Connor McElroy is an award-winning percussionist, composer, and educator with a strong focus on marching percussion and music education. He has performed with several elite World and Open Class ensembles, including Spirit of Atlanta (DCI, 2021), Matrix, 4th Wall Performing Arts, Q2 (Atlanta Quest’s Open Class ensemble), Revelation Percussion, and Fusion Percussion. As a composer, his work has been recognized internationally, earning the Popularity Award at the 2025 International Indie Game Music Contest, first place at the Potions & Pixels Game Music Contest with his piece Ghost (ABZU), and most recently the Music Talent Award in the Film/Game Music category, an international distinction. Connor studied percussion at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts under Dr. John R. Beck, former president of the Percussive Arts Society, and also holds training in Audio Visual and Sound Engineering from Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). He continues to expand his teaching portfolio through clinics, private instruction, and ensemble leadership. He currently teaches at Mount Pleasant High School and serves as the Front Ensemble Caption Head for Carolina Storm Independent. Dedicated to shaping the next generation of musicians, Connor combines focused technical instruction with creative expression, encouraging students to develop as both performers and individuals. With his blend of performance experience, educational leadership, technical training, and award-winning composition, he remains deeply committed to the growth of percussion and music education for years to come.

Connor S. McElroy

Connor McElroy is an award-winning percussionist, composer, and educator with a strong focus on marching percussion and music education. He has performed with several elite World and Open Class ensembles, including Spirit of Atlanta (DCI, 2021), Matrix, 4th Wall Performing Arts, Q2 (Atlanta Quest’s Open Class ensemble), Revelation Percussion, and Fusion Percussion. As a composer, his work has been recognized internationally, earning the Popularity Award at the 2025 International Indie Game Music Contest, first place at the Potions & Pixels Game Music Contest with his piece Ghost (ABZU), and most recently the Music Talent Award in the Film/Game Music category, an international distinction. Connor studied percussion at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts under Dr. John R. Beck, former president of the Percussive Arts Society, and also holds training in Audio Visual and Sound Engineering from Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). He continues to expand his teaching portfolio through clinics, private instruction, and ensemble leadership. He currently teaches at Mount Pleasant High School and serves as the Front Ensemble Caption Head for Carolina Storm Independent. Dedicated to shaping the next generation of musicians, Connor combines focused technical instruction with creative expression, encouraging students to develop as both performers and individuals. With his blend of performance experience, educational leadership, technical training, and award-winning composition, he remains deeply committed to the growth of percussion and music education for years to come.

Available to hire

Connor McElroy is an award-winning percussionist, composer, and educator with a strong focus on marching percussion and music education. He has performed with several elite World and Open Class ensembles, including Spirit of Atlanta (DCI, 2021), Matrix, 4th Wall Performing Arts, Q2 (Atlanta Quest’s Open Class ensemble), Revelation Percussion, and Fusion Percussion.

As a composer, his work has been recognized internationally, earning the Popularity Award at the 2025 International Indie Game Music Contest, first place at the Potions & Pixels Game Music Contest with his piece Ghost (ABZU), and most recently the Music Talent Award in the Film/Game Music category, an international distinction.

Connor studied percussion at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts under Dr. John R. Beck, former president of the Percussive Arts Society, and also holds training in Audio Visual and Sound Engineering from Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). He continues to expand his teaching portfolio through clinics, private instruction, and ensemble leadership. He currently teaches at Mount Pleasant High School and serves as the Front Ensemble Caption Head for Carolina Storm Independent.

Dedicated to shaping the next generation of musicians, Connor combines focused technical instruction with creative expression, encouraging students to develop as both performers and individuals. With his blend of performance experience, educational leadership, technical training, and award-winning composition, he remains deeply committed to the growth of percussion and music education for years to come.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Private Lessons Instructor at Bach to Rock
May 1, 2025 - Present
Provide private and group instruction for students of varying ages and skill levels. Adjudicate solo and band performances for contests and events. Teach fundamental to advanced musical techniques with practical applications. Instruct students on multiple instruments, including piano, drums, and guitar.
Independent Front Ensemble Caption Head at Carolina Storm
October 1, 2024 - Present
Wrote and taught original compositions for a band of 15 students/musicians to practice and perform. Responsible for planning up to 2 weeks of consecutive days in practice. Auditioned and evaluated students to specific instruments and roles in the band. Assigned video assignments and provided feedback and critique for students on multiple instruments such as mallet percussion, drum-set, piano, and guitar.
Front Ensemble Technician at East Lincoln Highschool
January 31, 2025 - July 16, 2025
Hosted clinics for up to 15 students providing detailed exercise packets. Taught private lessons. Managed instrument upkeep, maintenance, repair, and transportation for instruments and audio equipment.
Front Ensemble Technician at Cox Mill High School
January 31, 2025 - July 16, 2025
Taught High School classes through a self-created curriculum for the fall semester. Responsible for cabling, routing, and micing of an audio setup as well as live mixing for the entire band at practice and competitions. Contributed to the team taking 1st Place North Carolina Band at WCU’s “Tournament of Champions” and achieved 7th overall out of 15 bands. Managed logistics such as inventory, budgeting, scheduling, repair, and transportation for up to $50K worth of instruments/equipment.
Private Lessons Instructor at Bach to Rock
May 1, 2025 - Present
Provide private and group instruction for students of varying ages and skill levels. Adjudicate solo and band performances for contests and events. Teach fundamental to advanced musical techniques with practical applications. Instruct students on multiple instruments, including piano, drums, and guitar.
Front Ensemble Caption Head at Carolina Storm Independent
September 30, 2024 - Present
Wrote and taught original compositions for a band of 15 students/musicians to practice and perform. Responsible for planning up to 2 weeks of consecutive days in practice. Auditioned and evaluated students for specific instruments and roles. Assigned video assignments and provided feedback for students on various instruments including mallet percussion, drum-set, piano, and guitar.
Front Ensemble Technician at East Lincoln Highschool
January 31, 2025 - July 16, 2025
Hosted clinics for up to 15 students with detailed exercise packets. Taught private lessons. Managed instrument upkeep, maintenance, repair, and transportation for instruments and audio equipment.
Front Ensemble Technician at Cox Mill High School
January 30, 2025 - July 15, 2025
Taught high school classes using a self-created curriculum for the fall semester. Managed cabling, routing, and micing of audio setups including live mixing for the band at practices and competitions. Led the band to 1st Place North Carolina Band at WCU’s “Tournament of Champions” and 7th overall out of 15 bands. Managed logistics including inventory, budgeting, scheduling, repair, and transportation for instruments and equipment worth up to $50K.
Private Lessons Instructor at Bach to Rock
May 1, 2025 - Present
Provide private and group instruction for students of varying ages and skill levels. Adjudicate solo and band performances for contests and events. Teach fundamental to advanced musical techniques with practical applications. Instruct students on multiple instruments, including piano, drums, and guitar.
Independent Front Ensemble Caption Head at Carolina Storm
October 1, 2024 - Present
Wrote and taught original compositions for a band of 15 students/musicians to practice/perform. Responsible for planning up to 2 weeks of consecutive days in practice. Auditioned and evaluated students to specific instruments and roles in the band. Assigned video assignments and provided feedback/critique for students on multiple instruments such as mallet percussion, drum-set, piano, and guitar.
Front Ensemble Technician at East Lincoln Highschool
January 31, 2025 - August 1, 2025
Hosted clinics for up to 15 students providing detailed exercise packets. Taught private lessons. In charge of instrument upkeep, maintenance, repair, and transportation for instruments and audio equipment.
Front Ensemble Technician at Cox Mill High School
January 31, 2025 - August 1, 2025
Taught High School classes through a self-created curriculum for the fall semester. Responsible for the cabling, routing, and micing of an audio setup as well as live mixing for the entire band at practice and competitions. Took 1st Place North Carolina Band at WCU’s “Tournament of Champions” as well as 7th overall out of 15 bands. Managed logistics such as inventory, budgeting, scheduling, repair and transportation for up to $50K worth of instruments/equipment.
Front Ensemble Technician at Mount Pleasant High School
May 1, 2025 - Present
Provided tailored curriculum designed for student and musician development, with a focus on both technical fundamentals and ensemble performance. Arranged (non-original) compositions for middle school and high school front ensembles, adapting music to match the group’s skill level and instrumentation. Supported rehearsal efficiency by coordinating warmups, pacing, and sectional breakdowns to maximize learning time. Assisted with building performance readiness for competitions, emphasizing musicality and confidence.
Private Lessons Instructor at Bach to Rock
May 1, 2025 - Present
Provide private and group instruction for students of varying ages and skill levels. Adjudicate solo and band performances for contests and events. Teach fundamental to advanced musical techniques with practical applications. Instruct students on multiple instruments, including piano, drums, and guitar.
Front Ensemble Caption Head at Carolina Storm Independent
October 1, 2024 - Present
Wrote and taught original compositions for a band of 15 students/musicians to practice/perform. Planned for up to 2 weeks of consecutive days in practice. Auditioned and evaluated students for specific instruments and roles in the band. Responsible for assigning video assignments and providing feedback/critique for students on multiple instruments such as mallet percussion, drum-set, piano, and guitar.
Front Ensemble Technician (2024 Season) at East Lincoln High School
January 1, 2025 - September 22, 2025
Hosted clinics for up to 15 students providing detailed exercise packets. Taught private lessons. In charge of instrument upkeep, maintenance, repair, and transportation for instruments and audio equipment.
Front Ensemble Technician (2024 Season) at Cox Mill High School
January 1, 2025 - September 22, 2025
Taught High School classes through a self-created curriculum for the fall semester. Responsible for the cabling, routing, and micing of an audio setup as well as live mixing for the entire band at practice and competitions. Took responsibility for managing logistics such as inventory, budgeting, scheduling, repair and transportation for up to $50K worth of instruments/equipment.

Education

Associate Degree at UNC School of the Arts
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024
Certification at Central Piedmont Community College
January 11, 2030 - July 16, 2025
Music Theory and Percussion Studies at UNC School of the Arts
January 11, 2030 - July 16, 2025
Certification at Central Piedmont Community College
January 11, 2030 - January 11, 2030
School at UNC School of the Arts
January 11, 2030 - January 11, 2030
Audio Visual and Sound Engineering Certification at Central Piedmont Community College
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2024
Music Theory and Percussion Studies at UNC School of the Arts
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2021
High School Diploma at Mooresville Senior High School
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2019

Qualifications

Audio Visual and Sound Engineering Certification
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
CPR certified
January 11, 2030 - July 16, 2025
Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel certified
January 11, 2030 - July 16, 2025
Audio Visual and Sound Engineering Certification
January 11, 2030 - July 16, 2025
CPR Certified
January 11, 2030 - July 16, 2025
Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel certified
January 11, 2030 - July 16, 2025
Audio Visual and Sound Engineering Certification
January 11, 2030 - January 11, 2030
CPR certified
January 11, 2030 - August 1, 2025
Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel certified
January 11, 2030 - August 1, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Gaming, Professional Services, Other
    uniE608 "Ghost" – 1st Place, Potions & Pixels Game Music Contest 2025 Original composition by Connor McElroy
    First Place Winner, Potions & Pixels Game Music Contest — 2025 • Composed six original tracks within one month; two were selected as finalists by a panel of 40 judges. • Awarded 1st place out of 29 total entries. • Each track ranged from 1 to 3 minutes and was designed for unique game environments. • Solely responsible for all composition, production, and mixing. https://youtu.be/RDSIdD8-efE?feature=shared Game: "ABZU" This track aims to emulate the experience of exploring an underwater cave, with brighter tones as the swimmer rises and deeper, more resonant sounds as they descend. You can play ABZU now on steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/384190/... Thank you to ⁨‪@luresial9744‬ for the gameplay footage. Original Video (with Timestamp): • ABZU FULL GAME PLAYTHROUGH - Lure Plays Ab... More about Potions and Pixels: https://www.potionsandpixels.com/ https://soundcloud.com/connormcelroy/ghost-by-connor-mcelroy?in=potions-pixels/sets/game-music-contest-finalists&si=02cfa6a4a8ac489cbb03e7d654ca3624&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
    uniE608 Indie Game Music Contest 2025 | Connor McElroy (Popularity Award Winner!)
    Turns out I actually figured out about this contest a day before the registration deadline which was just a week before the submission date. This is what I could make within that timeframe, Hope you enjoy! Please go check out the game and the free demo: "TetherGeist" by O. and Co. Games https://store.steampowered.com/app/2474430... Indie Game Music Contest: https://indiegamemusiccontest.com/ https://soundcloud.com/connormcelroy/tethergeist-main-theme-rescore-by-connor-mcelroy-potions-and-pixels-game-music-contest-2025?in=potions-pixels/sets/game-music-contest-all-entries