William J. Connell was named Director of Bands at Grissom High School in July 1986. Along with directing the marching band, he conducts the Symphonic Band I and the Concert Band. The Symphonic I and Marching Bands have never received less than a Superior rating and have consistently won or placed in State, Regional and National Competitions. The Concert Bands I and II have never received less than Superior ratings in District, and Superior or Excellent rating in State and National Competitions. The Grissom Bands under Connell have been on the cutting edge of innovation and performance techniques both in concert and marching idioms.

Connell has been an adjudicator in concert and marching throughout the southeast and along the Atlantic Seaboard. He also has been a guest clinician in the Southeast. He is a member of several professional organizations, including: MENC, NBA, PBM, ASBDA, and the national, state and local educational associations.

Mr. Connell received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he was Drum Major for two years. After finishing college, Mr. Connell taught at Holston High School in Knoxville for four years. During that time the Holston Band consistently received superior ratings in Concert, Marching and Jazz competition.