Meet Mr. Charles M. Conner | Director of Bands, Music Technology, Orchestra,Department Chair of Performing & Fine Arts, and former High School Basketball Coach.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mr. Charles M. Conner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charles, what inspires you?
Since I was in middle school, I was inspired by not only my parents but by each of my coaches, band directors, and mentors throughout the various activities I was apart of during a young age. Personally, I am inspired by my wife (Dr. Lanecha R. Conner) who is a full time therapist, entrepreneur, and mother. Professionally, I am inspired by the students that I teach daily. Their hardwork & dedication truly motivates me to work my hardest to prepare them for life after high school.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Since the fall of 2007, I have been granted the opportunity to serve as music educator and teach some amazing students in the states of North Carolina, Illinois, Nevada, and now the state of Georgia. Beginning as a general music teacher at two alternative schools from a cart full of drum pads and keyboards, I soon moved into the position of Director of Bands in which I still serve in today. My first appointment as a Director of Bands begin at Hoke County High School located in Raeford, NC. After 7 years of growing and developing one of the largest comprehensive band programs in the state, I soon received and opportunity to serve as the Founding Director of Bands at Butler College Prep Charter School on the southside of Chicago, IL. This opportunity was my greatest challenge to this day. We started with zero instruments and students with very little instrumental music/band experience to creating a marching band, concert band, jazz band, and sending several kids to college on band scholarships in just under 4 years with the help and support of the BCP administration and the Noble Network of Charter Schools. After completing my tenure in the windy city, I moved to the bright lights of Las Vegas, NV and begin to build a program whose administration was searching for some down south band flavor on the west coast. After two years which included the pandemic and an opportunity to work with the Nevada State College Upward Bound T.R.I.O. summer program, I was granted an opportunity to return back south to teach in one of most musical and decorated school districts for the performing and fine arts in the county, the Dekalb County School system which I currently serve as the Director of Bands and Music Technology, Department Chair of Performing & Fine Arts, and Director of Orchestra. In addition to my service in the field of education, I am DJ in the Atlanta and surrounding areas.

Professionally, I have reached almost 16 years in the world of music education only by faith, support of family & friends, and the inspiration that each of my mentors, coaches, and band directors have provided me. In addition to serving as a music educator, I also had the great opportunity to serve as a high school basketball coach for 6 years. I truly feel that my passion and drive to bring out the best in each child through the medium of music and athletics is what allows me to be successful. My journey has not been easy but like I tell my students “Anything worth achieving is worth working for.” Each challenge has been met by a reserve tank of faith followed by patience and understanding with a large portion of hard work and dedication. Throughout my journey I’ve learned a great deal of lessons in determination and perseverance. In addition to those lessons, I’ve been exposed to a variety of places and people from different walks of life which allows me to not only learn from others but find ways that I can connect and inspire them to be their best selves.

If I was to sum up my story thus far, I would want people to know that we are all given gifts, talents, and experiences that can truly inspire others if we are not afraid to tap into them. Passion in each endeavor will truly provide the necessary fuel to be successful. Success in my opinion is based on the positive impact that you make on others and I am thankful to be in a position to inspire each and everyday.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well…. Not only am I a lover of music and teaching, I am a foodie and sports fanatic. So with that being said, if my best friend came to visit the ATL for a week we would do the following:

1.) Eat at several different local restaurants such as Zion Delight Southern Cuisine, One Luv Cafe’ ATL, and Grits and Things.
2.) Check out various college or professional sporting events.
3.) Enjoy some of the bars downtown such as the Sky Lounge or the Lumen Lobby Bar.
4.) Check out the Atlanta Symphony.
5.) Enjoy a few museums such as the National Center for Civil & Human Rights, The World of Coca-Cola, The Aquarium, and the National College Football Hall of Fame.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, I would like to dedicate my shout out to my wife Lanecha and my two kids Ahmir & Evelyn. Their unwavering support truly motivates me to be at my best each and every day. Secondly, I’d like to shout out each of my institutions of higher learning & my professors for my growth and development. As a two time HBCU alum of Fayetteville State University and North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, I would not be the person I am today without my experiences at each university. In addition, I would be remiss if I didn’t shout out VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL which pushed my education and understanding to a new level during my graduate studies. Lastly, I have to shout out both of my fraternal organizations: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. & Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity Inc. for their guidance, continued mentorship, and inspiration to lead each day by example.

Website: djchucke06.wixsite.com/entertainment

Instagram: @DJCHUCK_E

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-conner-a5a55037/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006232695524