Connor Horton

Connor Horton will be serving as a graduate teaching assistant at Kansas-State University as he continues his work in music education. Originally from Circle Pines, Minnesota, Connor began his band journey in sixth grade and discovered his passion for pursuing music as a career during his sophomore year of high school. Though he does not have any family in the musical field, he grew up in a very musical household and his curiosity and drive led him to explore the complexity and community that music has to offer. While in Minnesota, he studied under Dr. David Edmund and further developed his conducting and score study skills with Dr. Mark Whitlock. He has also refined his low brass performance and teaching skills under Dr. Ben Jorge. During his time at UMD, Connor conducted the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Commencement Band, Marching Band, and Symphony Orchestra, and was featured as a euphonium soloist on the Wind Ensemble’s spring tour performing The Legend of Spirit Island by Philip Sparke. He served as principal trombone and recorded with the Duluth Chamber Orchestra, led as President of UMD’s NAfME chapter, and remained actively engaged in numerous community ensembles including Twin Ports Wind Orchestra, Lake Superior Low Brass Ensemble, and the DSSO Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Connor’s professional experiences reflect his strong leadership, instructional, and performance skills. He has worked extensively with high school bands as well college marching band programs including UMD’s “Student Ran” marching band as their drum major, created a “How-To” field conducting guide for first-year drum majors, and has worked extensively with the Spring Lake Park High School and Centennial High School band program respectively. This fall, he looks forward to continuing his education at Kansas State University. Outside of music, Connor enjoys spending time outdoors hammocking, hiking, and fishing, as well as bowling and cooking. His dedication to music education, commitment to community involvement, the aesthetic experience, and passion for developing young musicians,continue to shape his growing career in instrumental music.