I remember Mr. Connell very well. He was a strict choir director. During our time at AHS he became ill and had to have brain surgery. Mrs. Anderson, a red headed teacher with a red head's personality took over. Mr. Connell returned to teaching. On one occasions he'd move around the choir with a live microphone while we sang (so we could hear ourselves). We were singing, Bridge Over Troubled Waters by Simon and Garfunkel. As he passed me he stopped and stared at me, then asked, why I was singing the melody line (which was a high baritone) when I was a deep bass. I said, Oops, I just liked the melody line. Shaking his head he said, oh well, looked at me again, and moved on. He was a very strict Mormon with a strong moral code. He vetoed many of our Springtime Musical offerings due to their, "immoral nature". That's why we did, "The Music Man" and "Hello Dolly" They were an All American "Family" show. To this day, I fondly remember and appreciate his steadfastness and direction. I truly looked forward to choir classes.
Mr. Connell was a fine musician, choral director and human being. I learned so much about choral singing from him that has stayed with me through a lifetime of being in choirs and choruses. He was gone for about a year and half with complications from a surgery. We held a wonderful benefit for him and his family to help with medical expenses. I love how a group of young people came together for that. He had a social conscience -- I remember learning some protest songs! I'm glad he lived a long and, hopefully, happy life.
Paul Peters
I remember Mr. Connell very well. He was a strict choir director. During our time at AHS he became ill and had to have brain surgery. Mrs. Anderson, a red headed teacher with a red head's personality took over. Mr. Connell returned to teaching. On one occasions he'd move around the choir with a live microphone while we sang (so we could hear ourselves). We were singing, Bridge Over Troubled Waters by Simon and Garfunkel. As he passed me he stopped and stared at me, then asked, why I was singing the melody line (which was a high baritone) when I was a deep bass. I said, Oops, I just liked the melody line. Shaking his head he said, oh well, looked at me again, and moved on. He was a very strict Mormon with a strong moral code. He vetoed many of our Springtime Musical offerings due to their, "immoral nature". That's why we did, "The Music Man" and "Hello Dolly" They were an All American "Family" show. To this day, I fondly remember and appreciate his steadfastness and direction. I truly looked forward to choir classes.
Nancy Badin (Helmke)
Mr Connell was a great teacher. I love being in the Choir and being able to do so programs outside of school.
Kathryn Moore (Crowe)
Mr. Connell was a fine musician, choral director and human being. I learned so much about choral singing from him that has stayed with me through a lifetime of being in choirs and choruses. He was gone for about a year and half with complications from a surgery. We held a wonderful benefit for him and his family to help with medical expenses. I love how a group of young people came together for that. He had a social conscience -- I remember learning some protest songs! I'm glad he lived a long and, hopefully, happy life.