnell earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from The Ohio State University and a Masters degree in Trumpet Performance from The Catholic University of America. Prior to moving to NC in 2017, he served in The United States Air Force Band stationed in Washington DC and with Band of the Golden West, Travis Air Force Base, Ca culminating in a 24 year career. While serving, he performed as principal and co-principal cornet/trumpet in the concert band and symphony orchestra, as well as the ceremonial band, jazz band and brass quintet. Rob has performed for our highest military and government officials, the arrivals of Foreign Heads of State and other Department of Defense counterparts from around the world to our nation’s capital, for audiences across our Nation as well as for veterans and fallen Airmen as they were laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
Rob has appeared on over fifty USAF recording/video projects and with many renowned artists, including Jon Faddis, Doc Severinsen, Allen Vizzutti, Jose Feliciano, Kool & The Gang, Lone Star, Keiko Matsui, Glen Campbell, Wynonna Judd, Tony Bennett, Ronan Tynan, Roy Clark and Peter Erskine.
Highlights of his Air Force career include over thirty national tours, performing for four US Presidents, six inaugurations, two Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular events, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the dedications of the Air Force and Pentagon Memorials as well as the state funeral for former President Gerald Ford and several NBC Today Show appearances. Before retiring from the Air Force Band, having been promoted to Chief Master Sergeant, he spent his last 4 years leading the Air Force Band’s Ceremonial Brass in more than 1,100 engagements a year.
In addition, Rob has 30+ years of teaching experience, has been a guest clinician around the country and has presented master classes to students of all ages. He has performed with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, the Arlington Philharmonic and the Goucher Chamber Orchestra. Rob has been a member of the North Carolina Brass Band since 2018 and is in his 9th year as the Band Director at Woodlawn Middle School in Mebane, NC. His bands have received superior and excellent ratings over the years at MPA and at Music in the Parks performances. Additionally, the Woodlawn Band was recognized as a Program of Distinction from the NC Band Masters Association for the 2025-2026 school year.
Rob has appeared on over fifty USAF recording/video projects and with many renowned artists, including Jon Faddis, Doc Severinsen, Allen Vizzutti, Jose Feliciano, Kool & The Gang, Lone Star, Keiko Matsui, Glen Campbell, Wynonna Judd, Tony Bennett, Ronan Tynan, Roy Clark and Peter Erskine.
Highlights of his Air Force career include over thirty national tours, performing for four US Presidents, six inaugurations, two Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular events, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the dedications of the Air Force and Pentagon Memorials as well as the state funeral for former President Gerald Ford and several NBC Today Show appearances. Before retiring from the Air Force Band, having been promoted to Chief Master Sergeant, he spent his last 4 years leading the Air Force Band’s Ceremonial Brass in more than 1,100 engagements a year.
In addition, Rob has 30+ years of teaching experience, has been a guest clinician around the country and has presented master classes to students of all ages. He has performed with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, the Arlington Philharmonic and the Goucher Chamber Orchestra. Rob has been a member of the North Carolina Brass Band since 2018 and is in his 9th year as the Band Director at Woodlawn Middle School in Mebane, NC. His bands have received superior and excellent ratings over the years at MPA and at Music in the Parks performances. Additionally, the Woodlawn Band was recognized as a Program of Distinction from the NC Band Masters Association for the 2025-2026 school year.
